What is Migraine Headaches
Migraine is a neurological disease, of which the most common symptom is an intense and disabling episodic headache. Migraine headaches are usually characterized by severe pain on o...
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So for the past month I've gotten migraines everyday. They've been from minor ones, to blinding ones. The ones I get start off with a warning of a wavy, colorful blind spot which will then extend until gone. Once it's gone, that's when the pain will set in. If I catch it in time, I don't really get the full migraine. But today I saw the spot, took some Tylenol, and though I would be ok. Wrong. After about 25 mins, I had tunnel vision. I had a blind wall on the left part of my vision and from my nose down. It was that wavy blind spot. I normally don't freak out when I get these blind spots....but this was like 2 blind walls. I've tried watching my diet to see if it's something I'm eating, or maybe my caffeine intake, but I don't know. I'm going to see if I can see a neurologist, but I just don't know what causes these blind spots that are making me panic now. I'm at my wits end with these migraines, and don't know what else to try or do.
Posted on 10/06/09, 09:10 pm |
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Your aura sounds very scary; I can't imagine what it must be like to get that kind of tunnel vision.
You can talk to your GP before making the leap to the neurologist (although you still want to pursue the appointment with the neurologist). This is a new headache for you and you should see a doctor any time you get a new type of headache. In addition, you can probably get in to see your GP faster and get some medication that is migraine specific that may help treat the migraine more effectively as soon as the aura hits. There are a number of websites that will show you how to keep a good headache diary. This will go a long way in helping you and your doctor try to figure out what is causing your headaches, be it diet, allergies, sleep deprivations, weather, etc. Sorry, I have a zinger of a headache right now and am not thinking very clearly right now, and I just can't remember one of the websites at the moment, but if you Google headache diary, and check out a couple of the sites, I'm sure you'll find a good one (you shouldn't have to buy anything; just keep a notebook with all the information). Good luck and please let us know how you're doing. 
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If the blind spots go away after a certain amount of time, usually when the pain starts, then it's probably a classic migraine. Definitely go to the doctor. Over the counter meds aren't as effective as prescription meds. Also, there are a lot of triggers for migraines besides just food. With food, it's seriously person to person-for me, it's peanuts, MSG, cured meats, and artificial sweeteners. Other triggers are hormones and perfumes. I've heard from people that corn syrup gives them migraines, but it's fine for me.
Headache diaries can help, but I've never been disciplined enough to keep one for longer than a few weeks. Online resources or books about migraines can also give you more info. I suggest finding a doctor that is understanding and will work with you to get this solved. Also, if the eye spots aren't correlating with head pain or going away within an hour, it might be good to check in with an eye doctor too.
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Thanks guys for the advice. I have noticed that they happen more so towards the morning time. I made an appointment to see a ear, nose and throat doctor because my sinuses are a mess and I have a feeling that it may be a big part of my problem. I figure I'll see what he can do and then make an appointment for a neurologist.
I just never thought that I would have migraines like this in my life! Growing up I never got a headache....not even in high school. It's weird going from one extreme to the other. I'm hoping that my hunch is right...but I won't know until a week and a half from now!
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