Migraine

Hi Everyone,
I've posted on the previous website (about), but not here, although I've lurked a number of times.

I'm glad to be here and have gleaned a lot of information and help in the past, so I'm here to ask a question.

Brief migraine history: my mother had 2 day migraines almost every weekend. I started having headaches as a child (the doctor said they were from dandruff - seriously, that is what he told my mother). At any rate, I was diagnosed as having migraines a number of years ago. Up until a severe whip last 5 years ago, I would get a migraine about twice a month. After the car accident (the person hit me head-on), I began getting them 2-3 times a week. After physical therapy I did better until recently - now I get them frequently again. My migraines are mostly triggered from neck/back strain - picking up groceries, etc. Sometimes triggered by other factors.

I've had "silent migraines" but not for a few years. I seldom get a "visual" aura and am not aware of other auras if I get them. This brings me to something that happened today.

When I got up this morning my left eye was slightly blurry (this sometimes happens to me in the morning, although it only lasts for a little while). My migraines affect the left side of my head/eye. I go to the opthamologist on an annual basis - just went 2 months ago. At any rate, this morning the blurriness increased little by little. I was on my way to an all day seminar (thankfully someone else drove). However, it began to feel like I had something in my eye and it was tearing just a bit. I could see okay - but from a distance I couldn't make out the features on a person's face. About 2 hours later it began to clear up. Within a short time my eye was fine (the right eye was always fine).

I'm going to call the opthamologist in the morning. I feel fine now. Is there any chance this has something to do with my migraines? Does an "aura" ever act like this? I did have a slight headache......which I've had on & off for 2 weeks from another slight whiplash.

Oh I forgot - about 2 weeks ago someone hit my car from the back and I got another slight whiplash which has given me an almost perpetual headache. I had an MRI - and have a pinched nerve as well as some cervical curvature problems which the doctor said is also triggering my headaches - and probably migraines.

Any thoughts? I was also told by the orthopedic doctor to make an appointment with a neurologist for my migraines. I can't take the medications that abort migraines due to a blood problem (congenital extremely high triglycerides controlled by diet that could affect my heart at some point). For pain relief I usually take a Fioricet and Exedrin (which barely takes the edge off), but have never had anything stronger. I never take more than 3-4 Fioricet in a 24 hour period - and thankfully my migraines don't usually last more than one day. I just switched doctors so hope to get on something more appropriate soon).

Thanks for any thoughts.....

Maria

Maria -- I get something similar. It's almost like I'm bleary-eyed, if you know what I mean. For me, like a gray blob-type thing that moves about over my field of vision not blocking what I can see but putting a gray cast over them. My doc thought that was part of my aura. Of course, I can't say for sure, but I'd guess yours is too. Altho it may be related to the recent rear-end bump, you never know.

Wow, you've been thru the wringer. I hope you start feeling better soon!

Hi Maria,

Welcome to the discussion forum. We are glad you found us and hope we can help you.

First and foremost Migraine is a genetic neurological disease NOT caused by dandruff. That's for the doctor. I laughed outloud with that one. Since your mom has Migraines there is your genetic link.

Good call on getting your eyes re-checked right away. Care should be taken when hitting your head. We can't tell you want is going on with your Migraines or eyes from a medical point of view (we are not medical professionals) but we can give you information and support. Neck injuries, especially whiplash, can trigger a Migraine attack. This I know from first hand experience. When you hit your head against a hard surface in a car accident or fall your neck "whips" back and forth straining the muscles, ligaments, tendons. This can lead to cervical disc issues, muscle damage and tissue damage. These things then can trigger a Migraine attack.

A headache specialist is your best bet for a doctor. A neurologist is usually not an expert in headache and Migraine disease. I know you just switched doctors, just food for thought.

Preventive, Abortive, and Rescue Medications may be useful in deciding on what to take and when.

Silent or Acephlagic Migraine are Migraine attacks without the headache phase.

Please keep us posted and let us know how we can help you further.

Thank you, Nancy.

I've "lurked" here (and on about website) quite a few times, especially during the weeks and months during which I was having migraines so frequently. I'm amazed at how some of the people here can handle so much pain so often, some of them having it perpetually.

I am thankful that my migraines are not as frequent now - or weren't until the accident a couple of weeks ago. I'm not getting them as often as I used to after the first accident, however. I'm also grateful that I know what triggers them. I seldom get a migraine unless I've lifted something or aggravated my neck or back in some way (like another whip lash). Most of the time when I have a migraine I can recall doing something stupid the day before (bringing in "full" bags of groceries vs making 3 times as many trips.

I'm a nurse so have a bit of an understanding of the outcome of the MRI, etc. However, yesterday's experience was new.

I have to go to the neurologist for my pinched nerve, so I'll see what he has to say about the migraines. If all the above doesn't help, I'll look for a migraine specialist.

I can't take the preventive or abortive medications due to my congenital triglyceride problem (I'm in the "at-risk" category for heart problems). My Tri numbers are sometimes "off the charts" but usually controlled with diet, although seldom normal. The Fioricet takes the edge off - usually enough for me to function, although sometimes this isn't the case and I have to take a day off.

I have a script for physical therapy which helped the last time - so I'm hoping this will also reduce the migraines as it did before.

I really appreciate this website, all the information - and the personal responses. Thank you - and I'll give you an update after the opthamologist.

Thanks again.
Maria

It's possible. I get a little blurring from time to time with aura or with an attack. It's very similar to when you wake up and have eye gunk in your eye and it plays tricks with your vision as you try to blink and look around it until you can get it out. It'll be interesing to find out what your eye doc has to say about it.

At any rate, welcome back to foruming, Maria!

Thank you for the welcome! I called the opthamologist and have an appointment for next Wednesday. Since this episode came and went, I think he just wants to check out the eyes. He's a surgeon and enjoys an excellent reputation. My eye is absolutely fine now - I just hope nothing serious or ongoing happened.

I had a root canal this morning - and it wasn't all that bad - I have a new dentist. I took 2 Advil to help my neck get through being in that position for 1-1/2 hours. I did have a bit of a headache later, but thankfully it's gone now. My body seems to react to everything with a headache of one kind or another. I have to be careful not to activate any triggers on Thursdays and Fridays since Fridays and Saturdays seem to be the "attack" days of choice for migraines.

Thanks for this wonderful website.

Maria

quote:

Originally posted by dragondroolHOST:
It's possible. I get a little blurring from time to time with aura or with an attack. It's very similar to when you wake up and have eye gunk in your eye and it plays tricks with your vision as you try to blink and look around it until you can get it out. It'll be interesing to find out what your eye doc has to say about it.

At any rate, welcome back to foruming, Maria!

Thanks Maria we're glad you like the site.

Changes in sleeping patterns can trigger a Migraine attack in some people. Going to bed or waking up later than normal on the weekends may be adding to your Migraine attacks.

Do you keep a Migraine diary? This may be a useful tool to see what is going on. Sometimes we don't see the things that may be contributing to our attacks until we write them down.

Keep us posted, ok?