Posts Imagine you are getting ready to shower before work. Looking down you see something very ordinary like this:
Within a minute, however, growing across your field of vision begins a flashing, zigzagging shape . It covers most of the visual field, and over the next twenty minutes or so, it will drift toward the left side. About 15 minutes in, another one will appear in the centre, pushing the first one further left. It shimmies and moves about slightly.You cannot really look at it directly and it does not really obscure anything.
You feel your body go rather weak and you space out a little – words come, but they are slowly formed and very deliberate. By now you are concentrating on your breathing and trying to breathe evenly and slowly without hyperventilating. It is difficult – there is this freakish flashing thing dominating your vision.
Shut one eye and it is still there. Look through that one with the other shut and the flashing thing stays. Even closing your eyes does not block it out. It just superimposes itself in colour against the darkness. It is like someone yelling loudly in your ear nonstop and not being able to turn your head away.
As it gets more intense and goes for longer than it ever has before, you phone the government help line, Healthdirect. With it getting worse, you decide to go to the hospital emergency department 10 minutes away. While dressing for this, you look up and notice that the aura has vanished – like a distant lawnmower cutting out without you noticing exactly when the sound stopped.
Not out of the woods yet though. When you look at the faces of your family, just the faces, they seem wrong. Almost like Picasso’s Weeping Woman. When you look closer and try to quantify or calibrate where the distortion is, each bit looks normal – but taken together the face just looks wrong. That only lasts for about 5 minutes.
That’s what happened to me this morning. The Emergency Department confirmed my G.P’s diagnosis – Migraine Aura or Visual Aura . Often people who get migraines have this kind of visual disturbance. It seems like I get the visual disturbance, feel weak and kind of spaced-out for a day, but do not get the terrible headache.
The first time it happened was after a parent died and the second time was in the weeks after giving birth, 8 years ago. It has not happened since. I was so glad to know the probable cause this morning, as the first couple of times was very, very scary. It is still scary , but knowing that I was neither having a stroke, about to have an epileptic fit nor going plain crazy was comforting. The facial metamorphosia was new, but maybe it was there before and I only noticed it this time.
Post number 2 for #blogjune 2011
How awful
hope you feel better today.
That’s so intense! When I started reading I thought detached retina since it also produces that sort of flashing in the eye. Pretty amazing you get that without the actual migraine pain! I’ll have to tell my Dr Husband about this one. Hope you feel better today!
Thanks for sharing Kathryn. I get the super painful migraines but don’t get an aura. I had no idea how debilitating that could be, interesting to read another’s perspective. Is there a treatment? I use imigran as a just-in-time preventer when mine come on. It tends to cut down the time of experiencing it to only a few hours, so I lose a day rather than 3-4 like I used to. *hugs*
I love your attempt at visualising that experience, Kathryn. I’ve experienced the same, without getting the migraine, although I do get migraines without the auras too. The other symptoms I’ve had are numbness of the mouth, face, hands and arms – really scary when it happens for the first time! Then that strange, altered state of consciousness as it passes can be quite curious. Sometimes, it’s almost entertaining!
So sorry you are experiencing these, you’ve done a great job of imaging the squirelies. I get them too, mine don’t have colour, just clear prisms blocking my view for 20 mns. I also get the painful ones. Haven’t had the numbness, so it is informative to hear that is another possible symptom. Hoping they don’t get worse for you, best. Lisa.
Such a good description of the event – it’s hard to describe the strange disconnectedness. I much prefer the visual aura migrines to the full-on, so-painful-you-throw-up ones. As Suella says, they can be almost beautiful. The flashing lights I see remind me of fluorescent Opera House sails. They do leave you feeling washed out. Hope you feel better soon.
It’s good to know that other people experience this too, but I’m sorry that you do. I wish that I had heard of them before I had my first one. It is unbelievably intense when you have no idea what is going on. Mine don’t so much have colour as flash like lights, almost sparking. I am so, so lucky not to get the headache, although I do become hyper-sensitive to bright colours and loud noise for a while…
I have had these precisely twice, and yes they are absolutely freaky. My first one was within the last three years and was apparently triggered by, of all things, a specific brand and flavor of frozen popsicle thing. The second one was also food related, and is what’s now a known allergy to me beyond the aura.
I am having these visual aura episodes on such a regular basis, weekly sometimes as many as 3 in a week. I cannot work out the trigger, why they happen. I have found if over do things, like rush around, clean the house, get hot an Aura will happen.
I was taken to A and E last year because I could not open my right eye but was seeing bright lights in what a call a “light bulb element” shape. It was horrible, really frightening. I saw an eye specialist, who gave me drops so I could open my eye and told to see my GP and optician.
It was the optician who explained to me all about Visual Aura and that it was attributed to migraine. I suffered terrible migraines as a child, the onset always being on the left side, the left eye. Now the visual Aura is always in my right eye.
I suffer numbness, bad co-ordination, fatigue but rarely do I get a headache with the Aura.
I now wear prescription tinted glasses all the time, I find the tints do help a little. I also carry a pair of large very dark sun glasses with me everywhere I go. When I have an episode I wear the sunglasses over the top of my prescription tinted glasses. I have found it does help a little.
I now have to avoid bright light, flashing light, strobe lighting etc, I am so afraid that these will bring on an attack.
Its so difficult to explain to people, even those closest to you what is happening and just how frightening it is.
can anyone give me some idea as to why this happens and is there anyway in which to avoid it happening.
I am 45 years old, and thinking about it my first visual Aura was at work in 2007, I had no idea what was going on, it frightened the life out of me, I honestly believed I had a serious brain tumour. As the years have passed the episodes are becoming more and more frequent, lasting upto 30minutes a time.
Any advice would be grateful?
I just wish I could find the trigger, why is this happening as it really is ruining my life.I have no control over an attack.
[...] spread out and tired for around 24 hrs after. More during my blog publish for just two June 2011 librariansmatter.com/blog/2011/06/02/visual-aura-or-migra… Pounding headache:Will it seem like a throbbing or pounding pulse is certainly going off inside [...]
Thanks for this post! I have had a few episodes that sounds somewhat similar to the visual disturbance you described, and I’m usually too panicked about the visual disturbance to notice if anything else is occurring (ie. other aura symptoms). I booked an appointment with an optometrist to talk about it but it’s good to know others out there have this occur without a headache!
Good description of the scary experience of migraine aura w/o headache. In the past I’ve gotten a few w/o headache but lately, as I stress out for pending surgery I have had 5 in 16 days with a moderate headache following on left side of my head. The most in a 2-week timespan I’ve ever had. I’ve decided to take my xanax as prescribed instead of just when I feel stressed to try and prevent any more auras. I had one at work and luckily was able to bluff my way through, seeing weird with the flashing lights and blinking a lot. They usually last 30-45 mins. Thanks for telling your story; there are tons of us out here going through similar hardships.
Aura is all new to me. I had my first big one 3 weeks ago it hit me right when it got dark outside. I took my kids to the outdoor museum for old time Halloween town trick or treating and I felt like I was at a Pink Floyd show. At first I thought it was a really bad side effect from the Topamax my Doc just put me on. I seen glitter sparkle pops with every blink..rainbows of jagged lines..lightening strikes of electricity..just plain scary.. I had someone drive us home. I have had migraines with aura in the past on a regular basis. I first was diagnosed with a menstrual migraines and put on Bc pill continually to get rid of the period so I would prevent a migraine. After 2 years I developed more migraines throughout the month and the aura got stronger. I came across an article that said if you get a migraine with aura that you should not take birth control pills containing estrogen because it increases your risk of stroke (especially if you are 35 and smoke). Anyway, I get so sick of these and wish there was a cure. I am afraid to take too many pills because I worry about the rebound headaches. I just want relief. It is kinda wrecking my life.
I have aura without headaches most mornings these days, can last 5-10mins and usually when I’m getting ready for work. Sometimes when I wake up abruptly, some will last 30 mins, some faint and then strong and sometimes I’ll just have a flash. It varies so much. When I started getting the really bad migraines as a 13 yr old they would be every now and then, aura then with in 20-30 mins I would have a migraine where I can’t even move my head, dark room etc. Then they stopped for about 7yrs. Came back badly centred around my left eye, no aura…oh the pain…like stabbing/throbbing. These turned into daily migraines (cluster type)- put on daily preventative medication and nasle strays and all sorts to help when I have them. I have now only had a handful painful migraines in the last 21 months after stopping the daily meds. The morning auras are here and usually can get on with my day with no problems- annoying spiral type zaggy thing, there it is, on the floor on the wall on my face in the mirror, the next thing done and forgotten til the next morning- as long as there is no pain I can deal with the daily thing! Might have a word with GP but she will say yes, migraines have a ‘mind’ of their own- with and without aura, none for years, once a month. All I know is that I’m prepared and know one might be just around the corner! Don’t be scared
[...] Visual Aura or Migraine without the headache… » Librarians MatterJun 2, 2011 … They usually last 30-45 mins. Thanks for telling your story; there are tons of us out here going through similar hardships. michelle lindner says: … [...]
I started having visual aura 10 yrs. ago….only had 2 of them until this year and have had numerous ones in 2011.Sometimes I get a bit of a headache. They still scare me…….I feel really weird like I’m really anxious or nervous, jittery……..then about 2 min. later a spot is in front of one eye (could be either one) it grows into something that is clear in color but waves like heat lightning on a road and is jagged. disturbs my vision. If I can lie down immediately in a dark room I don’t usually get any sort of headache…..lie there 20 to 30 min. and it leaves. Feel weak and strange for half a day or so after…. When it comes I still always wonder if I’m having a stroke or something
but getting more used to them. have had 3 in past week. Sometimes I’m scared I’ll have one while driving, but will just have to pull off, I guess till it passes.
Hi,
Sorry it was so scary for you the first time. I’ll admit to being pretty weirded out the first time it happened to me, but after I researched it I felt much better. Just finished having a visit from the Rainbow Serpent a few minutes ago and I’m glad he never stays for long. I’m just glad I’ve got the visual aura part without the attendant headache afterwards, but it’s still not fun when you’re driving and one of them chooses to ‘bloom’ right then. I’m grateful they only occur once or twice a year.
Welcome to the ‘Rainbow Serpent’ club.
Oh, check out Australian Aboriginal artwork and you’ll see our little friend there. Apparently, this condition has been around for thousands of years.
Hi,
I have been cursed with this aura/ migraine without pain for 30 years now. I still get scared when it happens. I have been worked up with several neurologists, and have been thankful that there was nothing terrible found. What helps for me, first is making sure that your getting rest. I’ve had some of them after not sleeping well or after traveling. Secondly pay attention to what you eat. I’ve noticed when my blood sugar drops, I set myself up for getting one. Always choose food with protein. It will serve you better in the long run. I found that this is also an hereditary condition, my brother and my nephew get them as well. So much for hormones being a factor.
Lastly taking a baby aspirin or low dose aspirin a day is advised by MDs. Also, blowing into a plastic sack at the start of one can actually reduce the length of time. I keep a bag in my car just in case. Your breath has CO2 which is a natural vasodilator. So when you blow into the bag make sure your nose is in there to.. Take care, and find reassurance that you are not alone.
[...] Visual Aura or Migraine without the headache… » Librarians MatterVisual Aura or Migraine without the headache… Add comments. Jun 022011. Imagine you are getting ready to shower before work. Looking down you see … [...]
Now my symptons which my doctor or optician cannot solve is as follows.
I get a feeling of light headiness for want of a better word. Normally when this occours I sit down and it goes off within half an hour. If try to read any wording on tv it gives the illusion of going up and down, if I try and write I cannot make out the correct line to write on.
No headaches . No zig zags in vision
Anybody out there with these symptoms ?
Hi all. Thank you for making me feal not alone:( It’s not the hallucinations that distress me but rather thequirkiness seperating me from society. I see my nuerologist soon. In my immediate family we have Alice in Wonderland Syndrome, palinopsia, migraine auras, REM Disorder, & Asperger Syndrome. One son is gifted, one grandparent had a petuotary tumor, & a great grandparent had Alzheimers. I love knowledge & am fascinated by all this but at times feel excluded from society. Btw: I also suffer lower left stomach tenderness & gassiness. Anyone else? Thank you all for sharing. * Heather
U have a son who is 4 years old and who suffers from ashma!
Since the age of 10months he has had these attacks where he goes very quiet and pale and them goes very floppy and grey/blue looking! The doctors have blamed this on serve ashma attacks, however he isnt wheezy or short of breath when these happen and there r no warning signs as to when and where these will happen! I have been doing some research on migraine with aura and have noticed my son has some of the sign and symptoms like the restless night the night before it happens the sickness being constantly hungry. Quite restless etc!….does anyone know by what iv been saying if this sounds like my son could have this? Many thanks!
* that was Spose to say I have a son….
Also as my son is only 4 Yeats of age he is unable to tell us how he is feeling before an attack happens!
Hi Kathryn and Every one.
I have had Migraine with Aura Sinse I was a small child, I didnt know other people didnt live as I have,and thought every one saw aura.
I’m in my 20th year with Every day migraine Aura with vertigo. I feel as though I’m on a rocking boat most days.
There is so many different forms of this type of migraine it’s rediculous!
They do have classifications, From Silent migraine, Acephalgic migraine (also called acephalalgic migraine) to migraine variant, another type is optical migraine, vertignous migraine (Mav) as some people suffer with vertigo with them instead of the (traditional one sided head pain)
Migraine can be progressive condition as in my case, I was left for too many years undiagnosed.
These Migraines come in all shapes and sizes, with many different names.
My symptoms are stroke like, unable to talk or walk my ballance is shot, I have altered level of consciousness blurred vision, Alison in wonderland syndrome (visaul perception problems)
My Prodrome ( just prior and sometimes during aura faze) will be a feeling of anxiousnous and sometimes cranky, I can cry uncontrollably at times,So I try to just sit breath slowly and tough it out. during this time I cant comunicate but know what is happening around me.
My Visaul aura can last for more than an hour, My head starts to nod furiously and flop to one side, I then suffer a Vertigo attack tinitus, phonophobia, that can last several minutes, weakness nausea. Sometimes I can also have eurphoria, due to the prolonged attacks and lack of blood flow to the brain.
I’m am on preventatives which havent stopped the attacks , but have stopped the pain in the back of my scull and across my shoulders,which use to feel as if I’d been hit in the back of the scull bat, I’m still looking into finding another preventative such as epileptic medication to hopefully one day lessen the frequency.
I’ve been trying different medications over the past 6 years with little success.
Not sure if you know this or not , but when some women go into menopause , migraine might stop, allthough perimenopause can make migraine worse. I will be 49 in April and am going through peri meno now. arent we the lucky ones!!!
Also someone said something about contracptive pill, Yes it can make a migrainure worse and can in some people (with Aura) cause stroke. Then there is those lucky few that feel better on the pill.
I’m sorry that you have to live this way, it has ruined my life and my self respect.
Diet is a big trigger for migraineures, red -wine- beer -Nuts- avocardo’s- aged hard cheese- anything with tyramine in it, here is a PDF file from the headache society might help.. http://www.headaches.org/pdf/Diet.pdf
Many migraineurs find going gluten free helps.
I’m sorry that you have to live this way, it has ruined my life and my self respect.
I wish you all the love in the world and hope you find a medication/ diet … that helps.
Baba
I forgot to say ,I’m from Qld