I have the Aura without headache. I used to have Migraines, but not anymore. I have had the Aura for years. I know when it’s beginning & I know what usually brings it on. If I am on the iPad & also watching TV at the same time, it will start. Also, bright flashing lights can bring it on. I take my med right away & within 20 min. or so, it has gone. I carry the med with me all the time, just in case. It has happened at other times out of the blue, but I am prepared. See your doc & maybe he can prescribe a med for you. My symptoms are not being able to focus or see & bright flashing & zigzag lights appear. I cannot read anything during this time. I usually just remain quiet til it all passes
I have the Aura without headache. I used to have Migraines, but not anymore. I have had the Aura for years. I know when it’s beginning & I know what usually brings it on. If I am on the iPad & also watching TV at the same time, it will start. Also, bright flashing lights can bring it on. I take my med right away & within 20 min. or so, it has gone. I carry the med with me all the time, just in case. It has happened at other times out of the blue, but I am prepared. See your doc & maybe he can prescribe a med for you. My symptoms are not being able to focus or see & bright flashing & zigzag lights appear. I cannot read anything during this time. I usually just remain quiet til it all passes
@prein my aura’s last about 20 to 30 minutes as well. I take no medicine. They just go through a cycle all by themselves. The optometrist told me that the aura without headaches comes from a drop in blood pressure. What I’ve noticed over the years is that the day before I get them I’ve gotten really stressed out and angry. So I think it’s constricting blood vessels. Taught me to avoid stress and anger!
Hi @turley78
Having visual disturbances 8-10 times a day would definitely be distracting. Wow, sorry to hear that. Wish I had a solution for you.
MESSAGE TO ALL: Especially to those having temporary blind spots in just one eye. Be sure to get checked out and don't just assume visual disturbances are ocular migraines. Two years ago, I wasn't sure if I had an ocular migraine or TIA. Now after two more incidents, providers have determined I'm having TIAs (aka mini-strokes) connected to afib.
Good 5 min video on Amaurosis Fugax by neuro-opthalmologist
I've now had 3 TIAs in less than 2 years, all three times they happened at the end of about 30 hours in afib (atrial fibrillation - irregular and rapid heartbeat that can cause blood clots). Almost two years ago, vision in both eyes became totally pixelated and then a weird fall backwards 4 hours later. Last week, I suddenly lost a third of my vision in just one eye for 2 minutes, blurred out/cloudy, not pixelated this time, but couldn't see through it. 4 months ago, my left arm suddenly became heavy, numb, had strong pins and needles, hand became bright red and felt like it was swelling (all at once) then suddenly every symptom was gone in less than 30 seconds. I thought I was having a heart attack or stroke while just talking to a neighbor. Every time, the issue(s) both started and stopped in an instant and were of brief duration.
When my neurologist concluded it was an ocular migraine 2 years ago, I didn't make the afib connection and didn't bring that up. I also have a rare neuropathy with lots of neuro issues so that just seemed like one more. At the time, I went to see her because I was more worried that it might be my advanced breast cancer spreading to my brain, but luckily a brain MRI confirmed it wasn't.
Blessings to all hoping you all find solutions to your visual disturbances.
@californiazebra
Google this for interesting contrasts and links to research:
amaurosis fugax vs ocular migraine vs retinal migraine vs Cerebral Spreading Depression
My symptoms started about 15 years ago at 55. Colorful zigzag arcs affecting both eyes, taking 20-45 minutes to fan out & disappear, most clearly matching "migraine aura without headache" best described as CSD. Fascinating. No pain, no triggers yet identified. Sometimes several months without an episode, a few cases of up to three episodes over 24 hours. GP and eye specialists have not found medications or deep diagnostics warranted so far.
I keep watch for new findings from credible sources. Many any evidence-based, peer reviewed articles in my bookmarks. Google & AI can help find some. So can Google Scholar.
I'm lucky in that I really only have some trouble reading for the first 5 minutes or so. Not enough to impede other activities. Kind of a shame that the initial thrill/entertainment has faded.
@californiazebra
Google this for interesting contrasts and links to research:
amaurosis fugax vs ocular migraine vs retinal migraine vs Cerebral Spreading Depression
My symptoms started about 15 years ago at 55. Colorful zigzag arcs affecting both eyes, taking 20-45 minutes to fan out & disappear, most clearly matching "migraine aura without headache" best described as CSD. Fascinating. No pain, no triggers yet identified. Sometimes several months without an episode, a few cases of up to three episodes over 24 hours. GP and eye specialists have not found medications or deep diagnostics warranted so far.
I keep watch for new findings from credible sources. Many any evidence-based, peer reviewed articles in my bookmarks. Google & AI can help find some. So can Google Scholar.
I'm lucky in that I really only have some trouble reading for the first 5 minutes or so. Not enough to impede other activities. Kind of a shame that the initial thrill/entertainment has faded.
@bob2025
Just read about CSD. Interesting that you call the light show entertaining. I find something I can’t control that’s blocking my vision a little scary. I hope your episodes subside.
As I mentioned, I discovered what we need mutually thought was an ocular migraine turned out to be a retinal TIA. That was further confirmed recently when I had a cognitive TIA (mini-stroke) after a long episode of afib. I suddenly had aphasia, unable to speak or type anything but gibberish. It was very confusing, scary, frustrating and I thought it was going to be a major stroke. Luckily, the blood clot was able to pass in a few minutes. I couldn’t call 911 myself but was able to get to neighbors for help and one knew gibberish was a sign of stroke. I’m on a blood thinner now so hopefully that’s the last time. Best of luck in your situation as well.
I have the Aura without headache. I used to have Migraines, but not anymore. I have had the Aura for years. I know when it’s beginning & I know what usually brings it on. If I am on the iPad & also watching TV at the same time, it will start. Also, bright flashing lights can bring it on. I take my med right away & within 20 min. or so, it has gone. I carry the med with me all the time, just in case. It has happened at other times out of the blue, but I am prepared. See your doc & maybe he can prescribe a med for you. My symptoms are not being able to focus or see & bright flashing & zigzag lights appear. I cannot read anything during this time. I usually just remain quiet til it all passes
@jam5 - Hi Judy, I have used different prescriptions for years, but I have been using
this for the last years & it works for me.
Butalb-Acetaminophen-Caff 50-325-40. I take one capsule as soon as I know the Aura is beginning & within 20 min. Or so it has disappeared.
It has been a life saver for me.
When it begins, my vision is affected & I can’t see things clearly. If I should be driving, I need to pull over & stop until it clears. Maybe you can try this & it could help you. I carry the medication with me always.
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I have the Aura without headache. I used to have Migraines, but not anymore. I have had the Aura for years. I know when it’s beginning & I know what usually brings it on. If I am on the iPad & also watching TV at the same time, it will start. Also, bright flashing lights can bring it on. I take my med right away & within 20 min. or so, it has gone. I carry the med with me all the time, just in case. It has happened at other times out of the blue, but I am prepared. See your doc & maybe he can prescribe a med for you. My symptoms are not being able to focus or see & bright flashing & zigzag lights appear. I cannot read anything during this time. I usually just remain quiet til it all passes
What is "your med" you take that cuts the aura to 20 minutes.
@prein my aura’s last about 20 to 30 minutes as well. I take no medicine. They just go through a cycle all by themselves. The optometrist told me that the aura without headaches comes from a drop in blood pressure. What I’ve noticed over the years is that the day before I get them I’ve gotten really stressed out and angry. So I think it’s constricting blood vessels. Taught me to avoid stress and anger!
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1 Reaction@californiazebra
Google this for interesting contrasts and links to research:
amaurosis fugax vs ocular migraine vs retinal migraine vs Cerebral Spreading Depression
My symptoms started about 15 years ago at 55. Colorful zigzag arcs affecting both eyes, taking 20-45 minutes to fan out & disappear, most clearly matching "migraine aura without headache" best described as CSD. Fascinating. No pain, no triggers yet identified. Sometimes several months without an episode, a few cases of up to three episodes over 24 hours. GP and eye specialists have not found medications or deep diagnostics warranted so far.
I keep watch for new findings from credible sources. Many any evidence-based, peer reviewed articles in my bookmarks. Google & AI can help find some. So can Google Scholar.
I'm lucky in that I really only have some trouble reading for the first 5 minutes or so. Not enough to impede other activities. Kind of a shame that the initial thrill/entertainment has faded.
@bob2025
Just read about CSD. Interesting that you call the light show entertaining. I find something I can’t control that’s blocking my vision a little scary. I hope your episodes subside.
As I mentioned, I discovered what we need mutually thought was an ocular migraine turned out to be a retinal TIA. That was further confirmed recently when I had a cognitive TIA (mini-stroke) after a long episode of afib. I suddenly had aphasia, unable to speak or type anything but gibberish. It was very confusing, scary, frustrating and I thought it was going to be a major stroke. Luckily, the blood clot was able to pass in a few minutes. I couldn’t call 911 myself but was able to get to neighbors for help and one knew gibberish was a sign of stroke. I’m on a blood thinner now so hopefully that’s the last time. Best of luck in your situation as well.
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1 Reaction@babsd
What medication have you taken for the Aura without headache?
thank you
Judy
@jam5 - Hi Judy, I have used different prescriptions for years, but I have been using
this for the last years & it works for me.
Butalb-Acetaminophen-Caff 50-325-40. I take one capsule as soon as I know the Aura is beginning & within 20 min. Or so it has disappeared.
It has been a life saver for me.
When it begins, my vision is affected & I can’t see things clearly. If I should be driving, I need to pull over & stop until it clears. Maybe you can try this & it could help you. I carry the medication with me always.
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1 ReactionThank you for sharing the medication
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1 ReactionI am new to this group and suffering from daily migraines for about 40 years
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1 Reaction@jam5 ❤️