iamfaithful...please read

I posted to you under the stuff about riding roller coasters.  Please read it. It is about the optical migraines.  Gotta run to a meeting now though.  I'll check later.

[iamfaithful]

Okay, I replied.  Thanks!!!!

[Celeste77]

Sorry to intrude...just wondering what thread you are referring to...I am plagued by the blasted Optical (acephalgic) Migraines as well!  I've had 3 in the last month, normal for me is 3 to max of 6 times a year, and now I am worried about the increase. I also had some hemiparesis the last time...scary stuff.

Do you have the optical migraines yourself dolfnlvr?

Hope your well!

[Artaud]

Hi,

Sorry to see your misfortune on your trip to New York, I hope your mother is well.

Optical Migraines, I had them for over 19 years. I would get them a few times a week. I used to keep a log book of the episodes, it grew ponderous. Classical presentation, sctotoma in the center of my vision with the scintillations and the Fortification Structures, presenting in both visual fields, and progressing over the course of 45 minutes to the peripheral area of vision and strangely enough beyond. (i.e. as if it had retreated into the eyeball itself). Sometimes I was treated to another episode occurring immediately after the first. Seldom any pain, just visual. One Doctor tried to treat it with Dilantin, but my Family Doctor nearly fainted with incredulity about it, told me it was a dangerous drug, and took me off.

The only drugs that controlled them were Cafergot (yes, you read that correctly) and later it was discovered that 240 mg of Inderal LA would do the same. Many years later (about 19 years) I started to have aphasia and temporary paralysis of the back of my throat. It was discovered that I was having Complex Partial Seizures and was treated with, you guessed it, Dilantin. After taking the Dilantin the Migraine (or maybe they were Seizure aura) stopped. I do periodically experience a numbness down the left side of my body, approximately from my arm and below, not to include the arm. Though it feels like numbness, it seems to include weakness as well. These episodes last about 15 minutes and do not occur frequently, largely responding to the Dilantin as well. The Doctors have no clue about the cause. I have had numerous MRIs, MRAs, and a few CAT Scans as well. So far everything is fine.

If you have not yet done so, read Oliver Sacks's book on Migraine. If you haven’t read it yet, you have no idea of the diverse symptoms that Migraine can cause. (Lilliputian Migraines for instance). It was a joy to read and an inspiration to realize that not only was I not alone, but that a myriad of frightening things can occur due to Migraine phenomena that although bizarre are not life threatening or dangerous.  

If we would like to discuss this further, dolfnlvr, iamfaithful, Celeste77, myself, and any others, we could agree to continue on the Migraine Forum.

Best of health to all.

[dolfnlvr]

I was referring to a post (somewhere) where iamfaithful mentioned that she had suffered from an ocular migraine (in Medical/Trauma Shows posted 11/12/07).  Then, Momto3 and PVCman jumped in on the discussion!!!  WOW, who knew that many of us would have suffered from BOTH arhythmia AND ocular migraines.  SOOOOO weird.  I've wondered if there is a connection, but wasn't able to reason out any really good thoughts and gave up that I was just odd.  Now, I find that I'm not alone.  If any of you are willing to run over to the migraine forum and chat about this particular connection/issue I'm game.

[Momto3]

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/show/347312

Check it out!  The crazy similarities continue!!

[iamfaithful]

Hey you all,

I must say anxiety is at an all time high.  I am now thinknig about going to get a second opinion from another cardio.  I don't know what is wrong w/me...my mood swings are crazy.  I thought last night might be it...I just felt really weird!  I felt like my heart was heavy and like the PVCs were real "deep" but never came to surface and then I burped a few times took my beta blocker and I felt better.  Now I kind of feel that way again this a.m.  
Sorry, this isn't the right thread-oops.  I did come here to say that I have an appt. with a neroligist today at 1:45 p.m. so we shall see.  I haven't had the headaches since Tuesday, but I just want to be checked out from top to bottom.
Am I losing it you all-I feel like I am becoming unraveled.  

It is too much of a coincidence that we all have these symptoms...hmmmmm