Migraines and Hallucinations (perhaps wrong forum?)

[GuyAskingQuestion]

Hello, I'm 21 male 220 pounds (quite tall and in good shape), smoker. I've had severe (debilitating) migraines without aura for about ten years, usually with a frequency of about 3 times a month. In the last 3 or so months however they've become very strange in that they're often accompanied with vivid visual illusions and a change in physical symptoms. The pain is much less severe than it used to be, however when getting a migraine I now feel like I'm life-threateningly dehydrated (which I've been making sure to avoid) and I start seeing very vivid illusory effects like wood grains flowing along lines and patterns in my wallpaper begin to move and twitch. I'm not sure however if this qualifies entirely as a hallucination as I can make it stop with ease and I'm entirely aware they're problems with perception and in no way possess any other accompanying cognitive effects besides the shift in perception in itself. I've experienced this and other vaguely hypnagogic imagery for most of my life as well, though it's always been very mild and has only ever caused problems with driving at night. The effect when I get migraines now is at least an order of magnitude more distinct. Is this something I should be concerned about, and what would the likely relation be between migraines and the hallucinations and feeling of dehydration? I have no history of mental illness or substance abuse, and in all respects besides the matter into which I'm inquiring have no cognitive deficits of any variety or severe medical problems.

[whisperwolf]

I wanted to mention that I also get the same type of visual hallucinations when i am having a migraine.  Like Marilee says, it is called a visual aura.  But like marilee says, you should see your doctor to rule out other medical conditions, or the need for a change in your migraine medications.

God Bless

[marileew]

Hi GuyAskingQuestion,

I am not a doctor so I cannot give medical advice, but I also get migraines so I will try to help answer a few of your questions although I do urge you to discuss these issues with your family doctor. It is always very important to inform your doctor when your migraine pattern changes.

What you are describing could be a visual aura, although I do think you should discuss this with your doctor in order to get a proper diagnosis.

You ask what possible relations between your symptoms could be. Visual hallucinations can be a symptom of migraine, and this stage of a migraine is usually called the visual aura. Although it is possible that visual hallucinations can be a symptom of another neurological medical issues as well so I do think you should consult a doctor. Dehydration can be a migraine trigger.

I am worried that you feel "life-threateningly" dehydrated during your migraines. If you are actually experiencing severe dehydrating during a migraine headache, I do believe that is an emergency situation and I believe that next time you should seek emergency medical attention. Severe dehydration can quickly result in a condition that is known as shock, and shock can be life threatening.

I will give you a list of symptoms of severe dehydration so you know if you need emergency medical attention during one of your migraines for the dehydration:

- Not being able to stay awake, passing out or fainting.
- If your skin is cold and sweaty OR dry and hot
- Not being able to stand up or walk around.
- You do not pass urine for over 12 hours.
- Moderate to severe light-headedness.
- Breathing rapidly.
- If you find it hard to find you pulse (it's weak), but your pulse is very fast (rapid).
- Light-headedness that is not relieved by lying down for more than a few minutes.

Even one of these symptoms could indicate severe dehydration and may require emergency treatment at a hospital.

In any case, it is important to inform your doctor when your migraine pattern changes.

Hope this information helps! :)

- marilee