new symptoms

[mandalong]

i am 25 years old and i have had migraines since I was about 10. I have always had auras, the kind with the zig zags and flasing lights. In highschool I had an time period of about 2 months where I would get a migraine that would last a week. About 2 times a month this would happen. Then I probably got one  every 6 months until about 7 months ago.I began to get migraines again in january. This time my aura caused a blind spot in my eye but still lasted about 30 miutes just like the zig zags. I have been getting migraines since then at a rate of about 4 a month and they are really interfering with my life. I have also experienced tingling in my head and recently i have been experienceing memory and cognitive problems. Also I have floaters and flashes about 40% of the day that are totally unrelated to my migraines.I am scheduled to see a nueroligist but my doctor looks at me as if I am crazy. I feel like a hypocondriac, I had blood tests done and everythng appears normal. My doctor put me on high blood pressure meds to help the migraines but I already have low to normal blood pressure and hate that I have to use that type of medication but imitrex makes me feel worse than the migraine. Tell me Im not crazy I am sick of the its just stress diagnosis. I want results.

[Dr Santos]

Hi Scott,
Acephalgic form of migraine occurs when the headache phase in migraine is not observed. Visual or optic symptoms are experienced for  a longer period of time and may presents as flashing or scintillating light. Medications for migraine may help provide relief. The diagnosis of acephalgic migraine is quite a difficult task. And you need to work closely with your doctor for proper evaluation. Take care and do keep us posted.

[hobie8688]

I have had migranes with the visual effects for years.  The visuals usually last about an hour for me.  I am now on the past 24 hours with just the visuals and no pain.  Has any one else experienced this?  Thanks, Scott

[dr_simran]

Hi,
The diagnosis of occular migraines is clinical and soley depens on the symptoms.

The symptoms of ocular migraines vary from person to person, and may include seeing zigzagging lines or patterns, especially at the outer edges of your vision, seeing shimmering or colored lights, loss of vision in one spot or off to one side. With typical migraines, but uncommonly with ocular migraines, you can have severe pain following these symptoms. You may also have nausea or vomiting. Ocular migraines usually require no treatment, other than rest until the symptoms pass.

Refer http://neurology.health-cares.net/ocular-migraine.php

Best

[mandalong]

Can ocular migraines be diagnosed by an eye doctor because I went to one the other day for my migraines and they said everything looked fine.

[dr_simran]

Hello Dear
You probably have ocular migraine.The symptoms of ocular migraine are-,
Flashes of light ,zigzagging patterns, blind spots ,shimmering spots or stars.
Cause of  ocular migraines is unknown. In some people, it's related to eating certain foods such as chocolate, nuts, shellfish or artificial sweeteners such as aspartame. Some may have episodes brought on by caffeine or alcohol. Some believe that tension and fatigue are linked to this condition.
.
You  should consult a neurologist. And seek appropriate treatment.
Refer http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ocular-migraine/AN01681