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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Blind Spots
This forum is for questions and support regarding neurology issues such as: Alzheimer's Disease, ALS, Autism, Brain Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Pain, Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia, Headaches, MS, Neuralgia, Neuropathy, Parkinson's Disease, RSD, Sleep Disorders, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury.
Blind Spots
by mpk1, May 13, 2001 12:00AM
Hi I am a 28 year old female (who takes Birth Control Pills).
I am also a migraine sufferer. I usually choose to just take
aspirin and sleep when a migraine comes on. Imitrex and other
pills make me feel funny. So here is my problem: Usually
before a migraine (about 50% of my migraine) I see pindots
of black which lasts for a few minutes. Then shortly after
the headaches start. I also noticed the headaches were
associated with the time of month.... was taking Ortho-trycyclin.
So my gyn switch me to Mircette about 1 year ago now. Well
the migraine still come but they are not predictable anymore.
Before I had a migraine the whole 2nd weekend before my period
and then a real bad one the wed or Thurs of my period. Last
December I was between jobs and was at home painting and
cleaning,etc.. and I ate a big lunch, got up from the table
quickly, walked upstairs, went to the bathroom and stood up.
I was a little lightheaded and saw blind spot all over. This
feeling passed in about 1 hour. I don't remember if I got a
mirgraine after it. Well about 2 weeks ago it happened
again. I was at work sitting at my desk and looked away
from my computer and I saw the spots again. They lasted for
about 1.5 hours and about 5 hours later I had a headache.
I went to the doctor since I was concerned and she told me
the spots were migraine related. Is this true? I have never
seen spots for that long before a migraine. And is it bad to
be taking Birth control pills since the risk of stroke is
increased in people who have aura's before a migraine?
Thanks,
maria
Doctor's Answer
by CCF Neuro[P]-M.D.-RPS, May 13, 2001 12:00AM
Dear Maria:
Sorry that your having problems. Yes, the symptoms your having are very common types of aura preceding a migraine. I am sure that your physician has gone over the pros and cons of taking birth control pills and having migraine headaches. Most studies have shown that birth control pills and migraines are risk factors for stroke when they are used by migrineurs. Sometimes the timing of migraines change and it sounds like yours have changed. I would talk to your physician about the possibility of a prophylatic medication to prevent your migraines.
Sincerely,
CCF Neuro MD
Sorry that your having problems. Yes, the symptoms your having are very common types of aura preceding a migraine. I am sure that your physician has gone over the pros and cons of taking birth control pills and having migraine headaches. Most studies have shown that birth control pills and migraines are risk factors for stroke when they are used by migrineurs. Sometimes the timing of migraines change and it sounds like yours have changed. I would talk to your physician about the possibility of a prophylatic medication to prevent your migraines.
Sincerely,
CCF Neuro MD
