Headaches and vomiting

[Kimberely]

I have been getting headaches since Feb 06 and they are recurring every 2-4 weeks.  First of all my vision in my left eye is blurred around the edge and then I get a headache about 5 mins after.  I am then sick and feel faint.  Usually this feeling can last for about an hour.  The rest of the day and the next day i feel I like I have a major hangover.  When I first started to get the problem in Feb I only used to get the blurred vision and then nothing else happened but just lately I am now sick and feel so ill.  I am 33 years old and a female.  I was thinking it could be migraines - what does anyone else think - should i see a doctor?  I just did not want to be a pain and for them to say oh its one of those things - stress etc can bring headaches on and then I feel a complete twit. Would appreciate any help as I feel a little scared now as yesterday I had an attack and I was just so ill with it.  Is this is normal for migraine sufferers?

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-SH]

First of all, keep in mind that I am unable to diagnose you because I am unable to examine you, this forum is for educational purposes.
   The symptoms you describe are consistent with migraine headaches.  It is typical for migraine sufferers to have an aura (often visual- sometimes with squiggly lines or dots, but many variations exist) that can occur before, during or after the headache (Most typically before).  These headaches are classically unilateral (on one side) and are throbbing in nature (also called pounding, pulsating, etc).  Migraine headaches are typically associated with photo-phobia (lights hurt the eyes), phono-phobia (sounds make the headache worse), nausea and/or vomiting and worsening with movement.  It is also common to have confusional spells and the feeling like you are "hung-over" after a migraine headache.
   I would recommend that you see a neurologist for several reasons.  First, any new or progressive headache disorder (despite the features) should be investigated for possible structural cause (tumor, vascular malformation etc).  Second, There are many treatments for migraines that are available now, including Triptans (Imitrex, Zomig, Relpax, Frova, Amerge, Maxalt,etc.) and preventative medications such as Elvail, Topamax, Nadolol, etc.
I hope this has been helpful.

[who_dis]

Any new onset of persistent health problems should be investigated.  No doctor would think you were a "twit", even if they do turn out to be migraines.

Yes, you should see a doctor.  This should not be assumed to be migraines unless and until your doctor is sure they are.

[Kimberely]

Thanks, I think I better go and see a doctor.  Forgot to say aswell, I started to get blurred vision in my eye straight after a sauna - I stopped the sauna's just incase that was the problem but I still got the vision,headaches, sickness ect ect - I seem to suffer more attacks after a workout in the gym - Maybe I should just take it easy!

[Kimberely]

Thanks, I think I better go and see a doctor.  Forgot to say aswell, I started to get blurred vision in my eye straight after a sauna - I stopped the sauna's just incase that was the problem but I still got the vision,headaches, sickness ect ect - I seem to suffer more attacks after a workout in the gym - Maybe I should just take it easy!

[Kimberely]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate your comments - so glad your friend is ok.  I have booked an appointment on Monday.  Better get it sorted out - I am not worried as I am sure it is proberly nothing but like you say you never know!  I will keep you informed what happens. Pray its nothing bad.....

[Kimberely]

Thanks again, don't worry you about scaring me - I just appreciate your comments.  Thanks for the info, I will let you know how I get on at the docs.

[Mary Lynn]

Kimberly, since you said not to worry about scaring you, I'll mention that your symptoms match those of a female relative, age 46, who was just diagnosed with MS.  THIS DOES NOT MEAN YOU HAVE MS, but I recommend that when you see the doctor(s) that you make sure they have done an MRI and other tests to make sure this is not the case.   [and IF it is, know that there is a lot of work and new discoveries out there that are supporting persons with MS in better ways each day;   you will not be going through this alone.]  

Lots of things cause migraines and visual bluring.  Best wishes!

[Kimberely]

Thank you for your comments, really nice to know that there is support out there and I am not alone.  I went to the doctors and she said that I have to keep a record when another attack happens - ie. what food I have eaten, how long the blured vision last, when the headache starts, sickness, etc etc and then I have to go back - she said nothing about a scan.  Oh yes she said if I was private I could have seen a consultant straight away - charming.... Thank you all SOOOO much xx Will keep you updated x