Special effects, without asking for it (picture included)
Jan 22, 2008 05:58PM
- 5 comments
Tags:
Tags:
I get migraines with a visual aura, which have been haunting me have for over 30 years. Quite often, all it takes is a random reflection from a piece of glass or something flickering on a computer monitor and - WHAM - it begins. Usually, there's an accompanying feeling of "hyper-reality"; everything seems ultra-real.
The visual aura is called scintillating scotoma, and it begins as a weird little ambiguity in the center of my field of vision. After a few minutes, it changes into the strobing colored zig-zaggy line, as in the picture I included. The line continues growing and tends to move toward the periphery, essentially giving me a psychedelic tunnel-visioned light show. The vibrations become extremely intense, as the lines twirl and strobe in all sorts of geometric permutations.
This would be a nice little special effect, except that it leaves me visually impaired for up to 30 minutes. It also comes with nausea and a strange, throbbing headache. It's also an ironic condition to have for a designer, who relies on vision to feed the family. It does, however, inspire some of my creative work (whether I like it or not).
After the episode passes, I'm left feeling exhausted and queasy. The headache continues for a few hours. I'm also prone to have another attack or two within a week. Fun stuff, eh? Hey, could be far worse, so I'm not complaining. I just wanted to share.
There's another form of this visual aura that I'm "blessed" with as well. I'll leave that one for another journal post.
The visual aura is called scintillating scotoma, and it begins as a weird little ambiguity in the center of my field of vision. After a few minutes, it changes into the strobing colored zig-zaggy line, as in the picture I included. The line continues growing and tends to move toward the periphery, essentially giving me a psychedelic tunnel-visioned light show. The vibrations become extremely intense, as the lines twirl and strobe in all sorts of geometric permutations.
This would be a nice little special effect, except that it leaves me visually impaired for up to 30 minutes. It also comes with nausea and a strange, throbbing headache. It's also an ironic condition to have for a designer, who relies on vision to feed the family. It does, however, inspire some of my creative work (whether I like it or not).
After the episode passes, I'm left feeling exhausted and queasy. The headache continues for a few hours. I'm also prone to have another attack or two within a week. Fun stuff, eh? Hey, could be far worse, so I'm not complaining. I just wanted to share.
There's another form of this visual aura that I'm "blessed" with as well. I'll leave that one for another journal post.
have you been to a doctor and gotten a cat scan or something for this?
Hi sharp_one.
Yes. I've been seen for this a long time ago. The first time it happened was in the late 70's. I've since read more about migraine and associated auras. They are pretty common (and very annoying).
Yes. I've been seen for this a long time ago. The first time it happened was in the late 70's. I've since read more about migraine and associated auras. They are pretty common (and very annoying).
I used to have seizures and I couldn't see through this big ball of light, but it has since passed and I don't have this problem anymore. You may be having seizures, and don't relize it. I noticed that you to have pvcs is it normal to take lopressor for them even if you don't have any issues with high blood pressure? The dr. gave me lopressor today but I must admit I'm nervous to take it for fear it will make my heart rate drop to low, and my paulse is currentlly 62.
I get exactly the same thing. It can happen once or twice a day for a week.and then disapear for a year. I've had these since I was a teenager, (40 years ago).
Your picture is amazing...I get Acephalgic migraines too, have had them for about 25 years. They still scare me when their happening though I know they will be short lasting. I also get vision impairment for awhile after the scotoma dissipates, like being in a dim light room, followed by nausea and a throbbing pain with any kind of exertion like coughing, for days afterwards. I used to get them 2 or 3 times a year, but have been having them bi-weekly for months lately. My biggest triggers are flashing lights, reflections off metal, fluorescent lights and sudden heat hitting my eyes like that coming from an open oven door.
Post a Comment