Silent Migraines
This is a broad name for migraines that do not cause pain. They seem to be reported by some people with MS and the visual symptoms sometimes make people think that they are having an episode of optic neuritis.
There is some debate in the medical literature about whether these are even appropriately called migraines. Regardless of the eventual resolution of that debate, having a visual or silent migraine can be very disturbing...especially for folks with MS who may fear that they are having ON. Fortunately, the symptoms usually last for an hour or two or even less. And, unlike ON, there is no pain associated with silent or optical migraines.
If you want to read more about this, click here.
Related Topics: Can Alternative Medicine Ease Your Pain?, Coping with Migraines
Technorati Tags: migrainesandms, silentmigraines, opticalmigraines
There is some debate in the medical literature about whether these are even appropriately called migraines. Regardless of the eventual resolution of that debate, having a visual or silent migraine can be very disturbing...especially for folks with MS who may fear that they are having ON. Fortunately, the symptoms usually last for an hour or two or even less. And, unlike ON, there is no pain associated with silent or optical migraines.
If you want to read more about this, click here.
Related Topics: Can Alternative Medicine Ease Your Pain?, Coping with Migraines
Technorati Tags: migrainesandms, silentmigraines, opticalmigraines
24 Comments:
I have suffered with migrains since my teen years and I am 54 now. I also have Raynaurds, DDD, asthma and osteoarthritis. I take depakote twice a day for migrains and maxalt as soon as I feel one coming. I get the aura. Blindness sometimes but usually the wavy lines. I was just told that I have Raynaurds, I didn't know what it was. It seems like the doctors are finding more and more. They are now testing me for Lupus since my mother had it.
Carrie,
I was diagnosed with Raynauds as a kid and it's really a fancy way of saying that your joints may turn blueish and ache when you're cold, especially your fingers and toes. Poor circulation pretty much. Please don't worry about it.
Theresa
Carrie,
Raynauds is not a big deal for some people because they do not have severe attacks. You should see a Rheumatologist, they are the experts. They will do other tests to see if there is an underlying auto-immune disease or connective tissue disorder. My daughter is an athlete and when her Raynauds showed up, the doctor did some tests which showed an inflamed heart and kidneys pointing towards lupus. Mind you she showed NO other symptoms and is a healthy looking athlete. The doctor said she sees cases like that all the time. If they are testing you for lupus they may suspect secondary Raynauds. You doctor is very smart testiing you for autoimmune diseases.There is good information and support at www.raynauds.org
Kim
Ive been getting optical migraines (OMs) for about 4 years. They started about the same time I was diagnosed with Optical Neuritis in my left eye. (MS was ruled out, I had a clear MRI and Lumbar fluids were clear! Thank goodness). Initially when I started getting the OMs there was no pain and the flashing lights disappeared in a matter of 10 minutes. I was very afraid when it first happened but got used to them when my neurologist said it was really nothing.
However, lately (within the last 6 months) the OMs are coming more frequently, they last about 30 to 60 minutes at a time and I get head pain. The symptoms are as follows:
I get a blind spot in my left eye, then in about 10 minutes thats followed by the pulsing flashing lights that get progressively larger and longer (like a string). I start to feel light headed and tired. Then between 10 and 15 minutes the lights migrate to the right eye. I feel a slight pressure (not pain) in my eyes and then eventually the lights disappear from the right side of my right eye. Then my right sinus cavity starts to drain and clears completely. Thats when the migraine comes on and it hurts to breath through my nose.
I know this sounds odd but it does happen, so I then take a Relpax to take the pain away. Recently these migraines have been coming on when I have been doing physical work in the yard or in the house. It could be the signs of aging (Im 43) or who knows. Is there anyone out there who has the same symptoms? Any diagnosis?
i have Raynauds my doctor checked for Lupus and other similar auto immune diseases. she said that Raynauds is often a precursor to other auto immune diseases.
Except for the pain, my experience is very similar to Sheryls. My vision is affected but not to where I can't see, it's more of a disturbance where my vision isn't quite right. Like trying to read and you can see the letters and words in front of you but have to work harder read. The peripheral vision is unaffected in that I don't get tunnel vision or anything like that. Having had this happen before I recognize the symptoms as the start of an event. Closing my eyes I can see the small beginning of the light show which confirms an episode is coming on. Like Sheryls, my light show gains in size then reduces and moves off. The shape becomes similar to Pac-man with serated edges and colorful pulsating stripes. The cycle lasts about 10-15 minutes. In my case the light moves off to the left, except for today it went off to the right. No migraine or sinus drain. I'm left handed. Perhaps a dominant brain thing? I asked an Optometrist about it, even showed him a drawing I made while going through an event. He said he had a similar type of experience, that it was a silent migraine. Nothing to worry about. Once an event is over my sight goes back to normal and there doesn't seem to be any lasting effect.
I sometimes think that it is related to my hydration level as the cycle time seems to reduce when I drink water during the cycle. I don't drink the minimum 8 glasses of water a day or sports drinks. I do drink coffee through the morning and a glass of wine or three in the evening. My hydration level may be on the edge and contributes to this. Anyway, that's my experience. Maybe we're experiencing Picassos and Dalis visions for their artwork??
I'm a 67 year old male and in generally good health.
thankss,my daughter was just diagnosed with raynauds.i didnt see much about it in kids so i was a bit worried,she is 11yrs old and we have a family history of lupus. the comments put my mind at ease.
I am 35 & have had raynaud's phenomenon for 15+ years. There are medications which can be prescribed if it begins to interfere with every day life. Just a side note...each time I was pregnant my raynaud's went away! My husband always jokes that I just need to get pregnant again--NOPE!
Hello! I've been taking just 81 mg of aspirin a day, which has significantly helped reduce my optical or silent migraines. I was losing 1 to 2 hours per day of descent eyesight until I started this small aspirin dose. It probably thins the blood just enough for me, as I've mild heart failure. Please spread the word.
Fred, 55, pre-diabetic
Thank you for sharing your stories! I've had two episodes like this in the last year and it's a rather frightening experience for me, despite my optometrist's assurance that it is nothing to be alarmed about. He also said that it can be triggered by consuming things like caffeine, wine, aged cheeses, chocolate and some nuts (so basically anything good!). I am just comforted to know that I am not the only one suffering from these things and I hope I don't get many more!
Jessica, 19
I was diagnosed with Optic Mirgranines a 1 year ago..it first started in Dec of 2006..The doctors thought I was having a stroke with my heart problems that I had..They did tests and found out that I was having this OM.. I also have Neurofibromatosis..This is a neurogly diease..
I am 29 and have suffered from migraines with auras since 12. They have been very predictable with blind spot, light string, numbness and finally pain for 3-5 hours. March of 2007 I was put on Topamax and seemed to have less headaches. Since Christmas, however I have been having "silent migraines" with blind spot and then light string. These fade off, but no pain. Thought the Topamax was working and keeping the pain away. Tuesday I noticed, a blind spot and prepared myself for a headache that, once again, did not come on. However, this time the blind spot is still there. My nuerologist flipped, thinks it may be the Topamax and I had an emergency MRI. That has come back perfect and I was sent to an eye specialist the same day. He says my eyes are healthy though the field test does show blind spots on both eyes. He said these tests were inconclusive and should try not to worry since there is nothing for him to fix. He gave me some lubicating drops and asked me to come back in a month. Please tell me someone has had these spots, that do not move around, longer than a week and had them go away...
I started having these symptoms around 18 years ago; I can tell when it's going to come on by the loss of vision then the string of jaggerdy lines of lights. Ususally around 10-15 min later I fell very tired and sick and weak for a couple of days. I don't have the severe pain like you would think for a migraine, but I do have pain behind my right eye. I went to the eye doctor after the first episode and she told me it was a migraine and to take something as soon as I feel one coming on, that would stop the pain from being so severe. When they first started they were more painful so i just thought the ibuprophen I take stopped them somewhat. I haven't been back to a doctor since or ever heard of some of the diseases you guys have mentioned. Should I be concerned? I also noticed mine happens right before during or after my period and sometimes I can one a day for 2-3 days or a couple a day.
Sheryl
Your symptoms sound very similar to mine. I have been given Maxalt 10 for the migraines but the visual disturbance is always with me. My full blown migraines come on after going to the gym. I am just today in the process of scheduling an MRI. As you know, MS has been suggested and I am very nervous about that. I am glad to hear from someone with similar symptoms. Do you feel cold during a migraine? I am having intense shoulder and neck pain and hope my migraines are from that. I have a wonderful chiropractor that is going to work with a neurologist colleague of his to get to the bottom of this. I have had some relief from chiropractic care. Hope some of this has helped. Teri
I too had a migraine with aura about a month ago. I rarely get migraines. Only had 3 or 4 my entire life and I am 52. This migraine with aura came on strongly. I noticed that it left me with a blind spot in the same place in both eyes. An MRI found a small infarct (stroke) in the left occipital lobe. He says that it will eventually work disappear in the next few months.
ToniLynn
I am new to this but here goes. About 15 years ago I began having "silent migrains" the typical light show and blindness etc. ther is a family history of multiple sclerosis without brain lesion. Recently I began seeing a Neurologist because of problems with balance,leg pain,vertigo,and increased silent migrain episodes. My MRI's are clear, and there is possible early retro bulbar neuritis? One of my doctors says its MS another says no ? I now have trouble walking and keeping my balance, have continuous bussing in my legs arms and feet, and I get sever fatique after a hot shower to help with the stiffness etc. MY cousin went through this for 10 years and woke up one day blind and unable to walk at which time they did a new MRI and foun two lesions and diagnosed her with MS after years of being treated for lupus?
I have asked my doctor to do an evoked potential test and an ent(for the dizzingness) does this story sound familiar to anyone?
concerned and confused in arizona
I have Raynauds also,and Fibromyalgia. migraine's (Imetrex ) nausea,heart beat in my ears,intense pressure behind my eyes , dizzy,Sinus pain , also extreme fatique, muscle weakness, muscle soreness, osteoarthritis (celebrex), pins and needles and numbness in arms and hands at times, mild memory problems old age?, or to busy with life, I have trouble saying what I want to at times, recently had chest pain , it felt like someone was sitting on my chest then the pain was also in my back. Neck pain today feels like my neck is very stiff and very sore,left side hard to turn that way, I’ve had vitiligo since childhood. sweating at night, feeling like I have a fever,feeling sick. Off and On I have Swollen lymph nodes: in my right armpit . Swollen face and hands off and on, extremely dry skin - hands.
Eyesight: blurred vision, sudden onset, doctor diagnosed me with cataracts.
Bouts of ichyness.
I’ve had pain on the skin (usually face, arms, & a crawling sensation along my cheek or neck.
Tremor- in my head, hands
I actually recently made a list of all these symptoms I've had or am having and took it into my family doctor, I'm sick of feeling sick!I had a nasty flare in Feb. and am still having troble motivating my doc. to find out whats wrong with me, Lupus, MS, Autoimmune? It's slow going, I don't like pills but am afraid to let it go and have permenant damage done to my body and health, my vision scared me into action, I'm having trouble being pushy with my doctor, I need some answers.Recently also found out from a rheymatologist that I am very low Vitamin D : 45, he has me taking 2000 a day and I am to be tested agin. Does anyone have advice?
I felt as if I was reading my own health description when I got down to anonymous' entry of 9:40 PM. I hate to admit how many meds I take at the ripe young age of 53.
Needless to say to manage my asthma, osteoarthritis, allergies, migraines, fibromyalgia, heart complications, and maintain average levels of minerals and vitamins, I take no less than 14 pills in the morning and nearly that in the evening... with extras for good measure during the worst of my days!
My life has challenged me since forever progressively deteriorating to the point where now I have been in one of my flares for over a year and there is no let up in sight. The one good thing-- my mood is pretty decent because after countless doctors I now have a doctor that recognizes that I have become an authority about myself. We work as a team to improve my condition. Makes all the difference in the world.
Some say I'm just oversensitive, physically. Other doctors are totally confused by negative lab test results and positive physical evidence.
Whatever the answer will finally pan out to be, one thing is for sure. There is never a boring moment in my life... never. So I laugh at this mess, because if I didn't, I'd probably spend my life in a puddle of tears!
I started having optic migraines many years ago and finally went to a neurologist for a diagnosis. They put me on topomax which seemed to help a little. I stayed on it until I found out I was pregnant. All throughout my pregnancy, I did not have a optic migraine. Weird huh. So I played them off as being related to hormones somehow. After my baby was born, I began having them again more frequently and went to see another neurologist who set me up for a MRI as I have some family history of MS and brain aneurism-sp? I have had one symptom no one else has discussed. Sometimes after the auras are gone, I have trouble with my speech. I slur words or the word come out sounding totally different then I had planned. This symptom does not last long but is quite scary. Has anyone had anthing like this??
I have had slurred speech once during a migraine. It was scary. I simply couldn't get the words to come out right. Now if my speech is affected it is mild. I have had an MRI since my last post. I have 2 pinched nerves and a bulging disc. I see a direct correlation between the inflammation and visual disturbance often resulting in a full blown migraine. Have you tried Chiropractic care? I have most relief from my symptoms when I am having regular visits. Having all the tests run for MS and aneurism will give you peace of mind. I had a steroid epidural today and hope to be feeling better within a couple of weeks. I have an appoitment with a neurologist in August and hope to get some answers on my migraines. Although, I really believe that when the inflammation in my neck goes down, that I will see much improvement. Hope I'm rightt!! Godspeed on your health!!
I am a 39 year old female who just had a stroke from a complicated migraine. It affected my peripheral vision mainly in my left eye. Nothing else thank goodness. I was riding my bike when it happened. I also have a heart arrythmia POTS(rapid heart rate).I had migraines as a teenager numbness, visual disturbances.As I have gotten older I do not notice them.Even the day of the stroke I had no headache or symtoms of migraine.
I am now on a aspirin a day and a beta-blocker(low dose),toprol.Any one else experience this?I believe they do not take migraines seriously enough.
I have suffered from Optical Migraine disorder for 7 years now. It usually comes in my left eye, lasts exactly 18 minutes with no headache following. If, by chance it the immediately moves to my right eye and again lasts 18 minutes, I will always have a headache that lasts 5-6 hours. I have been to several doctors who all say it is something many people live with and not to worry. I attempted to search for anyone who had the same disorder as I and am thankful for sites like this one. From Alaska
My daughter has migraines for years starting at about 16. They got progressive worse and more frequent. They started with an aura and later when they got worse she would get tunnel vision and sometime lose the ability to speak. Eventually she had a stroke. They diagnosed it as a migraine with stroke like symptoms. 4 weeks after the first stroke she had a second stroke on the opposite side. They did an MRI and confirmed that both times were really a stroke and the migraines were probably TIAs, which are pre-strokes. She is now on coumadin. She was diagnosed with Hughes Syndrome which is also called antiphospholipid syndrome. That is an overactive immune system. Her antibody count was 68 where a normal range is 0 to 8. Her blood was so thick that it was creating small clots in different parts of her brain. Since being on coumadin she has had no migraines.
During her late teens and early twentys she was involved in sports and took asperin or IB Profen on a fairly regular basis for back pain. During the on season she noticed that she got almost no migraines. Now we know that the aspirin or IBProfen were thinning her blood and keeping her from having problems.
If you feel a migraine coming on I would suggest you try an aspirin or IB Profen. If they help more than migraine medicine then you might was to talk to your doctor about tests for hughes syndrome
My mom sent me this blog, I'm the one that had strokes and it was dismissed as migraines. What I have, Hughes syndrome, most often mis diagnosed as ms, its still being learned about. I've helped three other women I've met that have migrines get diagnosed. Anyone that has migraines even guys should get tested if anything it's good to rule it out as it's just a blood test. I spent years getting mri's and scans being told it was only migraines causing my symptoms to find out they were wrong and the pill was contributing and pregnancy makes it worse. If they would have known that this doesn't just cause misscarriages and there really is more to be checked when you have migraines.... If I can help others not have to go what I went through then I have to try I'm always open if anyone ever has questions on this and what I went through
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