Uh-oh, I think I’m getting an ocular migraine. There’s a huge hole in my vision with nothing in it, which is the WEIRDEST sensation ever.
I can barely see to type, unless I shut one eye, since it’s usually only half of the visual field that is affected.
This is one type of aura I could do without, frankly, even though it will turn into a nifty sparkly halo thingie in about 20 minutes or so, which is actually kind of pretty.
Here’s a picture of what it looks like, courtesy of Wikipedia.
After that passes, I’ll only have a teeny little headache (which is the blessing of ocular vs. “regular” migraines), but I’ll probably feel kind of weak and sick to my stomach for the rest of the day, and even more sensitive to light than usual – all the symptoms of a normal migraine, in other words.
The first time it ever happened, I was in the middle of the supermarket with my mother, and I had no idea what was happening. It was utterly terrifying. I thought I was having an aneurysm or something! I’m used to it now, but it still isn’t fun.
Whenever I feel one coming on, the best remedy is usually one or two Excedrin tablets and a big cup of hot tea, to be administered immediately.
And also writing a blog post, evidently. With only one functional eye!
Because my dedication to you marvelous people will not be diminished by something as trivial as partial blindness.
No sirree!
Wow, and actually I think I’m having a DOUBLE aura this time! Lucky me!
The sparkly part went away and then came back, which has never, ever happened before. I guess this one is going to be a bit of a doozy!
Oh well. It is what it is.
Does anyone else get these? Mine are typically stress or hormonally triggered. Fortunately I don’t have them very often, though, and I do thank my lucky stars that I get the “good” kind.
Funny what you can be grateful for, right? Everything really is relative!
Here are some details on the subject, if you’re interested:
http://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/guide/ocular-migraine-basics
Have a headache-free day!
UPDATE: I actually ended up having not two, but THREE full-blown sparkly-blindness auras in a row this time, which is completely unprecedented. I suspect that this is because I did not do the sensible thing and stop using my eyes for a little while, as I rightly should have.
Let that be a lesson to us all. Or to the ones who get migraines, anyway. 