Migraine Vision

[dollymay]

A few years ago I was getting distorted vision occasionally, my optician said it was some kind of migraine. However recently I have been getting it again, sometimes daily, plus mild headaches, nothing serious and paracetamol clears it up. I am late 70's. I had my eyes tested and again was told it was not serious, my prescription was altered slightly. The distortion consists of almost disjointed vision, and I cannot read while it lasts. I have not been driving at the time and wonder if it is safe? Should I see a doctor? Any advice or info please??

[Sqad]

Providing that you did not experience other symptoms, such as speech problems or weakness in you arm during such attacks, I would not worry as this is common in migraine of the elderly.

Don't worry.

However if you are not reassured by AB replies, then see your GP.

[lankeela]

I know when a migraine attack is coming on as first I see coloured zig zags then I am unable to see half of what I am looking at, ie a newspaper headline disappears or words/pictures on the computer screen go blank. Usually I manage to stave it off with a couple of paracetamol and sitting quitly for a few minutes, but I find they come in clusters often two or three days on the trot then nothing for a few months. Its been like this for a few years now and unless it got progressively worse I wouldn't worry about it.

[dollymay]

Thanks so much, both of you. Lankeela's description sounds just like mine. I suppose it is what the optician said (my age!), but wanted another opinion.

[choux]

dollymay, I have had aura migraines since my early 40's. My optician told me they are caused by a chemical release in the brain. I suffer them less frequently in my dotage, but when they occur I have a little spate of maybe 4-5 over 3-4 weeks. Thankfully never when driving, but I take some comfort that I notice them starting so would have time to pull over safely - I no longer do motorways! Take care of yourself.

[nicebloke1]

Is this experience a little like you have water in your eye. Asking for a friend :>)

[andy-hughes]

I have only had two migraines, the second quite mild, the first, really bad.

I found the first one was a two-stage experience, first I was afraid I was going to die, two hours later I was afraid I wasn't going to die!

It was brought on by sheer over-excitement at a Bruce Springsteen gig - I take my music very seriously!!!

[pastafreak]

I've been getting ocular/ classic migraines for years...also since my late 30s-early 40s. A blind spot, followed by the wavy/zigzag pattern that moves across my field of vision. I'll have none for 6-8 months...then possibly several in one day. Then none. Sometimes no headache...sometimes a thumping head for 24 hours.

[Hopkirk]

I get these occasionally and I suspect a possible link with caffeine consumption. This certainly doesn't fully explain it though.

I can go for a few years without it, then I get a cluster over a few weeks.
They never develop to a headache.