Ocular Migraines (Auras) and the risk of stroke

[Dave L]

I have been experiencing Ocular Migraines for over 10 years. (I am a 53 year old male). I get both the "shooting stars" and I sometimes get the expanding zigzag image. The shooting stars (or flashes as some folks refer to them) come mostly when I am at work during stressful situations and the zigzag images happen at any time, even during the night when I am sleeping. I do sometimes get painful headaches but they don't always coincide with the ocular disturbances. I normally get the headaches late in the afternoon on days when I am at work. My question is what your opinion is about how much this raises my chances of having a stroke or heart attac? My blood pressure is normally good, but I am on a cholesterol lowering drug (20 MG of Simavastin). Experiencing these auras is unsettling enough but hearing about the possibility of an increased risk of stroke really causes me to be very concerned. I thank you for your time and I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,
Dave L.

[kamanjah]

I was diagnosed with ocular migraines about 5-6 years ago.  The doctor told me they were nothing to worry about and are totally benign.  I don't get the zig zag ones, just the shooting stars.

Next time you get your eyes checked by an MD, ask what they think of your situation.

Best Wishes!

[MellieHegge]

Dave,
I am not sure the risk between migraines and strokes. I am 31 and get terrible migraines which started in 2009, I get similar auras as yours the shooting stars and mine knock me down for a day or two sometimes longer. I have tried taking supplements that haven't noticeably helped. Two weeks ago i suffered a minor stroke on the right side my face was droop and my right eye would not dialate. The doctors in the ER said it could be related to a MS liesion on my brain. Not sure if they even knew or if they were just pulling answers out of the air. If you are truly concerned about this I would think a good neurologist could give you some good insight.Best of luck to you.
Mellie~

[silverfox67]

Migraine headaches can be helped with amino acids available at a health food store.  Tryptophan used to be available everywhere - now only at health food stores.  Also Vitamin B complex and Calcium taken together.
~ I sincerely don't know if migraines can eventually cause stroke, but I have had migraines since I was in my twenties.  I am now 69 and have never had a stroke -  My migraines are under control pretty much unless I forget to take my supplements.