Migranine - Visual Flashes

[Ash159]

Hello,

I have occasionally had an issue where I am fine and my right eye starts flashing as if I am looking at a Strobe Light.  It last about 20 to 30 minutes then stops.  Sometimes I will get a headache after and sometimes I don't.  It usually sends me into a panic attack which makes everything worse.  I have been told that this is a type of migrane - do you agree?

Thanks

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

Migraine headaches may present with an aura .The aura are neurologic symptoms that may present as visual symptoms ( blurring of vision or seeing spots or strobes of light), they may be tingling sensation or numbness, they may also be present as slurring of speech.The aura should last for at least 5 minutes but not more than an hour. A subform of a migraine headache is the presence of an aura without a headache.The aura may be present but the headache follows later ( in more than an hour or so).

Yes, this may be a migraine. Do not panic when this happens. Take a deep breath and inform anyone near or your physician when the attacks come. Also, have you had a consult done? A complete assessment is required before a migraine headache is given as  diagnosis. So a complete medical history, physical exam and diagnostic tests ( a scan ) may help rule out other disorders.If you haven't been assessed by a physician yet, it is best to have a consult done so you may be guided.

Do keep us posted regarding your physician's advice.

[Crystlas]

This is called classic migraine.  You can read about it on the internet.  I get the same type, except I see flashy sqiggly things and get blind spots.  They suck.  I have found that taking 250mg of magnesium twice a day has really helped with minimizing my migraines.  I have very few now.  Do you also get nausea and vomit when you get your migraines?  Have you been to the doctor to get medicine for them?  Migraine with aura is more dangerous and puts you at risk for stroke.  The less headaches you have the chances of having a stroke go down.  That is why I do not eat any trigger foods, have migraine tablets on hand and use my magnesium.  Good luck!