Is this a migraine, flashy light headache same as when I had pre-eclampsia????

[tinkerbellhadpiles]

This evening about an hour after eating I suddenly realised I couldn't see properly, my central vision was blurred and wavy and I could see flashing lights which I couldn't see round the edge of. I also felt wobbly and couldn't think clearly (I couldn't work out how to turn the lights on etc.)

I was home alone with my 22 week old DD and so I took her up to bed and lay down for half and hour and it cleared, but it was EXACTLY like the flashy light headaches I had in late pregnancy (which turned out to be pre-eclampsia).

It went fairly quickly, but it really worried me because it felt just like when my drink was spiked years ago.

So is this a migraine? Or should I go see my GP in the morning and tell him my brain is fried?

Any advice appreciated.

[nickytwotimes]

might be a migraine, but get gp to check your blood pressure.

[fryalot]

My migraines are:

Horrendous headache - so bad that you will literally bang your head against the wall to make the pain different.

Sickness

Big bowel movement (sorry if tia, but you did ask)

Flashing lights - like fork lightning

Total inability to cope with light or noise.

That's me. All migraines are different and lots of things can bring them on.

See your doctor and explain what happened, even if it's just so it is on record if it happens again.

Good luck

[nickytwotimes]

actually, it sounds pretty horrid. if you get another attack, phone out of hours service (but then, i am a big woos!)

[tinkerbellhadpiles]

Thanks Squonk (great name) and Nickytwotimes (two times what???) My blood pressure has been an issue so perhaps I will pop along. Oh boy, another fun thing to do on a Monday!

I've probably poisoned myself with the woodworm treatment I was using this morning actually.

[BarefootDancer]

Sounds like the start of a migraine. With mine I can see round the edges of the sparkly bit, but the sparkles are central if I look directly at something. Sometimes just lights, no headache if treated quickly (ibuprofen or paracetamol, some carbohydrates and lie down in dark).
Sometimes feel uncoordinated too. Headache and sick feeling if really bad. Worse when I bend down.
Different things bring it on - end of stressy time, low blood sugar, for some people different foods.
Don't worry.

[nickytwotimes]

ah yes. the fun just don't stop!

[Eeek]

sounds like a migraine to me but its always worth getting checked out, especially if you haven't had them before. I get the flashing lights (like light on rippling water) for about half an hour, then a banging headache. Migraleve as soon as you get the flashing lights will keep the worst away - stops me getting the pain at all. If you're feeding you might want to ask the dr. if they can recommend something else. If I do get a migraine I'll get a few days of feeling spaced out afterwards so don't be surprised if you feel weird tomorrow.

[Bink]

Yes, that's a migraine - a "classic" one, with aura (that's the scintillating lights). You don't have to have a painful headache with a classic migraine (without the headache, weirdly, it's called an "atypical classic" which is a bit of a contradiction).

Definitely see your gp, though it's likely they won't do more than give you suggestions for over-the-counter tablets, or ask you about diet, stress, etc. Stress is probably the likely one in your case - maybe lack of sleep?

I have (have had, not had for ages now) atypical classics, and apart from the partial blindness the horridest bit is that it attacks my language - I can't string a sentence together, follow the thread of other people, etc. It passes, though, and hasn't left any lasting effects at all.

[tinkerbellhadpiles]

Ooh Barefootdancer, that's exactly what it was like when I looked at my daughter. Well I guess that's what it is then, I did take a big cup of tea (made just before it came on) with a paracetamol to bed with me and I guess I caught it just in time.

[tinkerbellhadpiles]

I love you lot, you are so knowledgeable and wise. What did I ever do before I found Mumsnet? Thanks, it's nice to know my brain is not fried (much)

I haven't had anything like enough sleep lately, have been eating crap and having just taken up running again (excellent combination I think you'll agree). Perhaps this is my brain's way of telling me to chill out!

[nickytwotimes]

put your feet up, tinkerbell! i'm a fan of cocodamol myself when the big M strikes!

[BarefootDancer]

Amazing - running! Just make sure you eat properly. Sleep - probably tricky with little one.
Hope the piles are better now

[3littlefrogs]

As your dd is only 22 weeks you should go and get your BP checked. If you had preeclampsia the condition can persist after delivery for quite some time. GP should see you as an urgent appointment.