Migraine or something else?

[JosephFrancis]

Please forgive any typos as I am voice dictating this In a dark room I'm not looking at the screen until I need to. I was feeling really strange at work today, a bit dizzy and lightheaded and sort of like I wasn't getting enough oxygen. Then I started to see little sparkly flashing lights in the corner of my vision and about 20 minutes later I started getting sort of ice pick headaches. I think that's what they call them. They made me close my eyes and want to sit down clutching my head. They're not all behind one eye like they say they can be. The sharp stabbing headache is definitely behind one eye and it feels like pressure, but it really hurts all over my head down my neck and for some reason down my arm too. I had to ask to go home which made me feel really stupid and like I'm an unreliable employee. I don't enjoy the vulnerability of going and telling someone I'm poorly and need to leave- probably because I had a chronic health problem in school and was looked at like a faker and made to "soldier on." But I just couldn't continue. Everything was too bright too loud and I just needed somewhere I could lay down in the dark and breathe. It was almost like I imagine people must feel when the air is getting thin on mountains. Does that sound like a migraine? I've never had one before that I checked my pulse rate and oxygen level with one of those finger clips that I picked up during the pandemic. My heart rate is about 55 I would say it's normally about 80 beats it keeps flagging bradycardia and my oxygen level is 96. I don't have Covid, I've checked. I was finding it difficult to find the words I wanted to say at work. I didn't want to drive home as I didn't feel safe but I don't live that far away so I just took it really slowly. I can't see the flashing lights anymore on my head still hurts and I've still got that weird lack of oxygen and feeling. I can feel my heart beating because it feels like it's beating hard but slow? I'm dizzy too

i am not medically trained in any way but as a migraine sufferer it does sound like one to me.

My migraines invariably started with a feeling that I was spaced out. I was going to work one day and it felt as though something had ‘missed’ in my head and I felt like I was walking through treacle. By the time I got to work the headache on my left side had started and it was piercing - the pain was over my eye and I felt it in the side of my face, in my neck and across my back. I literally turned round and went home and went straight to bed.

That was the first time and it frightened the life out of me but I got used to recognising the signs.

As I say that is just my experience but please be aware and phone 111 or head to A&E if it gets any worse or you pass out as it could be something that needs urgent medical attention.

I’m also not a doctor. Yes it does sound like it’s a migraine. If it’s the first time you’ve had something like this, though, then you must be seen by a doctor and thoroughly checked out because it might be something else. I know it’s practically impossible with that kind of pain. Do you have someone you can call?

As a migraine sufferer, that's a migraine with aura.

I also get the speech issues.

Definitely worth seeing your GP when you are feeling better.

I called the GP and they said it sounds like classic migraine with aura. I think it's really horrible and the nausea and spaced out feeling is making me want to puke. I still can't leave my dark bedroom and my husband is about to go to work. I have children to care for and I think I'm going to pass out or cry with this pain

Stick children in front of screen. Bribe them to be quiet. Get takeaway delivered to feed them. Don't bother washing them, just get them into bed any old how. Just do the barest possible minimum.

Just get through as best as you can and then book an appointment to get some triptans (magic migraine painkiller) and anti-sickness meds in case there is a next time.