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Original poster

Got rushed to hospital, turns out it's migraine.

28 replies

CuriousMama · 09/03/2012 09:20

Yesterday I'd been to school to get ds2, sat down to have a look at a book I'd just picked up from the library, and I found I could hardly see it. Then I started getting lines of zigzags but in each eye, even when I closed my eyes. My sight almost totally went and I was so terrified. Luckily dp was up and about as he was off work last night (he works permanent nights) so he helped me upstairs to rest and rang 111. They spoke to me and decided to send a paramedic out. He said my pupils or tracking was sluggish and said I needed to go in an ambulance to hospital. When I walked downstairs I was so weak and my legs were giving way. The ambulance came and they did some checks then took me to the emergency ward. I must say the nur.ses and drs were fantastic. So thorough and explained everything they were doing. The trainee dr was the first to see me and said straight away he thought it was migraine as he has the same symptoms. Said even his arm goes numb and drops. A nurse said she does too and has to check in the mirror as she feels like her face has dropped!

They took loads of blood and got the results back quickly, all ok. Also did ecg.

My sinuses are bad at the moment and I wonder if that could bring this on? Plus I've had major stresses. I found it all so scary and really feel for regular sufferers Sad I just hope I don't get them too often?

OP posts:
VerityBrulee · 09/03/2012 09:44

You poor thing, how scary for you.

Dh gets dreadful migraines that last for days, but he was prescribed a new medication which has been miraculous for him, Zomig. He has to take it immediately he feels the first symptoms, usually a tingling/numb sensation, so he has to carry it with him all the time. He still gets a headache but it lasts for hours rather than days, and it so much less severe than before. That said, there are lots of different meds for migraine so you need to find one that works for you. Don't assume it's a once off though, go to your GP and get them to prescribe something for you.

Good luck with it Smile

Original poster
CuriousMama · 09/03/2012 09:51

Thanks VerityBrulee. How awful for your dh, but am glad he's found something to help.

I made an appointment with my GP and go next week. She's really good so am hopeful she can help? I need to ask her about the operation for my deviated septum as I think it's all related.

OP posts:
LovesBeingWearingSkinnyJeans · 09/03/2012 09:55

There was a thread about a few days ago, it is more common than you think. I would have been freaked out but knew what it was as my mum gets them too.

They vary in how often I get them.

ThatllDoPig · 09/03/2012 09:59

Similar happened to me 12 years ago. I was under a lot of stress at the time. Scary as hell. Always dreaded it returning but so far it hasn't. It was awful, and I can't stand it when people say they have a migraine when it is really a headache! Not the same AT ALL!

VerityBrulee · 09/03/2012 10:00

Dh has trouble with his sinuses too, so maybe there is a link. Dh finds he has triggers like being under a lot of stress, not eating well or not getting enough sleep. A friend gets them too and finds it is hormonal usually a few days before her period.

Just look after yourself, eat well, multivitamin, lots of rest. Good excuse to put your feet up for the weekend Wink

solidgoldbrass · 09/03/2012 10:02

I've had similar in the past and still get them sometimes; apparently it's called 'retinal migraine' and is harmless if tiresome once you know what it is. THe first attack I had involved a nice trip to A&E in an ambulance, too; now when I get an attack I know that sitting down quietly and closing my eyes for a few minutes will make it stop.

solidgoldbrass · 09/03/2012 10:04

Oh sorry, just to add: the wobbly weakness part of it is mainly due to the fact that when you don't know what's going on it's really frightening. In my case, I rang my optician when the flashing lights got unbearable and the optician said 'Go to A& E your retinas could be detaching.' I mean, thanks!

sportsfanatic · 09/03/2012 12:20

I don't think a lot of people realise how much migraine symptoms can vary because they associated it with really bad headaches. My DH has migraines that never involve headaches (although he may have a faint one the day after). Usually his vision goes first - a 'jigsaw' effect, bits of vision missing etc. -On a bad one he will be unable to articulate his thoughts at all and speaking becomes impossible. It was very scary when they first started because I thought it could be a TIA. But now we are used to it. Like VerityBrulee, a Zomig taken instantly can usually stop it - but only if it is taken within the first minute. He will tend to get three or four within a few days then none for several months. But there is no trigger we have been able to identify.

Original poster
CuriousMama · 09/03/2012 18:38

Thanks for all your replies. The vision went funny again earlier so I went for a nap and it's ok for now.

I'll get some Zomig, can you buy it over the counter? I'm at the GP's on Tuesday so will see what she says?

There's a lot of pressure in my nose and sinuses at the moment and my head feels full. But then again this can be migraine related I think?

I hope this is a one off attack as it's bloody awful Sad The drs talked of MS in hospital asking if anyone in the family had it?

OP posts:
solidgoldbrass · 09/03/2012 18:49

It might never be so bad again. I get them now from time to time and while they are a bit annoying they are generally over and done with in half an hour or so.

Original poster
CuriousMama · 09/03/2012 18:50

that's good solidgoldbrass hope you're right? Glad you're ok.

OP posts:
fluffiphlox · 10/03/2012 14:21

I get this from time to time, lasts about 40 minutes of zig-zag rainbows and disrupted vision. I can go for months without an 'episode' or I might get it twice within a week. I've never sought treatment or advice. It comes and goes. Just one of those things - I think there might be an hormonal element to it but I'm not medically trained!

WhereAreTheCakes · 10/03/2012 14:28

Migraine almost seems too trivial a word for it - just as flu has been hijacked by those with a cold.

Used to dread telling work that I was off with migraine as it comes across as so pathetic yet my speech was slurred, my arms and face numb, incredible pain in head, couldn't keep water down for 48 hours.

I've got Rizatriptan wafers now and they work for me.

Northernlurker · 10/03/2012 14:30

I get migraines which are in my case definately hormone (cycle) related but also provoked or made worse by being busy all day and not eating and/or stress. I've only had the visual aura three times. I've also had migraine related vertigo - now that really sucks! Takes a few days to go to.

Welcome to the world of the migraine sufferer. Basically lie down as soon as possible in the dark, keep well hydrated and don't panic Grin

sportsfanatic · 10/03/2012 18:29

Hii *CuriousMama" Zomig (zolmitriptan) is prescription only as it is quite a powerful drug so you would need a prescription. It's not suitable for everyone as it can have side effects. My DH only has it because the visual and speech effects of his migraine are very severe.

HTH

Original poster
CuriousMama · 10/03/2012 20:12

Thanks everyone. I'll see what the GP says on Tuesday, maybe she'll give me zomig or something else? I still don't feel right and this happened Thursday?

Sorry to hear how it's affecting others.

OP posts:
gregssausageroll · 11/03/2012 08:12

They are the most awful things. My mother suffered dreadfully and would be bed ridden for days. Me, although I suffer it isn't so bad. I have them generally once or may be twice a year. I have zomig too. Mine tend to last about a day but I know when they are coming some have been able to reduce the effects. Sometimes though if out or away I can't do anything.

I suffer with speech, vision and have the most powerful headache down the left side of my head. I also get terrible body pins and needles.

Good you are talking to your gp. They might not prescribe zomig though as they are really strong. May want to try you on something softer to start.

Original poster
CuriousMama · 11/03/2012 11:44

Your poor mother gregs Sad

They are awful you're right. My sinuses are bunged up at the moment so am taking sinutab. I'm convinced there's a link? After all they're behind our eyes so may press on the optic nerve?

OP posts:
gregssausageroll · 11/03/2012 16:56

In the days before good medication the dr used to have to come out and give her an injection. She used to keep the drugs in the fridge.

Original poster
CuriousMama · 11/03/2012 17:39

Shock that must've been terrible for her. Just shows how serious migraines are.

OP posts:
gregssausageroll · 11/03/2012 18:04

Which is why I am generally scathing towards friends who say they have one and post it all over fb telling us how bad it is! Same with friends who say they have flu when really they have a cold. Migraine v headache!

DilysPrice · 11/03/2012 18:13

I've had caffeine withdrawal migraines in the past, but they always came with headaches so it was easy to understand what was happening. But I had a migraine with no headache while pg, and also ended up in A&E.

Not nearly as bad as some people on this thread, but it meant I couldn't go back on the combined pill after the birth, so that might be worth checking OP. Hope all goes well.

piratecat · 11/03/2012 18:16

wow what a shock, i have had similar happen, when i got rushed in for suspected stroke. Left arm turned in a weird direction, left side of face dropped, and speech was slurred. Very frightening, and it turned out to be migrainous.

I was at the end of a very stressful couple of years, and i think my body was issuing a cry for help.

poor you. i hope you recover soon.x

piratecat · 11/03/2012 18:19

I also had no headache whatsoever, oh and my sight went for about 30 seconds.

albertswearengen · 11/03/2012 18:37

I get what I call mini migraines- one sided severe headache behind the eye, sore arm, slightly confused- quite often. But I do get the severe vision disturbance ones very occasionally with added vomiting. That's usually after a period of severe stress is over.
My husband gets the vision disturbance ones every few months. The key to making them manageable is to take the migraine medication at the first sign of the vision disturbances(he takes migraleve) with a full can of coke. Apparently your stomach shuts down when you have a migraine so you have to get the medication in your system asap and the full sugar coke and caffeine help. My husband always carries migraleve and the full sugar drink with him. Otherwise he is bedbound for a day or so.
I know two people who gets the vision disturbances without headache.