Hi veggiebug,

One of the most important things is to get an accurate diagnosis. To simplify matters and make it easier for people to get information and treatment, doctors usually go by the gold standard for diagnosis, the International Headache Society's International Classification of Headache Disorders, 2nd Edition (ICHD-II). Under ICHD-II, there is no diagnosis of "optical Migraine." We do see it used, but doctors use it differently, so it really doesn't tell anyone what type of Migraine you actually have. You can read more about this in Ocular, Optical, and Opthalmic Migraines and The Type of Migraine Does Matter.

Anyone who has three or more Migraines a month needs to be talking with their doctor about prevention. There's growing evidence that Migraine is a progressive brain disease. A recent study showed that Migraines can cause brain damage, and that people with three or more Migraines a month are more susceptible to this damage. For more information, see Is Migraine a Progressive Brain Disease? and Yes, Migraines Can Cause Brain Damage and Migraine with Aura Linked to Late-Life Brain Lesions.

So no, I wouldn't wait for anything. What about trigger identification and management? Do you know what some of your triggers are? Chocolate, cheese, red wine, dehydration, lack of or too much sleep can all trigger a Migraine attack for some people. Keeping a Migraine diary is an easy way to track what is triggering your attacks and working to help your attacks. You can download a free version HERE.

If your doctor isn't able to help you, it may well be time to consult a Migraine and headache specialist. It's important to note that neurologists aren't necessarily Migraine and headache specialists. Take a look at the article Migraine and Headache Specialists - What's So Special? If you need help finding a Migraine specialist, check our listing of Patient Recommended Migraine and Headache Specialists.

Good luck

Nancy

veggiebug

7/ 7/09 11:52pm

Thank you for your time.  I'm still not fully understanding the article you mention, specifially Ocular, Optical, and Opthalmic Migraines.  It doesn't fully describe how to define my Migraines.  All I know is what I'm considering Optical Migraines for lack of the proper word, are painless, and I have loss of vision where I'm looking.  I can see something in my peripheral view until I look directly at it.  Then it disappears.  It lasts for 20-30 minutes from start to finish.

 

My triggers have been nearly mastered.  I know exactly what causes my painful migraines.  There isn't a single food, odor or daily routine that I don't know how it will affect me.  I've done the diaries, I still keep track of every migraine and how I treat it.  Mostly I'm concerned about how to learn more or define my "optical" or whatever migraines they are.

 

 

Nancy Harris Bonk, Health Guide

7/ 8/09 12:11am

Well then the best thing is to see a "true" Migraine specialist. I don't mean to harp, really, but only a doctor can diagnose us, and our minds can run wild with self-diagnosis if you know what I mean .

 

Migraine and Headache Specialists - What's So Special? is a really good article, I hope you enjoy it.

 

Keep us posted, ok?

Nancy