Have I found my aura?
I was diagnosed with migraines in 2005. It took some time to make the diiagnosis because I don't have "classic migraine symptoms" - Even when my migraines are at their worse, I have no problem with smells, lights, noise. I usually end up taking 2 doses of medication because I don't have an aura or "window of opportunity" to warn me prior to it becoming a full attack. Sometimes I literally wake up with a migraine.
Last night/this morning, I had a migraine that was so bad I kept my clothes on in case I had to go the hospital. I ended up taken demoral (which an internist was kind enough to prescribe for me in severe situations).
However as the headaches was subsiding and I could think clearly, I made a discovery: Hours before my migraine started, when I laid down to take a nap, I could hear THE BLOOD POUNDING IN MY EARS.
I emphasize that because migraines run in my family - my aunt had a migraine where should could also hear the blood pounding in her ears and ended up driving herself to the emergency room.
I can at least now recall 3-4 times when I could hear the blood pounding in my ears.
So my question is - Was that because the migraine was so severe, or is that MY aura to be on the lookout for?
I am trying to listen to my body if it is possible, because my neurologist told me that people without aura are more likely to have strokes (both of my grandparents had strokes and they, along with my aunt have high blood pressure. My pressure is normal, but I still think this could be a tell-tale sign.)
Thanks for your help.
Caroline
Hi ckw1969,
We can't tell you if you've found your aura or not. Keep in mind, however, that only 25-30% of Migraineurs experience aura.
We are not medical professionals - what we can do is provide you with information. Sometimes when people are in pain their blood pressure goes up, I know mine does. Do you have any ringing in your ears? Does is sound more like whooshing in your head? There is a condition called Idiopathic Intrcranial Hypertension aka IIH (formerly called Pseudotumor Cerebri) where too much cerebrospinal fluid made or does not absorb well. We have some information you can read: Pseudotumor Cerebri (IIH) - The Basics.
Migraine with aura, not without aura, may put Migraineurs at an increased risk of stroke. This issue is addressed in this article: More Research Links Migraine With Aura and Stroke in Women.
A Migraine specialist is the doctor who is the expert who is best equipped to treat patients with Migraines and headaches. We have a list of patient recommended specialists you can see HERE, and this article - Migraine and Headache Specialists - What's So Special? will fill in the rest of the details for you.
Good luck
Nancy
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