Silent migraine. What to do?

I get them now and then, zig zag flashing lights, but no headache. I didn’t know for quite a while that they were silent migraines.
They invariably go if I lie down quietly for 20 minutes or so. I still don’t know what triggers mine. They don’t really bother me though.

dragonfly46

I get them - one was so bad that I couldn’t speak properly afterwards. I was sent to the stroke clinic where after tests was told it was an optical migraine. There is no medication for it.

yes, I have optical migraines too . was sent to stroke clinic as was thought I'd had a tia, a mini stroke.. couldn't form words or see to read. Stroke ruled out and the optical migraine diagnosed. still occasionally get one.

I have had all kinds of migraines over the years including 'silent ones and vestibular ones (ones where you just feel very dizzy for about 12 hours. Plus ll the usual types.

Like others mine date back to early childhood and, at 80, I still have a mild one now and again. While some can be brought on by specific triggers, most are random and have no obvious triggers at all.

Gingster, I used to have the full blown migraines (hormone related) with sickness, tunnel vision and incredible pain. They began when I was 12 and, thank Heavens, ended when I was about 50, with the menopause. Triggers were travel, hunger and (strangely) relaxation, Friday evenings quite often.

Since then, I've had the visual migraines - a complete breeze by comparison. They're pain free but my sight is impaired by them. All I have to do is sit or lie down for about 20 minutes, then I'm fine.

I have regular checks at the optician, just in case, as the symptoms are similar to a detached retina.

'Same here Mizuna re age and post menopause but unlike you, stress seems to trigger them and unfortunately statins increased the frequency.'

How interesting Juliet. Well, I'm assuming it's the statins but I'm on other medications too. Speaking to our surgery pharmacist today, so I'll see what she thinks.

My triggers were various; if I missed a meal or looked at a phone screen for too long they would start, but mainly it was excitement, which I suppose is a form of stress. I'm always boinging around full of ideas for new projects, so I did make an effort to quieten myself down. Don't need to, now!

I have them too. Usually caused by stress

I get them - one was so bad that I couldn’t speak properly afterwards. I was sent to the stroke clinic where after tests was told it was an optical migraine. There is no medication for it.

I get them especially when I am under stress and usually at the most inconvenient time like when I am doing something on the computer.

Mizuna

I've had them since I was 18 and I'm 70 now. They used to be full-blown migraines but since the menopause they've been 'silent'. Latterly they were coming every day. Then I had a heart problem, stents were inserted, and some medication I've been put on - probably the statins - has completely done away with them. I'm over the moon! (Never had them when driving; they came on when I slowed down or relaxed.)

Same here Mizuna re age and post menopause but unlike you, stress seems to trigger them and unfortunately statins increased the frequency.

Oh Hithere how awful for you.
The silent migraine is definitely preferable but so scary , especially the first time.

Thanks everyone for replying.
Sunglasses are a good idea Drina.

I wish to have just that!

Better than the ice pick on the brain plus my iq dropping 100 points

Should have added, my optician asks about them every time I have a check up.

I get that sort from time to time.
And occasional other sorts. [very rare nowadays, used to be frequent]
And I have vestibular labrynthitis. [have to keep reasonably still first thing in morning, cannot keep looking up down up down, and undulating hills are problematic. And things that whirl].

Mine come on like that, if I have spent too much time in front of computer or tv or both. Maybe combined with lights too bright in a room.
They have never happened when driving. I wouldnt expect them to with me as that is not a trigger for me.

I get vestibular migraine ... no headache ... just nausea and loss of balance. It is horrid!!

I started with these in 2004. I was at work and had no clue what was happening. Luckily the company nurse put me right. I did have it checked out but consultant said all was ok and it happens from time to time. I literally just stop, probably put sunglasses on, take paracetomol and wait. Usually resolves in 30 minutes. If am stressed I def get them more. Nuisance if driving though - just stop - sunglasses (even if not sunny !) and wait. I describe it like a colourful zigzag hem - though little or no headache.

I've had them since I was 18 and I'm 70 now. They used to be full-blown migraines but since the menopause they've been 'silent'. Latterly they were coming every day. Then I had a heart problem, stents were inserted, and some medication I've been put on - probably the statins - has completely done away with them. I'm over the moon! (Never had them when driving; they came on when I slowed down or relaxed.)

Exactly mayBee70.
Very scary the first time. But only , as you say, last 20 mins.
I had one this afternoon and sat with eyes closed, took a couple of panadol and it gradually eased. I worry it will happen if I’m driving - it comes on so suddenly, I was reading and then couldn’t focus on the words.

I feel so sorry for people who have full blown migraine * GG*.
So debilitating. A friend of mine has them and is in bed for two or three days.

I have full on migraines, local pharmacist was really helpful before I had prescription medication.

Pop in and speak to them, there may be an over the counter medication you could take if you are unable to get a standby prescription just in case.

I get them often.
In a bizarre way the fascinate me.

Yes. First time it happened it terrified me! Had a few more over the years but they only last for twenty minutes or so.