I am wanting to go back to work as a hairstylist but get migraine aura. It started in 2008 after the stent coiling procedure. I get them almost every month two to six times a month. They start with double vision then I see zig zag lines in bright colors as well as blinding silver flashes. They last 10-20 minutes and I am out of it one to three days. Sometimes with the worst headache. Is anyone working and experiencing migraine aura? If so can you give me tips on how you deal with this at work? Thanks, Jen
I had my first migraine aura about 20 years ago. My AVM & aneurysms weren't diagnosed until a year ago.
I take Maxalt for my migraines. It helps if I can take a Maxalt & a couple of Tylenol as soon as I get the aura--if so, I may not always get the headache.
I teach reading/English classes, so I can always have the kids read independently for a while if I can't see straight. I keep some Ripley's Believe it or Not books, plus some other high interest books for reward reading. I pull those out if I need some quiet for a bit. I have had them hit me after school & I've gone & gotten an icepack from the nurse's office & hung out with an assistant principal until the Maxalt kicked in & I've felt safe to drive home.
My migraines changed last fall (I had Gamma Knife radiation to start shrinking my AVM & a crani to clip 2 aneurysms last summer). My neurosurgeon referred me to a neurologist. She prescriped Nortriptylene & "good sleep hygiene" to help manage my migraines so that I get fewer of them. It really helped to reduce the frequency & intensity of the migraines.
Thank you for the information, glad to hear you found ways to cope with this. I think I get them while sleeping as I have had one upon waking. I don't sleep very well. I need to find a good Doctor to help me understand why this is happening. I am looking forward to working again and glad to hear you are able to push through it. It gives me hope to at least try. Thanks again, Jen
Ah Jen...I experience migraines ever since coiling...however, I am not sure I have had migraine aura...and I hurt for you...I am so unsure how you are suppose to work with them...I do hope people herer can help...
Have a Beautiful day ~ Colleen
Hi Colleen, don't hurt for me although I am like you. I hurt for you and everyone here! Side effect are hard to deal with. Working will be challenging but I love what I do and miss my clients, they are like family! The hard part will be not knowing when I will get one, so I will be some what on guard. I'm sure I will relax the more I work. I am looking forward to it, so what do I have to lose. :]
I have had migraine headaches ever since I was a teenager. Then about 30 years ago the auras started to come before the migraine. Kinda a forewarning of what was coming. I was on a strong migraine pill so when the aura came I knew I had to take the pill. it really helped the headache wasn't as bad. Since my rupture I still get the auras but no migraine. Strange, huh. I have experience headaches all my life, Just something I learned to live with. I was always told that I had to learn to tolerate the headaches, so I did. It is really hard to work with the auras but mine only lasted to maybe 3 or 5 minutes. Hope you can find relief, Jen. You will be in my thoughts & prayers.
Take care.
Hi Jen,
Yes I experience this and numbness in hands and face. I just got done telling my husband what I do for mine. He also suffers from this. What works for me doesn't work for him but it could for you. As soon as my eyes start seeing the zig zag lines I take a tylenol and lay down. It doesn't always work but does 95% of the time. Keep trying new things until you find what works for you. I will add you to my prayer list. I first started having these when I got pregnant with my first daughter. She is 17 now.
I am having my 5mm unruptured aneurym coiled on Wed. the 11th. I am praying for no more headaches because I have suffered with them most of my life. I know headaches are typical after coiling but I also know that my Lord and Savior can do anything. I have the right attitude, faith and peace about God's timing in this coiling.
Please let me know when you find what works for you. My husband was skeptical of tylenol working but migraine meds just don't work for me.
Hugs,
Deanna
Your positive outlook will help you so...oh much Jen...~
Have a Beautiful day ~ Colleen
I have had those for 25 years and my daughter too. I had a pipeline procedure 2 weeks ago, and seem to get a few sparkles here and there. But back to you, I began taking topamax and two years ago and never had another one. It does take your energy away for a day or two, strange.(i had terrible blind spots also, after the zigzags and sparkles)
Hi Aggie, I am sorry to hear that you have had headaches all your life. Glad to hear the aura doesn't last long. I am doing the same thing you are I try to live with the pain. I have tried Frova, Tylenol, B12, plain old aspirin works well. B12 seems to shorten the visual light show :] I am really thankful I have a high pain tolerance, I'm sure you do too. Thanks for your prayers and I Will pray for you. God bless you.
Hi Deanna, Tylenol does work for me too. Lately I just ride them out without medication. I just sit if I can but usually I have to lay down. I get really nauseous and the aura seem to be lasting a bit longer. I really don't like taking medication. I agree with you that Jesus can heal us so I will pray for you and your husband too. I am glad you are taking care of yourself and getting the coiling. It has been 4 years and three months since my coiling, it was 5-6mm very wide neck so I had a stent too. I pray that God will give you peace and healing and a quick recovery. I love this verse in the Bible Philippians 4:6-7
Hi Denise, I bet your glad to have your procedure behind you. I have heard about topamax and that it works well for some people. I will talk to my neurologist about it, I am so happy for you. I will keep you and your daughter in my prayers.