The first time I experienced an ocular migraine, I was around 20 years old. I was lounging on the couch, watching TV, when suddenly, my vision became blurry. It was a sweltering summer day, and I figured I was just overheated, so I decided to lie down for a bit.
Then, the most bizarre thing began to unfold: in my right peripheral vision, I noticed a band of flashing lights flickering. Within minutes, this strange phenomenon expanded, completely obscuring my right-side vision. I tried to shut my eyes, but the lights persisted. Panic set in as my stomach churned—I was terrified. Should I call 911? In hindsight, maybe I should have. But just as I began to feel certain that I wasn’t having a stroke, the flashing lights vanished, leaving me with a pounding headache on the right side of my head—exactly where the lights had appeared.
For some, the logical step would have been to consult a doctor right away. However, as a young woman who was somewhat fearful of medical professionals, I chose a different route. I recalled a friend who had experienced something similar, so I reached out to her. She mentioned that during her own episodes, her doctor had attributed the flashing lights to dehydration and an electrolyte imbalance.
Considering the heat of that day, I chalked it up to dehydration and stocked up on Emergen-C, an electrolyte supplement, as if it were my new mission. Over the next few years, I had intermittent episodes of flashing lights, still convinced they were linked to dehydration. However, when I became pregnant with my first child, these occurrences became more frequent. With a new life depending on me, I figured it was time to get a professional opinion.
After explaining my symptoms to my midwife, she suggested that it sounded like a migraine, which can be common during pregnancy. Later, when I spoke with my optometrist, she confirmed that my experience seemed to be the aura phase of a migraine. She informed me that many of her patients dealt with similar symptoms, and the key was to find ways to manage them effectively. Everyone reacts differently to migraine triggers, and finding relief can be a challenging journey.
She recommended that I review a list of migraine triggers and work on eliminating them. However, the list seemed overwhelming, as it included almost everything I consumed—coffee, chocolate, cheese, nuts, and onions—as well as lifestyle factors like sleep deprivation, stress, and hormonal fluctuations. It felt impossible to avoid these triggers without spending all my time in bed, meditating, while consuming nothing but rice and water.
So, I accepted that I’d have to live with the auras (and was relieved to know they weren’t a sign of impending doom). At that point, I only had mild headaches following these episodes, so I thought it was just something I had to endure.
However, everything changed after giving birth. I was met with relentless migraine attacks that were excruciating. Whether it was the intense sleep deprivation that came with being a new mom or the hormonal chaos, my migraines escalated. The auras became a side note; I was now grappling with full-blown pain that was overwhelming (to all my fellow mamas dealing with migraines, I feel your pain!).
Now, when I experience an aura, I find it more frustrating than frightening. Thankfully, these auras don’t occur too often, but when they do, I’m simply annoyed that my vision will be compromised for the next half-hour, and that a debilitating migraine will likely follow. I now view the aura as a warning sign that I’m about to be hit with severe pain.
So, that’s my story. If you’ve ever had an aura, you know how strange the experience can be, especially in those initial episodes when you’re unsure if something serious is happening.
As a word of caution: if you suddenly lose vision in one eye and experience a series of flashing lights, seek medical attention immediately. It’s crucial to rule out serious conditions before concluding that it’s a migraine. You can never be too careful with your health.
For those interested in further resources about pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent guide here, or explore more about couples’ fertility journeys here.
In summary, my experience with ocular migraines has taught me a lot about my body and the importance of listening to what it’s telling me. If you’ve ever faced similar challenges, remember you’re not alone, and it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional for peace of mind.