In my early twenties, I encountered a perplexing episode that left me questioning my health. While watching television on a sweltering summer day, my vision suddenly blurred. Initially attributing this to the heat, I decided to rest. However, an unsettling phenomenon began: a flickering band of lights appeared in my peripheral vision. Within moments, this light expanded, obscuring my entire right field of vision. I attempted to close my eyes, but the lights persisted.
Panic set in, and I was uncertain whether to contact emergency services. Just as I was grappling with the fear of a stroke, the lights vanished, leaving me with an overwhelming sense of fatigue and a throbbing headache on the same side where the visual disturbance occurred.
While visiting a doctor is typically advisable after such an incident, my anxiety and fear of medical professionals led me to delay seeking help. Instead, I reached out to a friend who had experienced similar symptoms. She recounted her own “flashing light” episodes, which her doctor attributed to dehydration and an imbalance of electrolytes. Considering the heat that day, I decided to follow her advice and stocked up on electrolyte supplements.
Over the next few years, I experienced intermittent episodes of these flashing lights, mistakenly believing they were linked solely to dehydration. However, during my first pregnancy, the frequency of these occurrences increased, prompting me to consult a healthcare provider. My midwife suggested that these symptoms were indicative of a migraine, which can be common during pregnancy. Following this, I spoke with my optometrist, who confirmed that the symptoms were consistent with the aura phase of a migraine. She reassured me that many of her patients experienced similar phenomena and that, as long as there were no additional concerning symptoms, we could manage them effectively.
She recommended that I identify and eliminate potential migraine triggers. However, the extensive list of common triggers—including coffee, chocolate, and stress—made this task daunting. It felt nearly impossible to avoid all triggers without completely isolating myself.
Consequently, I learned to accept my auras as a part of my experience, relieved to know they were not a sign of impending doom. Initially, I only experienced mild headaches following these episodes, leading me to believe they were manageable inconveniences. However, after the birth of my child, I faced a more intense reality—debilitating migraines that were far more painful than anything I had previously endured.
Whether it was due to the extreme fatigue of caring for a newborn or the hormonal fluctuations of new motherhood, my migraine attacks escalated. The auras became less of a concern as the actual pain took center stage. Fellow mothers who suffer from migraines will know the struggle all too well.
Fortunately, I now approach my auras with annoyance rather than fear. While I do not experience them frequently, when they occur, I recognize them as a precursor to an impending migraine attack. I see the aura as a warning sign that significant pain will soon follow.
If you’ve ever experienced an aura, you understand how strange and disconcerting it can be, especially the first few times when you’re unsure if something serious is happening. Remember, if you ever suddenly experience vision loss accompanied by flashing lights, it’s crucial to seek medical attention to rule out more serious conditions.
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In summary, my experience with ocular migraines has taught me the importance of understanding one’s symptoms and seeking medical advice when necessary. While the journey can be challenging, gaining insights into what our bodies are experiencing is invaluable.
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