DOUG TALKS ABOUT A SPECIAL TYPE OF MIGRAINE

(click above for more info on ocular migraines and when to seek help)
 

YOU'RE AT THE COMPUTER working on a spreadsheet. Suddenly you're aware that a big chunk of numbers to the left of your central vision has disappeared. Oh no, it's another one of those aggravating migraines! Actually, it's not just any old migraine, it's a special kind known as an ocular (or visual) migraine.

An ocular migraine presents itself as follows:

• A sudden blind spot occurring in the same area in both eyes
• A gradual development of flashing lights - frequently with multicolored, jagged boundaries
• These visual disturbances move slowly across your field of vision - enlarging, then eventually dissipating
• These symptoms known as an "aura" will last anywhere from 30-60 minutes
• The aura occurs in both eyes with the same intensities and visual field locations
• After the aura vanishes, you may or may not experience a headache (usually there is no headache involved.)

I experienced my first ocular migraine 40 years ago. Larry and I had just played a private party at the top of the Ruan Building in Des Moines. It was a very formal affair involving a good deal of stress. Afterwards we went out to an all-night diner to unwind and to have some breakfast. A few minutes after getting our food, I suddenly realized half my vision in both eyes was gone!

I'd eventually continue to experience these pesky ocular migraines once or twice a year. It wasn't until many years later that I found out there was a name for it and that, other than the inconvenience caused by the symptoms, it's a condition which is not considered serious.

Lately I've been surprised to discover that several of our Memory Brothers' fans, one of our club proprietors and also a close relative also experience ocular migraines. So I thought I'd write a short piece for anyone else out there who might experience these worrisome symptoms to let you know that you're not alone and that it's a relatively benign affliction.

However a word of caution: If you have these types of symptoms involving just one eye, you should seek medical help immediately as it could be a serious condition such as a retinal migraine or a detached retina.