[42F] With migraine aura and visual disturbances
Patient Description
A 42-year-old female reports experiencing a dull migraine on the left side of her head for the past 2 hours. This is her second episode, with the first episode lasting less than an hour. The patient describes the pain as mild, rating it a 3 out of 10 in severity. She has identified stress and caffeine as potential triggers. During these episodes, she experiences visual disturbances described as seeing sparkles, which have been present for the past 30 minutes. The patient finds relief with Excedrin. She denies any nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light or sound, and other neurological symptoms such as difficulty speaking or numbness. There is no family history of migraines or other neurological conditions, and she has no other medical conditions or chronic illnesses. The patient does not consume alcohol or use recreational drugs and is not on any other medications.
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Arora's Assessment
What might be happening
Based on the information you have provided, a possible diagnosis is:
- Migraine with Aura: Migraines with aura are a type of headache that can cause visual disturbances such as seeing sparkles or stars, as well as other symptoms like dull or throbbing pain on one side of the head. The aura phase can include visual symptoms like flashing lights, blind spots, or other visual changes. These symptoms typically precede the headache phase but can also occur during the headache.
- Treatment: Common treatments for migraines with aura include over-the-counter medications like Excedrin, prescription medications to prevent or reduce the frequency of migraines, and lifestyle changes to avoid known triggers.
What you can do
- Medication: Since Excedrin helps you, continue to use it as directed. Be cautious not to overuse it, as this can lead to rebound headaches.
- Avoid Triggers: Try to identify and avoid known triggers such as stress and caffeine. Keeping a migraine diary can help you track what might be causing your migraines.
- Rest: Rest in a dark, quiet room when you feel a migraine coming on. This can help reduce the severity of the symptoms.
- Hydration: Stay well-hydrated, as dehydration can sometimes trigger migraines.
- Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a regular sleep schedule, eat balanced meals, and exercise regularly to help reduce the frequency of migraines.
- Use MDandMe: You can use MDandMe to journal your symptoms, track your progress, get insights, and share longitudinal medical notes with your healthcare provider.
What you should look out for
Reasons to see a doctor more urgently:
- If your migraines become more frequent or severe
- If you experience new or unusual symptoms, such as difficulty speaking, numbness, or weakness
- If over-the-counter medications are no longer effective in managing your symptoms
- If you experience any side effects from your medications
Remember, while I can provide information and suggestions, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!
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4 mo ago