Visual Migraine

Hi, I have been wondering if anyone else has suffered visual migraines since being on AFib medication.

[CDreamer]

Have you had an ablation recently?

[Hidden in reply to CDreamer]

Hi there, no I have never had one and I have to say that my Afib is generally well controlled. I sometimes wonder why I am still on medication but GP won’t take me off it. His answer is don’t change what’s working!

[CDreamer in reply to Hidden]

Visual auras with migraine are common after ablation and I have heard of some meds inducing nightmares so it’s not a huge leap but I’ve never heard of it.

I used to suffer visual migraines - until I had an ablation. Visual migraines are associated with PFO - hole in the septum between the atrias - which is why they are common after ablation and why I asked.

My PFO was discovered during an ablation and although not repaired because it wasn’t causing a problem, for some bizarre reason all migraines disappeared - but then I am often contra to others experiences!

About 20-25% have a PFO without knowing it.

Re: your doctor - I do wish doctors would listen to patients more. What med precisely do you think may be linked with the VMs and what evidence do you have for suspecting it?

[Hidden in reply to CDreamer]

Well I did think it might be an accumulative affect of Apixaban, I have been on it for four years nearly, they have definitely got worse over the years. Had my first one about 12 years ago when having chemo. I then had about one a year. Since Afib started they have increased to about three a month. I just feel a bit nauseous immediately before it starts lasts about 15-20 mins. Just getting really annoying now and I am a bit scared in case I get one when driving.

[CDreamer in reply to Hidden]

My immediate thought was that if they started 12 years ago & you only started Apixaban 4 years ago - it’s unlikely to be caused by Apixaban & stopping that would increase your risk of stroke.

The AF may well exacerbate the visual disturbance if you have a PFO so - Looks like you need further investigation so get back to your GP. ASAP.

[DK81 in reply to CDreamer]

I have never heard before of a connection between AFib and ophthalmic migraine. I have had attacks of the latter periodically all my life. In the last twelve months they have been on 30-10-18 at 09 34 (mild attack), 04-11-18 at 06 58 (mild attack), 9-4-19 at 19 44 (mild attack), 16-4-19 at 12 18, 24-4-19 at 15 00, 26-8-19 at 07 51. They last about 30 minutes, and I just ignore them!

[Hidden in reply to DK81]

Thanks all x

[CDreamer in reply to DK81]

The association is between a hole in the septum - not AF.

[Patchwork123]

I have had visual migraines for many years and only been on apixaban for less than a year so don’t think there is a connection although they are getting more frequent as I get older. I have had them come on whilst driving but just took extra caution.

[mavisrich]

yes I have too many of them and I have been on edoxaban and am now on warfarin but still getting them.