Ocular migraines: Anybody else get... - Asthma Community ...

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Ocular migraines

9 Replies

Anybody else get ocular migraines with either Relvar or Incruse? I have been put on both since 29th October and had three of these visual experiences since. My optician says my eye pressures are ok, but it just seems odd to keep getting these. I feel dizzy just before they start and washed out and a bit nauseous after them, they last between 10 and 15 minutes. I user to get them years ago, back when my asthma was behaving itself, but not had one for at least two years now. I never get full blown headache type migraines, just these visual ones. Most odd.....

9 Replies
starveycat profile image
starveycat

I get occular migraines but there seems to be no rhyme or reason for when they happen. My doc told me to take s paracetamol at the beginning of one. Good luck

Carolofcambridge profile image
Carolofcambridge

I get these too, but I don’t think there is any association with asthma. Sometimes I get several in a week then nothing for many months. No idea what triggers them, mine usually last up to 30 minutes and, like you, I feel a bit knocked out afterwards. They only started about ten years ago, I am aged 67 now. I have had asthma since my early 30s. Yours may be associated with the medication but could just be one of those things that is hard to pin down in terms of the cause.

Incomplete profile image
Incomplete

I also get them. Due to a heart problem they can’t prescribe conventional medications. My neurologist tried a range of things, including Topiramate before he suggested riboflavin. That’s actually been more helpful than all the prescription medications combined

Lorcas_15 profile image
Lorcas_15

Ocular migraines are maddening. I first had one as a teenager then none until I was pregnant in my thirties and they've gradually increased in frequency over the years. I think this year has been the worst so far and I'm now 71 and have been on regular asthma meds for 9 years,currently Fostair 100/6 and montelukast tabs.

in reply to Lorcas_15

Hello Lorcas_15. I started Montelukast mid October, not sure if they are a trigger for my migraines or not. I was tried on Fostair, Symbicort and Flutiform but we discovered I react badly to Formoterol which is the LABA common to them all. Think that's why they are trying the Relvar. I am now 63 and didn't start with these visual firework displays until my 50's. The chest consultant is due to phone me again in about 4 weeks, so will keep a detailed diary as to when these happen. Trying not to worry is the hardest part!!! Thank you for your reply.

I've been getting these too, just in the last couple of years. I have ocular hypertension and thought it was maybe related but the optician said everything was ok. I used to have regular severe full blown migraines as a younger adult which would knock me out for a day. By the time I was 60 these disappeared.

I get the feeling that these ocular events occur when I am tired and a bit stressed and have been looking at screens for some time. Luckily they last less than an hour and I don't seem to get other symptoms. I do use Fostair 200/6 daily.

in reply to

Hi stones93. I have I feeling mine are stress related as just cant get my breathing sorted out!!! Will be keeping a diary.

Poobah profile image
Poobah

I used to get these and they were unpredictable and I missed work etc. By coincidence I started taking VitD3 and the aura migraines subsided, only to re-emerge after I had been on Spiriva for 6 months. It turned out that the Spiriva had given me high blood pressure. I spoke with the hospital team and it's not uncommon for inhalers to cause low potassium levels in the blood, which can result in high blood pressure and in my case, the return of migraines. I now take potassium and VitD3 and I no longer have the migraines and my BP has improved.

NB taking supplements without knowing your levels, especially potassium is not recommended. I had tests and my potassium levels were rock bottom. Even now by VitD levels are only just adequate despite taking 2000iu daily.

in reply to Poobah

Thank you for yr reply Poobah. Much appreciated. I am on D3 supplements for my osteoporosis and my blood pressure is usually on the low side, but I do have a digital blood pressure monitor upstairs(somewhere in the 'messy cupboard)so might dig it out and check!! Keep meaning to ask my GP to check my potassium levels for me, think it's very important they keep an eye on that.

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