In This Storm

I’ve probably mentioned that before.

But then, I am just “coming off” several days of either multiple migraine attacks or a migraine attack with prolonged aura….so I may or may not know what I’m talking about. This neurological stuff is such fun. *grin*

Do let me say: I am so thankful to at least finally be talking about this stuff in my head and having a neurologist say, “Yeah, it could very well be migraine…” rather than thinking to myself that I have a brain tumor…which is what I did for the greater part of four years.

And…I am a better writer during migraine attacks. Go figure.

And…that anger I so often battle: Not. Really. Anger.

But that’s an entire post in and of itself.

For now:

Much. To. Do.

I may write well during migraine attacks.

And a lot.

(I only write well because:

1. I can sit very, very still except for my hands, and
2. I *don’t* usually have headaches during attacks. (*If* I sit very, very still.))

Housework, on the other hand… Yikes!

As soon as I start moving around the pressure in my head and face, on the right side of my head, builds and builds and builds.

So, while I try to do something about the house that is falling down around me before my sister stops by on Wednesday and an Organizer comes to help clear out the Dungeon on Friday, you can chew on this thought:

“Migraine has now been shown to be a genetic neurological disease characterized by flare-ups often called “Migraine attacks.” A headache can be one symptom of a Migraine attack, but it’s just that — one of the possible symptoms. Some Migraineurs (people with Migraine disease) have Migraine attacks without having a headache.” Read More HERE.
~What Is a Migraine? Migraine is a genetic neurological disease…From About.com

Among my own regular migraine symptoms (without getting into the four stages of the attack for the moment) are:

• Food Cravings (especially chocolate). Seriously.
• Digestion issues. (That’s all I’m saying.).
• Mood changes: depression, irritability, *rage*.
• Muscle stiffness in my neck.
• Fatigue in the early stages. Post headache - almost euphoric at times.
• Water retention in the early stages.
• Visual symptoms: transient blurred vision, phosphenes.
• Olfactory hallucinations.
• Reduced sensation on right side of the body - numbness especially of the face and tongue.
• Word finding difficulty (especially if the attacks “cluster”).
• Hearing impairment.
• Hypersensitivity to sounds.
• Hypersensitivity to light.
• Pressure, and occasionally intense pain, almost always on the right side - especially at the temple, in the jaw, around the ear, and around the eye.
• Nausea.
• Nasal congestion early; runny nose in the latter parts.
• Hot flashes.

There are other issues, probably… When I am thinking more clearly later I’ll review that list.

During January and February I had many symptoms not listed here that could very well have been related to migraine. (Possibly Basilar Type Migraine according to my neurologist.) This makes a lot of sense to me since they were clearly episodic.

If you are interested in more Migraine Info, some of the best online info I have found is listed under the “Migraine” link on my sidebar.