Thanks again folks. It's apparent that this is a very common thing, but rarely discussed, it seems. I really hadn't the faintest idea these scotomas even happened. Really fascinating stuff.

I'll go and get things checked out but I'm not too worried about it, other than the fact that it's a new phenomenon for me. There's no family history of epilepsy or migraine as far as I'm aware. In fact, on the whole, I'm the healthiest bloke you'd ever want to know. In the past 20 years I'd have taken no more than perhaps 30 days of sick leave that was genuine and when I hurt myself I heal very fast. I don't even have a medicare card these days, because I haven't bothered to renew it since it expired about 4 years ago.

Suze, I am a little concerned about BP, but mine has always been pretty constant at around 110-120/70, so it's not too bad. I have a friend who's a nurse so I might get her to do a reading quick smart. I've also decided to stop using Maggi's Asian liquid seasoning which I've been using quite a bit for all sorts of cooking, since it contains a heap of MSG and glutamate is known as a common trigger for migraine. It can't hurt as a first approximation. Does anybody have any specific foods they know to trigger an attack?

I'm just pleased that this seems to be merely a visual thing so far. I'd hate to experience something like Ammonite and StG have described.

Anti

Blood pressure may be a factor, however I have rarely suffered from high blood pressure except from natural causes like running, riding a bicycle, kick boxing - normal levels for normal exertion. Although I have actually had a migraine develop while out jogging - but then I looked at my circumstances and was having a great deal of stress at work.

My doctors prescribed anti-hypertension drugs to be taken as a preventative. However, I so rarely have migraines now, that I don't bother taking the pills. One thing you should know is that drugs don't work once the migraine has really set in. If you want to take any medication take it at the first hint when you are aware that your vision isn't quite right. Apparently the digestive system goes into a kind of lock down.

Migraines are often genetic, you may well have had a family member who suffered in silence. I have often just not said anything - people who don't get them simply do not understand - as you have observed here. Also, I know when attempting to describe the aural effect people think its sounds entertaining, when as you know, it is anything but. Makes no difference whether your eyes are open or not, in fact the intensity is more obvious when one's eyes are closed.

The danger, as I said, is if you develop one while driving. All I can say is I have been very lucky. If you know you are driving for a long time, best to pull over for an hour till the aura stops. However, your reflexes will not be as good.

Best to get a check up - particularly as you have started getting them later in life, there appears to be no genetic factor, nor any recent changes to your lifestyle? You have had to deal with a lot of stress in the past, but didn't have migraines then. Carrying anger with you is bad, hence suggestion to practice meditation.

Cont'd

Cont'd

For myself, they (migraines) are a part of being me, like some people are genetically disposed to other problems. I manage them. My last partner could actually tell when I am having a migraine now, because, he'd notice my eyes looking glassy. This was great because I hate telling anyone.

It is important to be taken seriously with conditions like this. If your partner suffered from migraines you wouldn't want her boss forcing her to drive, or for her to take the kids to school while in the midst of one. A friend who suffered from migraines was ordered into work by his boss - a drive of 40 K. Lucky for the boss, he arrived safely, but then had to stay in bed for 3 days after to recover.

PS

Yes you irritate me for your dogmatic stance and insults on issues, but I guess I must care or I wouldn't have bothered writing. I don't write here as much as I used to.

So don't waste the effort I and others have made and get a bloody check-up.

I wouldn't call myself an angry person, Ammonite. I like a good argument though...

Thanks for the advice and the concern. I'll get onto it.

Dear Anti,

We all care, you silly old coot.
And I mean that in the nicest way.

Diet does play an important part in your
well-being. I used to drink heaps of
diet-coke until one night - I ended up in
the emergency department of the Austin
Hospital, here in Melbourne
with severe heart palpitations and blood
pressure through the roof. They told me to
give up diet-coke alltogether as well as
coffee and they put me onto stronger
medication. As for MSG - I'm not allowed
to have it - and I react to foods that have it.
So be careful what you eat and drink.

Very relieved though that you're having things
checked out.

I may not have explained myself very well in my previous post, but the friend who was commenced on Noten did NOT have high blood pressure!
She was put on the Noten purely as a migraine preventative after all else failed. It worked for her.

I have also been talking to another friend today, whose migraines were caused by hormone fluctuations. She has been commenced on a common antidepressant called Efexor (and NO, she isn't badly depressed), and since then she has had far fewer migraines or visual disturbances. When she does get a migraine, it is much less severe too.

Antiseptic, it doesn't matter if no-one else in the family ever had visual disturbances before as far as you know.
(Maybe 'Great Uncle Payne' died at a young age from an unknown visual problem!)
Go and get your medicare card renewed, and speak to the GP about a full checkup, including prostate tests, like all bright men
should do :)
You do want to remain healthy for your kids don't you?