I have been having occular migraines for most of my life (now 52). I honestly don't think they understand them that well, but are trying to. Mine resolve themselves in 23 minutes, to the second. They are brought on by triggers; food, bright light, scents, even noise sometimes. When I was put on a combination of BP lowering medicines (Diovan and Atenolol) they pretty much stopped.
I had my surgery just 3 weeks ago (am still on same dosage of BP meds). They are back with a vengeance. The first 2 weeks I had these fun glowheaded worm things, wiggling around my visual field. Then the zig zaggy prism things. But the one which bothers me the most (ie, kinda scares me) is the one where I lose part of my visual field, like a chunk out of one eye just goes completely black. I did not have those very often, ever, but when I did it was always at a time of high stress or high salt intake. I always assumed that particular kind was just another form of migraine (and probably asked my opthalmologist, too). Because they just recently were happening so frequently, I mentioned them to my surgeon at my 3 week post op. He actually sat down at that point to talk to me. Of course there is a danger of TIA. His caution to me was that with a TIA, the path is always the same....therefore suggesting that the partial blacking out of my vision in the exact same place each time might suggest a TIA. But, because I have a bovine valve, and these embolisms are very rare in bovine valve replacements, he hesitated to be alarmed by my description. Of course, I am to watch for any accompanying signs; slurred speech, numbness, clumsiness, etc.. I have been trying to pay very close attention to what surrounds these events. Lately I notice that I feel almost a muscular eye sensation just before I get that particular brand. I will probably call my opthalmologist next week to see how soon I should go in to see him. The surgeon also mentioned the possible need for a neurologist. Because I never have any pain or headache associated with these, I've just learned to let them pass through......like a thunderstorm.
I don't know if this helps you at all. I'd be interested to know why they think a stroke was caused by endocarditis and then is somehow related to migraines. I know there has been recent scientific conjecture that those with migraines are at greater risk of stroke. Somewhere on this forum there is a link to an article.
Do you notice any change in you since the TIA?
Marguerite
