Lingering Questions: The Mystery of My Migraines
As a 19-year-old, I still can’t shake the memories of my migraines from when I was between the ages of 12 and 14. It all began in sixth grade, when I started suffering from debilitating migraines. The episodes were accompanied by terrifying symptoms: numbness in various parts of my body, visual disturbances known as auras that would appear 10 to 30 minutes prior to the onset, nausea, and occasionally a loss of speech and motor coordination. The dizziness and imbalance only compounded the distress. I often found myself sleeping excessively—sometimes for up to 12 hours—just to escape the pain or find a moment of relief. The migraines would vanish for extended periods only to return unpredictably, with each episode escalating in intensity and duration before fading away again. My parents mentioned that I was on a waiting list for a consultation with a neurologist; however, that appointment never materialized. By ninth grade, the migraines had vanished as mysteriously as they had come, and they have not recurred since then. During those formative years, I experienced significant stress, which coincided with the unpredictable nature of the migraines occurring at various times and in different scenarios. I realize this may sound trivial—many people assert that if something is no longer an issue, it's best to leave it be. Although I graduated from high school free of migraines, I still wake up anxiously wondering if today will be the day they return. I don’t wish to occupy a doctor's time with a concern that seems dormant, so I thought sharing my experience here might provide some insight. Perhaps someone can help me understand why I went through this ordeal and whether I should be concerned about a possible recurrence. At the time, I wasn't smoking or taking any medications, and I was around 5 feet tall. This saga of migraines lasted roughly two and a half to three years. Any information or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
Answers (1)
8/2/2025, 4:10:56 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to have lingering questions about your past migraines, especially given their intensity and the challenging symptoms you experienced. Although the migraines have not returned since ninth grade, it’s normal to feel anxious about their potential return. Let's break down your concerns and what you might consider moving forward.
Main Points:
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Understanding Your Migraines: The symptoms you described, including auras, numbness, and nausea, are consistent with a type of migraine known as "migraine with aura." These episodes can often be triggered by stress, hormonal changes, diet, or other factors.
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Recurrence Concerns: While it’s natural to wonder about a recurrence, many individuals experience migraines only during certain life stages. The absence of episodes in your later teenage years is a positive sign, and many people find their migraines lessen or resolve entirely as they mature.
Explanation:
Migraine is a complex neurological condition that often improves with age. Stress is a well-known trigger, and given your experiences during middle school, that may have played a significant role in your episodes. The mind-body connection is powerful; managing stress can impact migraine frequency and intensity.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Any Changes: If you experience any new, unusual symptoms or if old symptoms return, consider keeping a journal to track potential triggers, like stress, specific foods, or sleep patterns. This can provide insights into your health.
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Stress Management: Since stress was a possible trigger for your past migraines, incorporating relaxation techniques like mindfulness, yoga, or breathing exercises could be beneficial. Regular physical activity and good sleep hygiene also support overall wellbeing.
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Consult a Professional If Needed: If your anxiety about migraines continues or if you develop new concerns, it may be worth considering a consultation with a healthcare professional or allergist. Getting their guidance can help ease your mind about recurrence.
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Stay Informed: Educate yourself about migraines from reputable sources like the American Migraine Foundation. This knowledge can empower you to recognize and address any future issues.
Conclusion:
Though your migraines seem to be behind you, it's completely valid to seek reassurance about your past experiences. Taking proactive steps in monitoring your health and managing stress can help let you feel more in control. If you have any other questions or need support, feel free to reach out!
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