A Complex Situation

Here's what happened....

I was driving home from my regularly-attended dance class when I saw a flashing light in my left peripheral vision. The pulsing light grew bigger and bigger, filling more of my field of vision. Having never seen this before, I called my mom. In the course of our ten minute conversation, my left arm and face went numb, and soon I could not think of nor form words. I called 911 and struggled to give them my address. The paramedics and Steven both arrived at the house at the same.

At this point I was really scared. Due to my job training, I am very familiar with stroke/TIA symptoms...and that night I was becoming far too familiar with them. So in great alarm, we arrived at the ER where I underwent three hours of testing...to see if I was stroking.

After coming our of my final test (MRI) I could speak again and the numbness and strobing light was replaced with a headache. The attending ER doc was in communication with the neurologist all night, who finally gave me the diagnosis of Complex Migraine with Aura. Aura is a symptom associated with migraines that mimics the neurological signs of a stroke. So though they are harmless, they are quite frightening.

Later I was feeling fine and wanted to go home, but the nurse informed me that I had earned myself a night at the hospital. After sleeping only 2 hours that night, the neurologist came to see me the next morning to confirm the diagnosis... I guess I get migraines. Who knew?

Our complex situation worked out just fine and Steven and I have discovered a deeper appreciation for each other and for our healthy minds and bodies.