When A Migraine Feels Like A Stroke

By the time you realize it’s happening, it’s too late.

by @viniciusamano on Unsplash

I’ve suffered from migraines for years, and only once or twice has a headache accompanied the alarming list of neurological symptoms that seem to arise out of nowhere.

It always starts with a lightning-fast moment of confusion. That’s it. For a split second, I’m disoriented. And then my vision goes.

Within minutes, I can’t see at all. What starts with a few glittery zig-zags in my peripheral vision quickly turns into flashing lights, somewhat resembling a kaleidoscope, taking over my entire field of vision. The world around me slows down; I can’t produce any words, and I stumble. I open my mouth to ask for help, but nobody can hear me. I reach out for the nearest object to hold onto, but my arms move as if they are deep underwater, unable to reach any nearby anchors with precision. It’s too late.

I don’t know how long it takes to recover from it. All I know is that I can’t call for help even if I try; I can’t speak, I can’t see, and for the most part, I can’t move. After awhile, I slowly regain my senses, but I feel nauseated. I can see, although everything is still glittery. I can utter a few comprehensible words. I can stand up without falling down.