Roshi introduces herself and shares her ongoing struggle with migraines, specifically focusing on her experiences with silent and vestibular migraines. During a trip to India and Southeast Asia, she began having strange episodes characterized by dizziness, disassociation, and physical symptoms like pins and needles and cold sensations. Upon returning home, these episodes continued intermittently, leading her to explore various possible medical explanations, including postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and issues related to her chronic conditions.
In August, after enduring intense heat and humidity, Roshi had another episode followed by a severe headache, which she immediately recognized as a migraine. She describes the intense pain that often accompanies migraines and the frustration of not always experiencing the typical headache aspect. Instead, she frequently encounters non-pain symptoms, such as dizziness and feelings of impending doom, which complicate her understanding of her own condition.
Roshi explains that migraines are a neurovascular disorder affecting blood vessels in the brain and spine, which can lead to various neurological and vascular symptoms. She emphasizes that migraines encompass more than just headaches, detailing the four stages: prodrome, aura, headache, and postdrome, while noting that not everyone experiences all phases. For her, the absence of a headache doesn’t equate to a mild experience, as the pre-symptoms can vary widely in intensity and duration.
She highlights the unpredictability of migraines, which can manifest suddenly or build slowly, often leaving her unsure of their onset. Despite managing other chronic health issues, migraines pose additional challenges, especially when they strike unexpectedly. Roshi is still working to identify her triggers, noting the individualized nature of what can provoke migraines, whether it’s environmental factors or dietary components.
In closing, Roshi expresses empathy for others who may share similar unexplained symptoms and emphasizes the importance of finding a label for their experiences. She encourages viewers to seek understanding and appropriate care, reassuring them that they are not alone in their struggles. By sharing her story, she hopes to raise awareness about the complexities of migraines without headaches and create a supportive community for those affected by chronic illness.
