Ocular migraines Information 2019 – Symptoms & Treatment

Ocular migraines symptoms, ocular migraines treatment, ocular migraines causes

Migraines are common for many people but, only suffering people can understand the uneasiness and pain. Migraines are pretty common like cramps but, you have to treat them carefully in order to make them effect less. This migraine causes a headache like all other migraines and we have added symptoms of ocular migraines, treatment for ocular migraines and causes of an ocular migraine which will help you to deal easily with this migraine.

What is Ocular Migraine?

Migraines are commonly understood as headaches that are triggered by certain factors. An ocular migraine is a term used to describe vision loss in one or both the eyes that last for one hour with or without a migraine headache. It is also called as ocular, visual or an ophthalmic migraine. The symptoms of ocular migraines are different from that of normal migraines. Every attack of a migraine headache has an aura which is commonly in the form of visual disturbances like flashing of light or haziness. These are seen in both the eyes. This is a rare finding and does not affect everyone who has a migraine headache. The most important thing is to differentiate the loss of vision from other pathological conditions. Many times the symptoms are ignored by patients because they go away on their own, but you must remember that any vision loss must be taken seriously and investigated immediately.

Causes of ocular migraines

The exact cause of an ocular migraine is not known, but there is a very strong genetic predisposition in 70% cases with a positive family history. The possible pathology behind these headaches are spasms occurring in the blood vessels of the retina or changes in the nerve cells of the retina. Some medications like anti-depressants and anti-epileptic medications are known to reduce the attacks of a migraine. Studies are now trying to assess their efficacy in controlling ocular migraines.

Symptoms of an ocular migraine

Below are the symptoms of an ocular migraine and if you are suffering from any of the below symptoms, then consult a doctor immediately.

(1) Patients with migraine headaches may notice the symptoms of the aura before the attack in both the eyes. The temporary blindness of ocular migraines may replace the visual disturbances or be present in addition to the aura of a migraine headache.
(2) Vision is affected in both the eyes for 10-20 minutes. It could be a complete loss of vision or flashing lights with a blurred field of vision. Involvement of both the eyes is diagnostic of an ocular migraine.
(3) A typical migraine headache. The pain is generally:-

• One sided (affects one-half of the head)
• Throbbing pain
• Pain increases with light, movement, and other stimulation
• Moderate to severe pain

(4) Associated symptoms are nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and stimulation.
(5) The presence of known triggering factors for the headaches. Most common food triggers include aged cheese, artificial sweeteners, red wine, caffeinated drinks etc. Other common triggers include stress both physical and emotional.

Treatment for Ocular Migraine

Ocular migraines generally last for few minutes to a maximum of 30 minutes. Since they go away on their own, they do not need any treatment but diagnoses and awareness about them are of utmost importance.

A person who is diagnosed with ocular migraines should be careful while driving and always be accompanied by someone. If the attack comes up suddenly then he/she should be aware enough to stop driving immediately otherwise it can prove to be fatal.

The triggering factors should be identified and if they related to food, then they should be avoided. This can be done by keeping a record of the food taken and retrospectively checked to identify the triggering factors.
If your headaches are associated with visual disturbances (aura), you should see your doctor to rule out ocular migraines.
Many times, migraine attacks are triggered by stress. If that is the case then you should try to make lifestyle modifications like –

• Eat healthy food, free from preservatives
• Get adequate sleep
• Have a regular exercise routine
• Yoga and meditation

Medications for ocular migraines includes simple painkillers, aspirin, antidepressants and anti epileptic medicines. Blood pressure medication called beta blockers also help to control the attacks of migraine headaches.

References:

Below are the few references for ocular migraines and here you can find more detailed information on ocular migraines. If you liked our content, kindly do help us by clicking on any of the sharing buttons below. Hope we have provided all the necessary information and write down your thoughts in the comments section in case if we missed anything. Do drop your mail address in the below subscription box below to get all latest updates directly to your mailbox for free.

1. https://www.hxbenefit.com/ocular-migraine.html
   
2. http://umm.edu/health/medical/reports/articles/migraineheadaches
3. http://www.eyecenter.emory.edu/video/ocular-migraines-video.html