TREATING OCULAR MIGRAINE
- Take Preventive Steps. In addition to medication, doctors recommend quitting smoking and stopping the use of oral contraceptives in some instances.
- Try Prescription Drugs. Medications have been developed to help treat the symptoms that can often be taken in advance to head off migraines or reduce the severity of attacks.
- Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices. ...
What is the best way to treat an ocular migraine?
Apr 11, 2022 · The following remedies can help ease your ocular migraine attack without going to the doctor: Apply some pressure on your temples Massage your scalp Lie down to rest Sit in a quiet and dark room Place a damp towel over your head Take over-the-counter painkillers to ease the headache Tips for Managing and Preventing Visual Migraines
What medications can you use to treat ocular migraines?
The most effective way a person can treat an ocular migraine when it happens is to safely take rest once symptoms begin. A dark and quiet environment where one can close and rest the eyes (reducing exposure to irritations such as bright light or sound) can be very helpful and as is taking a recommended pain-reliever as soon as possible.
Is there any medication for an ocular migraine?
You can take these regularly to reduce the severity or frequency of headaches. A device is also a treatment option. Cefaly is a portable headband-like tool for preventing migraines.
Are devices options for treating ocular migraines?
Treatment. Migraine treatment. Based on the doctor’s recommendations. May include the following: Mild: over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen. More severe: prescription medications to help with the migraines or also symptoms that accompany migraines such as nausea. Prevention. Same as prevention for migraines.
What is the best medicine for ocular migraine?
Triptans. Prescription drugs such as sumatriptan (Imitrex, Tosymra) and rizatriptan (Maxalt, Maxalt-MLT) are used to treat migraine because they block pain pathways in the brain. Taken as pills, shots or nasal sprays, they can relieve many symptoms of migraine.Jul 2, 2021
What triggers an ocular migraine?
Prevention. Same as prevention for migraines. Avoid migraine triggers. Common triggers include stress, hormonal changes, bright/flashing lights, drinking alcohol (red wine), changes in the weather, skipping meals/not eating enough, or too much or too little sleep.
Can ocular migraines be cured?
There is no cure for ocular migraine, but some medications, lifestyle adjustments, and other therapies can help prevent or reduce migraine symptoms.Jul 23, 2019
Should I be worried about ocular migraines?
Aura is generally harmless. The visual disturbances may temporarily interfere with certain daily activities such as reading or driving, but the condition usually is not considered serious. It has been noted, however, that aura may be associated with a small increased risk of stroke (cerebral infarction) in women.
What causes Zig Zag in eyes?
People with ocular migraines can have a variety of visual symptoms. Typically you will see a small, enlarging blind spot (scotoma) in your central vision with bright, flickering lights (scintillations) or a shimmering zig-zag line (metamorphopsia) inside the blind spot.
What do ocular migraines indicate?
The term "ocular migraine" can be confusing. It generally means a headache that's accompanied by changes in vision. But the term is often used interchangeably to refer to two different conditions: migraine aura, which usually isn't serious, and retinal migraine, which could signal something serious.
How do I get rid of zigzag vision?
Currently, no cure exists for migraine. Kaleidoscope vision, along with any other migraine symptoms, will typically go away on their own within an hour. People can take medications that relieve painful symptoms and prevent migraine episodes from developing in the first place.Jul 12, 2019
Do ocular migraines lead to stroke?
The bottom line. Ocular migraine, or migraine with aura, and stroke are two different conditions. Having an attack doesn't mean you're having a stroke or are about to have one. However, research has shown that people with migraine with aura are at an increased risk of stroke.May 27, 2020
How long do optical migraines last?
A typical ocular migraine will last for roughly 30 minutes, usually affecting one eye at a time.Jun 1, 2020
Can brain tumors cause ocular migraines?
In another study, Forsyth et al. [5] reported that headaches were similar to ten- sion-type in 77%, migraine-type in 9%, and other types in 14% of 111 patients with a brain tumor. Our cases presented with only migraine-type headache with migraine-like visual aura due to an astrocytoma.Oct 25, 2018
What happens in the brain during an ocular migraine?
The result: The brain produces an outsize reaction to the trigger, its electrical system (mis)firing on all cylinders. This electrical activity causes a change in blood flow to the brain, which in turn affects the brain's nerves, causing pain.Jun 14, 2019
Can ocular migraines be a symptom of something else?
Although sudden vision impairment can also be a sign of stroke or carotid artery disease, true ocular migraines don't actually indicate or cause any damage to your eyes or brain. You can often tell if you're about to experience one if you start to lose your ability to see the focal point of your vision.
How to prevent ocular migraines?
Making an effort to maintain a nutritious and balanced diet, and get plenty of sleep and regular exercise will not only improve a person’s overall health condition, but can also contribute to keeping future ocular migraines at bay (especially if emotional stress is a trigger).
What is the best medication for migraines?
Some common medications which may be recommended include metoclopramide (Reglan), chlorpromazine, or prochlorperazine (Compro). While taking medications to treat a migraine attack, a doctor may also recommend that a person rest and try and sleep in a dark room while symptoms begin to ease.
What is the purpose of pain relievers?
Pain-relievers. Many pain-relievers are designed to target symptoms of pain in general and can thus be used for a variety of medical conditions. Pain-relieving drugs are also referred to as acute or abortive treatment medications, and can be taken during a migraine attack with the aim of stopping symptoms. A doctor may prescribe or recommend the ...
How long does a migraine last?
If a person experiences at least 4 or more migraine attacks in a monthly period, has attacks which last longer than 12 hours at a time (including prolonged aura symptoms), or is not responding well to pain-relieving medications, a doctor may consider preventative therapy.
What is the name of the medication that is used to treat migraines?
45, Migranal), which is known to have fewer side-effects than ergotamine. This medication is also available as an injection or nasal spray. Opioid medications: These medications typically contain narcotics and can sometimes provide adequate migraine symptom relief.
Can triptans be used for migraines?
In this way, triptans provide pain relief and help to alleviate other migraine associated symptoms. Triptan medications can be prescribed in pill, injection and nasal spray forms. Some, which a doctor may prescribe include sumatriptan (Imitrex, Immigran), almotriptan (Axert), frovatriptan (Frova), rizatriptan (Maxalt), zolmitriptan (Zomig), ...
Can a migraine trigger be a trigger?
If during diagnosis, a doctor is able to identify a trigger (or multiple triggers) for ocular migraine, he or she will advise that the affected person actively avoids all that are within their own control in order to reduce risk or prevent potential attacks in the future. Reducing exposure to a particular trigger, such as specific food, smoke, lack of sleep, dehydrated state or strenuous exercise, can considerably alleviate the possibility of future migraine attacks.
How to help migraines?
Managing these issues can eliminate the migraine problem. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and “talk therapy” can both be effective at treating migraines.
What is the best medicine for migraines?
Mild migraine pain can be stopped or at least reduced with a standard dose of aspirin, acetaminophen, or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID), such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium. Follow the package instructions and do not take more than the maximum recommended dose. [6]
What is a migraine headache?
Ocular or “classic” migraines are severe headaches accompanied by changes in vision (seeing flashes of light or shadows, or an “aura”). Mild cases can be treated with pain relievers and rest. Stronger or more frequent ocular migraines can be treated with prescription medications and other professional treatments, ...
What is retinal migraine?
Retinal migraines are the sign of a serious medical issue--if you have one, you should seek medical assistance immediately. [1] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source. Steps.
What is the aura phase of migraine?
Recognize the onset of the aura phase. Ocular migraines are characterized by visual problems, known as the “aura.” You may have trouble seeing, experience zig-zag lights that aren’t really there, “see stars,” or have other visual effects. These may or may not be accompanied by pain. Part of treatment is learning to recognize the particular symptoms that accompany your ocular migraines.
Who is Sarah Gehrke?
This article was medically reviewed by Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS. Sarah Gehrke is a Registered Nurse and Licensed Massage Therapist in Texas. Sarah has over 10 years of experience teaching and practicing phlebotomy and intravenous (IV) therapy using physical, psychological, and emotional support. She received her Massage Therapist License from the Amarillo Massage Therapy Institute in 2008 and a M.S. in Nursing from the University of Phoenix in 2013. This article has been viewed 55,845 times.
What is the best medicine for ocular migraines?
Your doctor may recommend one or more drugs: Drugs that treat epilepsy, such as valproic acid ( Depakote, Depakene) or topiramate ( Qudexy XR, Topamax, Trokendi XR)
How long does a migraine last?
It can lead to vision problems and blindness. The visual portion of an ocular migraine typically lasts less than 60 minutes, so most people don't need treatment. It's best to stop what you're doing and rest your eyes until your vision goes back to normal.
How long does it take for a migraine to happen?
These include migraine with an aura or a change in vision. It might happen for only a few minutes or up to 30 minutes. It can be hard to tell whether you're having symptoms in one eye only.
Can caffeine cause migraines?
Although dietary triggers -- such as caffeine, alcohol, and artificial sweeteners -- can cause other types of migraines, they seem less likely to trigger ocular migraines. If other treatments don’t work and you have four or more migraine days a month, your doctor may suggest preventive medicines.
How long does Cefaly last?
Cefaly is a portable headband-like tool for preventing migraines. You use it for 20 minutes once a day. It gives electrical impulses on the skin at the forehead and stimulates a nerve associated with migraine headaches. When it's on, you'll probably feel a tingling or massaging sensation.
Can a migraine cause blindness?
An ocular migraine can cause vision loss or blindness in one eye for a short time -- less than an hour. This happens before or along with a migraine headache. It's rare. Some research suggests that in many cases, the symptoms are due to other problems. Regular migraine attacks can also cause vision problems, called an aura, ...
Causes & risk factors
Ocular migraines are typically caused by reduced blood flow or spasms of blood vessels in the retina or behind the eye. Risk factors include:
Symptoms
A blind spot in the central area of vision which can start small and get larger.
Treatment
Mild: over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen.
What happens when you have a migraine?
A migraine aura involving your vision will affect both eyes, and you may see: Flashes of light. Zigzagging patterns. Blind spots. Shimmering spots or stars. These symptoms can temporarily interfere with certain activities, such as reading or driving, but the condition usually isn't considered serious.
What does it mean when you have a headache?
It generally means a headache that's accompanied by changes in vision. But the term is often used interchangeably to refer to two different conditions: migraine aura, which usually isn't serious, and retinal migraine, which could signal something serious.
Is ocular migraine a migraine?
Ocular migraine sometimes is used as a synonym for the medical term "retinal migraine." A retinal migraine is a rare condition occurring in a person who has experienced other symptoms of migraine. Retinal migraine involves repeated bouts of short-lasting, diminished vision or blindness. These bouts may precede or accompany a headache.
Can auras cause headaches?
Auras may also include other sensations, such as numbness, that precede or accompany a migraine. Aura can sometimes occur without a headache. A migraine aura that affects your vision is common. Visual symptoms don't last long. A migraine aura involving your vision will affect both eyes, and you may see: Flashes of light.
What is ocular migraine?
An ocular migraine is a type of migraine headache that is associated with visual disturbances in one eye. This type of migraine is not common, and is often diagnosed after other possible causes for the symptoms are ruled out. Ocular migraines are often treated with the same drugs that are used to prevent and treat the more common types of migraine. ...
How long does a headache last in the eye?
Migraine headache: The symptoms in the eye are accompanied by a headache that can last from a few hours to a few days. The headache is often located on the same side of the head as the eye that is experiencing symptoms.
Can migraines cause blind spots?
Other: Symptoms that typically occur with a migraine may also occur, such as light sensitivity, nausea, and vomiting. Other types of migraines can cause visual problems, especially flashes of light and blind spots in the field of vision. The important distinction is that with an ocular migraine, these symptoms only occur in one eye.
What are the symptoms of migraine?
The International Headache Society (IHS) has defined the symptoms that are typical of a retinal or ocular migraine. These symptoms are monocular (that is, they occur in only one eye), temporary, and include: Scintillations: seeing something that looks like flash of light, lightning, or a sparkle.
How long does it take for a headache to start?
The headache may begin at the same time as the visual symptoms, but must begin within an hour after the symptoms start. An eye exam performed when there are no ocular or migraine symptoms turns up no evidence of any disease. There is no other explanation, such as another disease or disorder, for the symptoms.
Can migraines occur in one eye?
The important distinction is that with an ocular migraine, these symptoms only occur in one eye. It can be difficult to determine which eye is experiencing the symptoms, or if they are taking place in both eyes. A qualified healthcare professional can help determine the location of the symptoms while they are occurring.
What are some medications that can help with migraines?
Calcium-channel blockers: Several types of these drugs, such as verapamil (Verelan) and nifedipine (Procardia), may work to prevent migraines by stopping the constriction of blood vessels.
What causes ocular migraines?
What Is an Ocular Migraine? Harsh lighting, long screen time, other visual strain, stress, dehydration, food additives, and other causes all may trigger an ocular migraine, a subtype that focuses in the eye and causes vision changes.
What are the risk factors for migraines?
Risk factors for migraines may include: Genetics. Hormones. Triggers for ocular migraine include: Visual triggers. Fluorescent or other harsh lighting. Extensive time spent staring at a screen. Driving long distances. Taxing visual activities.
What is a slit lamp?
A slit lamp provides greater magnification of the back of the eye than an indirect exam. Drops may be administered to dilate the pupils. The slit lamp positioned across from the patient who rest their chin and forehead on the instrument.
Overview
- Ocular Migraine is a term that has been used to refer to a number of migraine subtypes that are characterized by a variety of visual disturbances including visual loss, blind spots, zig-zag lines, or seeing stars. Unlike other forms of migraine, they may occur without any accompanying head pain. Its not uncommon for a single patient to experience a wide range of visual symptoms. Her…
Signs and symptoms
- Migraine with Aura impairs vision, with symptoms like flashes of light, blind spots, seeing stars or patterns and other minor sight issues that go away after a short period. While the most noticeable symptoms are visual disruptions, aura can also affect other senses and interfere with speech, motor skills or other central nervous symptoms. Migraine aura can occur with headache or with…
Pathophysiology
- Migraine aura is considered to be a result of abnormal electrical activity involving certain regions of the cortex (outer surface) of the brain. This abnormal activity spreads across the cortex at a slow rate of about 3mm per minute and this spread is responsible for the growth and movement of the visual disturbance over the 20-60 minutes that the visual aura lasts. Retinal migraine may …
Prevention
- Like other types of migraine, harsh lights and electronic screens can be triggers. Straining your eyes by staring at a screen for long periods of time, spending time in fluorescent or other harsh lighting, driving long distances and other taxing visual activities can increase your risk for attacks. Talk to your eye doctor about how to avoid attacks. For infrequent attacks, medications that targ…
Treatment
- While the symptoms can be disorienting and distressing, they are often short-lived, and almost always reversible. Take some time away from triggers and wait for the symptoms to fade. For more information, visit the American Migraine Foundations resource center, which includes content specifically related to Migraine with Aura, Retinal Migraine and ...