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?
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
What medications can you use to treat ocular migraines?
What can I do to prevent ocular migraines?
- Prevent a medicine overuse headache. If you have migraine headaches, medicines may be used to prevent or stop them. ...
- Do not smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can trigger a migraine or make it worse. ...
- Be physically active. ...
- Manage stress. ...
- Create a sleep schedule. ...
- Eat a variety of healthy foods. ...
- Prevent dehydration. ...
Is there any medication for an ocular migraine?
There is no one recommended treatment regimen since it varies from person to person. If you don’t experience ocular migraines very frequently, your doctor may advise you to use over-the-counter NSAIDs like aspirin and ibuprofen when the episodes occur. 4 Your doctor may also recommend the following:
Are devices options for treating ocular migraines?
Triptans, for example, aren’t safe if you’re at risk for a stroke, which may be the case for people experiencing temporary blindness in one eye. A recent technique for treating or preventing ocular migraine is to use a self-administered device that delivers electrical stimulation to the forehead or back of the head. These devices include:
What triggers an ocular migraine?
Ocular migraines are typically caused by reduced blood flow or spasms of blood vessels in the retina or behind the eye.
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.
How serious is an ocular migraine?
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.
What do ocular migraines indicate?
Ocular migraines are headaches that are accompanied by a temporary loss of vision in one eye, and they usually don't indicate a serious condition. While an ocular migraine may be alarming, vision changes are temporary and normal vision generally returns as the blood vessels relax.
What is the fastest way to cure an ocular migraine?
Ocular migraine will typically go away with time. You should rest and avoid triggers such as bright lights until the vision disturbances are gone. There are both over-the-counter treatments and prescription medications that you can use to treat recurring migraine flares.
What doctor do you see for ocular migraines?
Ophthalmologist or optometrist. You might be referred to an eye specialist if, along with your migraine, you have what's called aura. This can include: Changes in your vision like blind spots or flashes of light.
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.
How do you treat ocular migraines naturally?
What to Do in the Event of an Ocular MigraineMoving to a quiet and dark room.Laying down and resting your eyes.Drinking a lot of water.Placing a cool compress on your head.Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory or anti-nausea medications.
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.
What is the difference between an ocular migraine and a retinal migraine?
People may use the terms ocular migraine and retinal migraine to mean the same thing, but there are some important differences. An ocular migraine generally occurs in both eyes. A retinal migraine is rare and tends to occur in just one eye, when vessels that supply the eye with blood narrow.
Can dehydration cause an ocular migraine?
Dehydration. Though often overlooked, dehydration is one of the most common causes of migraine headaches—and thus, of visual and ocular migraines. For some especially migraine-sensitive folks, even mild dehydration can trigger a migraine event.
How common is ocular migraine?
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, which can involve flashing lights and blind spots. But these symptoms usually happen in both eyes.
Treatment Options For Ocular Migraines
Ocular migraine is not well understood, and some treatments are supportive in nature, meant only to help deal with symptoms.Certain medications can...
What Is An Ocular Migraine?
An ocular migraine, also called a retinal migraine, is a less common type of migraine that is characterized by visual symptoms such as flashes or b...
Symptoms of An Ocular Migraine
The International Headache Society (IHS) has defined the symptoms that are typical of a retinal or ocular migraine. These symptoms are monocular (t...
What Causes Ocular Migraines?
It’s not known exactly what causes an ocular migraine. It’s thought to be related to the constriction of blood vessels, possibly the blood vessels...
Diagnosis of An Ocular Migraine
The diagnosis of an ocular migraine is often made by comparing the patient’s symptoms to the criteria established by the IHS. Migraines can be diff...
Complications of Ocular Migraine
Any problems in vision should immediately be reported to a physician. The symptoms of ocular migraine should be investigated fully in order to dete...
What is ocular migraine?
“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. It’s not uncommon for a single patient to experience a wide range of visual symptoms. Here’s what you need to know to better understand the migraine subtypes that affect vision.
What is the best treatment for migraine?
Preventative therapies including calcium channel blockers, antiepileptic or tricyclic medications.
How does aura affect vision?
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 without, and is typically short in duration. When aura symptoms appear in conjunction with head pain, they usually occur between the premonitory phase and the peak pain phase of migraine, between the symptoms that warn of an impending attack and when the head pain itself hits. They may, however, last more than 1 hour in about 20% of individuals and may follow the onset of head pain in some instances. Migraine with Aura occurs in 25-30 percent of people with migraine, and less than 20% of individuals with migraine visual aura have the aura phase with every migraine attack.
What is the American Migraine Foundation?
For more information, visit the American Migraine Foundation’s resource center, which includes content specifically related to Migraine with Aura, Retinal Migraine and more. The American Migraine Foundation is committed to providing comfort and information to people living with this disease.
How many people have aura with migraine?
Migraine with Aura occurs in 25-30 percent of people with migraine, and less than 20% of individuals with migraine visual aura have the aura phase with every migraine attack.
When does aura appear in conjunction with head pain?
When aura symptoms appear in conjunction with head pain, they usually occur between the premonitory phase and the peak pain phase of migraine, between the symptoms that warn of an impending attack and when the head pain itself hits.
Can electronic screens cause migraines?
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.
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)
What to do if you have a headache and vision loss in one eye?
Get medical help right away. There's been little research on the best way to treat or prevent ocular migraine.
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.
What to do if you have migraines for 4 days a month?
If other treatments don’t work and you have four or more migraine days a month, your doctor may suggest preventive medicines. 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.
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 ocular migraines be seen in both eyes?
But these symptoms usually happen in both eyes. Talk to your doctor to find out if you have ocular migraine. They can rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms. Be ready to describe what you went through as completely as you can to help them figure out what's really going on.
Can ocular migraine go away on its own?
But if you have ocular migraine, even if it goes away on its own, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor about your symptoms. How It's Diagnosed. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and examine your eyes. They’ll try to rule out other conditions that could cause similar problems, such as:
What to do if you have a migraine?
Keep medications (OTC or prescription) that can stop a migraine with you at all times, in case you have an attack. [19]
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 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.
What are the triggers of migraines?
Migraine triggers include: anxiety, stress, lack of food or sleep, certain infections (like those that cause colds and the flu), loud sounds, bright lights, strong smells, dehydration or hunger, dieting, and certain foods. [20]
How to stop migraines?
Take your preventative migraine medication, if you have it. Your doctor may have prescribed you a medication (usually a triptan or ergot derivative) to take whenever you start to have a migraine. If so, take this as soon as you experience the onset of the aura. Doing so may stop the headache, nausea, or other symptoms that may follow the aura phase.
When does aura phase start for ocular migraines?
The aura phase usually takes place in the 10-60 minute window before the ocular migraine begins. [3]
What is the best medication for ocular migraine?
Some of the medications that may be used to treat ocular migraine include: Aspirin: This drug, which is a type of salicylate that can be bought over-the-counter, may be used to reduce inflammation and pain during an ocular migraine.
What is an Ocular Migraine?
An ocular migraine, also called a retinal migraine, is a less common type of migraine that is characterized by visual symptoms such as flashes or blind spots. Migraines in general are not well understood, and ocular migraines in particular have not been studied extensively.
How to diagnose ocular migraine?
The diagnosis of an ocular migraine is often made by comparing the patient’s symptoms to the criteria established by the IHS. Migraines can be difficult to diagnose; other conditions that could be causing the symptoms need to be ruled out.
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.
How long does it take for migraines to start?
The patient experiences a headache, meeting criteria for a “migraine without aura.” The headache may begin at the same time as the visual symptoms, but must begin within an hour after the symptoms start.
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.
What causes headaches in the ears?
Increased intracranial pressure: Abnormally high pressure around the brain can cause headache double vision, or “buzzing” in the ears. Orbital apex mass: A mass or a tumor in the eye is rare, but can cause symptoms similar to a ocular migraine.
What is ocular migraine?
Ocular migraine is a term used to cover several migraine subtypes that cause visual disturbances. They can develop with or without the accompanying pain of a classic migraine attack.
How to identify migraine triggers?
You can try to identify your migraine triggers by keeping a headache diary. The diary should include notes on diet, exercise, sleep habits, and menstruation.
How does migraine affect your life?
Migraine can be debilitating and impact your quality of life. If you’re experiencing blind spots or vision disturbances, for example, you will want to wait until they pass before driving.
What are the triggers of migraines?
Triggers vary from person to person and may include: bright lights. loud sounds. powerful odors. stress, anxiety, relaxation after a period of stress.
What hormones affect migraines?
Migraines have been linked to the hormone estrogen. Estrogen controls chemicals in the brain that affect the sensation of pain. In women, hormones fluctuate due to the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause. Hormone levels are also affected by oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapies.
Is migraine the same as headache?
Some people use the terms migraine and headache interchangeably, but this is incorrect. There are notable differences between headaches and migraine attacks.
Can ocular migraines cause migraines?
Exactly what causes ocular migraine is not known, but a personal or family history of migraines is a known risk factor. Doctors theorize that ocular migraine has the same causes as classic migraine.
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.
Can migraine affect only one eye?
A retinal migraine — unlike a migraine aura — will affect only one eye, not both. But usually, loss of vision in one eye isn't related to migraine. It's generally caused by some other more serious condition. So if you experience visual loss in one eye, be sure to see a doctor right away for prompt treatment. With.
What causes ocular migraines?
Ocular migraines are typically caused by reduced blood flow or spasms of blood vessels in the retina or behind the eye. Risk factors include:
What is the term for a headache that lasts less than an hour?
Ocular migraine. An ocular migraine is an episode of vision loss in one eye, usually lasting less than one hour and is associated with a headache. An ocular migraine can mimic other serious conditions, so it is very important to see an eye doctor as soon as possible if experiencing these symptoms.
What to write in a headache journal?
Keep a headache journal including information about what you were doing, eating, or medications taken before or after a headache occurs .
What is an ocular migraine?
An ocular migraine is a temporary vision disturbance in both eyes. You may also have a headache during or after the disturbance. The cause of an ocular migraine is not known. An ocular migraine that happens in only 1 eye is called a retinal migraine.
How is an ocular migraine diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will examine your eyes. He or she will ask you to describe your symptoms. Tell him or her if you have a personal or family history of migraines.
How long does a migraine last?
These symptoms can last from a few seconds to 1 hour. You may have a migraine headache during or after the visual symptoms. The cause of an ocular migraine is not known.
Ocular Migraine Symptoms
There are two types of ocular migraines: a retinal migraine and a migraine with aura .
How Are They Linked?
Some ocular migraine symptoms, such as vision loss or disturbance in one or both eyes, can be the same or very similar to stroke symptoms. Also, some who suffer from migraine with aura symptoms may have stroke-like symptoms, such as motor skill issues, speech difficulties, or other sensory difficulties. 3
Treatment
For occasional ocular migraines, treating with medications that target migraine symptoms is a common approach. These may include: 3
Summary
Ocular migraines include migraine with aura and retinal migraine, affecting both eyes or one eye, respectively. They can include eye disturbances and temporary vision loss. While there is a link between ocular migraines and stroke risk, research has shown that the risk is relatively small.
A Word From Verywell
Migraines can be painful and debilitating, affecting a person's daily life. Fortunately, with symptom management and rest, most ocular migraines are temporary.
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 ...