Ocular Migraine: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments
It is true that other migraine attacks can also cause vision problems. An ocular migraine is a type of migraine where you experience an episode of vision loss in one eye. The term ocular migraine is often used to refer to two different conditions, migraine with aura, which is not serious most of the time, and retinal migraine, which can be serious. Ocular migraine symptoms usually last less than one hour and are associated with a headache. It usually happens before or along with a migraine headache. Ocular migraine without headache is also a possibility in some cases, especially in people aged 50 and older. They are known as silent migraines. Talk to your doctor so that they can rule out other conditions and tell you how to deal with ocular migraine.
Symptoms of Ocular Migraine
Ocular migraine symptoms include temporary visual or other disturbances that usually strike before other migraine symptoms like intense head pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. The temporary visual signs and symptoms tend to start at the center of the field of vision and spread out. They might include
- Blind spots that are outlined by simple geometric designs
- Zigzag lines gradually floating across your field of vision
- Shimmering spots or stars
- Changes or loss in vision
- Flashes of light
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Other temporary disturbances associated with migraine aura include numbness (like tingling in one hand or on one side of your face that may spread slowly along the limb), speech or language difficulty, muscle weakness etc.
Causes of Ocular Migraine
The exact cause of ocular migraine is not exactly defined. However, certain triggers like bright lights, stress etc have been identified as triggers. Other theories include that a narrowing of arteries causes a temporary lack of blood flow to the eye and induces symptoms. Here are some other causes of ocular migraine
Genetics: Research suggests that genetics may account for up to 60% of a person’s chance of having a migraine. However, there is no clear established pattern of inheritance for ocular migraine.
Hormone levels: Even though the relationship between estrogen levels and migraine is not clear, it is evident that the fluctuations in estrogen levels play a role in migraine symptoms developing.
Triggers: There are also individual triggers or combinations of triggers that many people identify. Knowing yours can help you prevent migraine. The thing is that migraine triggers vary from person to person. They can include bright lights, loud sounds, powerful odors, stress, anxiety, relaxation after a period of stress, changing weather, alcoholic beverages like red wine, too much caffeine or withdrawal from caffeine, foods containing nitrates, MSG, tyramine, artificial sweeteners etc. Keeping a headache diary can help you identify your migraine triggers. The diary should include detailed notes on a diet, exercise, sleep habits, and menstruation. Avoiding these triggers can help reduce the number of migraines you have.
Ocular Migraine Treatment
Treatment for migraine is usually aimed at relieving pain. These medications work best when taken at the first sign of an oncoming migraine. Depending on the severity of your pain, pain medications that can be used to treat migraine include pain relievers like aspirin or ibuprofen, triptans, dihydroergotamine, lasmiditan, opioid medications, anti-nausea drugs, etc.
Your doctor might recommend preventive medications if you experience frequent, long-lasting or severe headaches that don’t respond well to treatment. These medications include blood pressure-lowering medications, anti-seizure drugs, botox injections, and CGRP monoclonal antibodies. Ask your doctor if these medications are right for you because some of them are not safe to take during pregnancies and other conditions.
When symptoms of ocular migraine start, you can try heading to a dark, quiet room. Close your eyes and rest. Take a nap for some time. Place a cool cloth or an ice pack in a towel on your forehead. You can also use some relaxation techniques like biofeedback. They teach you ways to deal with stress, helping you reduce the number of migraines you have. Establish a schedule for eating and sleeping. Avoid sleeping too much or too little. Set and stick to a regular sleep and wake regimen. Eat meals at the same time every day if possible. Drink lots of water. Staying hydrated, particularly with water, may be beneficial.