If you manage to see a GP or optometrist during an attack, they may be able to see the decreased bloodflow to your eye using an instrument called an ophthalmoscope. In this case, the GP or optometrist may be able to make a confident diagnosis of retinal migraine.
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.
There isn't a specific set of tests which will diagnose an ocular migraine condition, but a comprehensive medical evaluation is necessary in order to either determine or rule out potentially serious underlying causes, as well as to effectively treat a person's condition.
To tell whether you are experiencing an actual or a visual migraine, cover one eye and see if you notice a problem with your vision. Then cover the other eye and check again. If the vision problem is just in one eye, then it is an ocular migraine. If it is in both eyes, then it is a visual migraine.
Retinal migraines are thought to happen when the blood vessels in your eye suddenly narrow, restricting the blood flow. Things that can cause them include: stress. caffeine and alcohol.
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.
Ocular Migraine Treatment
The visual portion of an ocular migraine usually 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. If you have a headache, take a pain reliever that your doctor recommends.
An MRI can't diagnose migraines, cluster, or tension headaches, but it can help doctors rule out other medical conditions that may cause your symptoms, such as: A brain tumor. An infection in your brain, called an abscess. The buildup of fluid in the brain, called hydrocephalus.
Because your eyes consist of a nerve called the optic nerve, any inflammation from strain can lead to pain that travels from your eyes to your brain. If you find yourself experiencing frequent headaches that don't subside after taking the appropriate steps to relieve eye strain, you likely need glasses.
Ocular migraines and stroke are two conditions that share similar symptoms and can often be confused. Although an ocular migraine alone does not indicate a stroke, studies show that those who suffer from ocular migraines may be at a higher risk of experiencing a stroke.
They cause a temporary vision obstruction, usually lasting for less than an hour. Dr. Cheryl Roell describes them this way, “Most ocular migraines don't cause total vision loss in one eye but rather a pulsing light or kaleidoscope-type of effect.
Supplements such as riboflavin (B2), coenzyme Q10, magnesium3, niacin, carnitine, and lipoic acid, which support mitochondrial function, have been shown to help alleviate migraine headaches. Be sure to also read our lifestyle recommendations for migraine headaches.
Types of visual migraine, or ocular migraine, include migraine with aura and retinal migraine. Both of these are neurological conditions wherein a person may experience visual disturbances or vision loss alongside a headache.
A neurologist can help a patient distinguish between whether they are experiencing migraine aura or more serious retinal migraines. Neurologists use advanced technologies and state-of-the-art equipment to assess the electrical activity of the brain and how it is communicating with the eyes.
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.
Dehydration is one of several triggers that can exacerbate migraine headaches, including migraine variants like the one you are experiencing. Maintaining good hydration should help reduce the frequency of these visual migraines, which are also known as acephalgic migraine.
If you have visual symptoms that have not previously been evaluated by a health care provider, you should see a provider if you have any of the following: Visual changes in only one eye. Visual changes that last less than five minutes and more than 60 minutes. Visual changes without a headache.
A visual migraine is a temporary visual distortion that often begins with a small sparkling, shimmering area that slowly expands outward. The growing spot often has jagged, zig-zag edges. The visual symptoms typically last approximately 20-30 minutes and then completely resolve.
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.
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.
Vitamin D. A study found that vitamin D deficiency can trigger migraine-related headaches. Vitamin D is essential for your body to fight inflammation and nerve health.
Ocular migraine treatment
You can take over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain relief. Soluble painkillers such as aspirin can enter the bloodstream faster and may be a good choice if you're nauseous.
Sometimes a migraine headache can cause changes in vision. It is possible to have what is called an ocular or ophthalmic migraine which may not be accompanied by head pain. An ocular migraine can cause visual disturbances such as blurriness, flashes or flickers of light, jagged or zigzag lines, or blind spots.