A visual
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.
Migraine is associated with a variety of symptoms that can be attributed to changes in cortical function. The most prominent among these are the visual changes associated with migraine aura that arise from altered function in the occipital lobe.
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.
One aspect of migraine pain theory explains that migraine pain happens due to waves of activity by groups of excitable brain cells. These trigger chemicals, such as serotonin, to narrow blood vessels. Serotonin is a chemical necessary for communication between nerve cells.
Migraine pain occurs when excited brain cells trigger the trigeminal nerve, one of five nerves located in the brain, to release chemicals that irritate and cause blood vessels on the surface of the brain to swell, according to the National Headache Foundation.
This activation of the 'trigeminovascular system' is thought to cause the release of glutamate neurotransmitter and vasoactive sensory neuropeptides, such as substance P34 and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP),1 that further dilate cerebral blood vessels and produce an inflammatory response causing pain.
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.
In rare cases, visual migraine can trigger a seizure. This is called migralepsy and usually causes a person to experience a seizure within 1 hour after noticing migraine symptoms. Read more on visual migraine here.
Research suggests that the answer is yes. Migraines can cause lesions, which are areas of damage to the brain.
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.
Poor sleep, skipping or delaying a meal can be a trigger. In women, hormonal changes or menstrual cycles can be a trigger as well. Retinal migraines are more likely to be triggered by other factors: intense exercise, dehydration, low blood sugar, high blood pressure, hot temperatures, and tobacco use.
Some options for relief without drugs can include resting your eyes, removing yourself from bright sunlight or other harsh lighting, and taking a break from looking at a screen.
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. The most common symptom associated with ocular migraines is a gradual appearance of a blind spot that affects your field of vision.
A migraine aura involving your vision will affect both eyes, and you may see: Flashes of light. Zigzagging patterns. Blind spots.
Ocular migraine, like migraine with aura, may also involve changes in your vision, but the important difference is that it happens only in one eye. Also known as retinal migraine, ocular migraine is less common than migraine with aura.
The symptoms may include visual hallucinations, ictal blindness, orbital pain, headache, nausea, or vomiting. When symptoms spread beyond the occipital lobe, patients may exhibit focal sensory or motor symptoms. Seizures may be very frequent in some children and can be seen daily without treatment.
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.
There is no specific diagnostic test available that can identify ocular migraines; to diagnose your condition, the eye doctor may: Perform a comprehensive eye exam. Review your medical history.
Go to the ER if you are experiencing severe migraine symptoms, or symptoms such as confusion, fever and vision changes, neck stiffness, trouble speaking or numbness or weakness, even if other symptoms of migraine are present (e.g. light sensitivity, nausea).
Stress. Stress is the most common trigger of headaches and migraines. More than 70 percent of patients experience a high level of stress leading up to a migraine. During stressful times, people can experience tightening of the neck and shoulder muscles, and this pain can be felt in the head.
Based on the results, stress has been reported as one of the effective factors in the occurrence and frequency of migraine. Frequent stresses could result in migraine as well as psychological problems such as depression and anxiety.
Serotonin is thought to be the underlying neurotransmitter involved in migraine, based on a lower than normal level of serotonin (5-HT) which increases during attacks.
White matter hyperintensities (WMH): These lesions appear bright white on certain sequences of MRI scans. These abnormalities can also be seen in elderly people and patients with stroke and dementia. In migraineurs, they're typically found in the frontal lobe, limbic system, and parietal lobe of the brain.