If you are having a visual migraine attack, then you may not even need migraine remedies for it. Visual migraines are called by many names (migraine aura without headaches, typical aura with headaches, ophthalmic migraines, optical migraines, ocular migraines, eye migraine, or the most commonly used silent migraines), but the use of the term "migraine" does not necessarily mean that you are experiencing a splitting headache.
Yes, this is the migraine without a headache. A visual migraine sufferer usually passes through the migraine without even knowing it was one. It usually affects just one eye via having episodes of one or some of the following: blurred vision, temporary blindness in one eye (usually just a spot out of the eye, either in the center or the peripheral - side - vision), zigzag lines and flickering lights (something like lights in a rave, overcrowded bar; this definitely interferes with your vision). It can be accompanied by a headache, but it is a very rare phenomenon. However, other physical symptoms may include feelings of nausea, vomiting, fatigue and a heightened sensitivity to light and sounds.
Why does a visual migraine happen? This type usually attacks 2 specific parts of your head: the brain's visual function center, and the eye itself. This is usually due to a spasm in the blood vessels directly behind the eyes - similar to having a cramp in the leg. Also, arteries leading to the brain are affected, which eventually leads to this type of migraine.
People who are more susceptible to getting the migraine are as follows:
- Possibly men and women under the age of 40;
- Women in general (studies have shown that more women suffer from migraine than men); and
- A person who has a history of one or more of the following: depression, epilepsy, sickle disease (a genetic blood disorder that gives abnormal red blood cells difficulty in passing through small blood vessels) and migraines.
There are the common migraine triggers - usually the same culprits from the classic type of migraine. Stress, cheeses, salty foods, caffeine, chocolates and mono sodium glutamate (or more commonly known as MSG) are just some of the things you should watch out for if you suspect that you have a visual migraine.
Most people who suffer from this type don't take steps to arrange an appointment with their doctor or health care provider for a checkup. If you've already suffered from this migraine, and has been checked out already, then there is no real cause for concerns. But if you are experiencing a visual migraine for the first time, then consult a doctor, specifically an eye doctor, just to safely rule out other medical conditions, such as a detached retina (the retina pulls away from the supportive tissue where permanent vision loss can be had; this can also be caused by very high levels of nearsightedness, ophthalmic surgeries and an injury to the eye or face). Treatment (if necessary) can then be given to you depending on the severity of the migraine and upon the recommendation of your doctor.
Know what the causes of migraines and headaches.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
Basic Facts About Optical Migraines
Optical Migraine is one of the rare types of migraine. It is also identified as ocular migraine, acephalgic migraine, amigrainous migraine or migraine aura without headache. Statistics reveal that more women suffer from this form of the disease and it is sometimes affected by the menstrual cycle.
Optical migraine rarely occurs with a headache but many believe that it is more serious than the more common types of migraine since attacks affect a larger part of the brain. Its exact cause is still not known but some experts contend that several muscles are involved when it happens. When a person has a classic migraine attack, he mostly goes through three different stages: the aura stage, the headache stage and the background stage. During the first stage, the sufferer experiences visual disturbances such as blurred vision, flashing lights and blind spots in his field of vision. He may also feel nauseous or could vomit. This stage usually lasts for an hour. An optical migraine attack only involves this first stage and does not proceed to the next one. Thus, episodes do not normally come with a headache.
Aside from the visual disturbance, other symptoms that might arise consist of tingling sensations, confusion, numbness, slurred speech and in some cases, a headache that starts on one side of the head. Like the other types of the disease, optical migraine starts with a trigger. Triggers include alcohol, stress, hormonal changes, contraceptives, hunger, certain foods (cheese, chocolate, MSG, processed meats, red wine), strong sunlight or too much exercise.
There are conventional treatments to optical migraine that sufferers can have. The more common of the conventional kind are the medications, further subdivided into acute and preventive. Acute medicines halt symptoms that come with an attack. These are NSAIDs like aspirin and ibuprofen, triptans, ergotamine and analgesics. The group of preventive drugs is composed of beta-blockers, calcium channel-blockers and anti-depressants. Preventive treatments that do not include medications can be implemented to reduce the incidence of attacks, such as healthy diet and exercise; and avoiding triggers.
Some migraineurs opt to be treated with alternative therapies that do not include drugs but use herbal remedies instead. Feverfew and butterbur are two of the most common herbs that have been found to be beneficial to migraineurs. Other therapies that are used are acupuncture, chiropractic care and homeopath medicines.
There is no single treatment that works for all optical migraine sufferers. Migraine is a chronic disease and treatment must also be viewed from a long-term perspective. An effective treatment requires collaboration between a physician and the patient and can take some time to arrive at, after several trial and error methods. It certainly takes much time and effort but the reward of finding a treatment that works and prevents the attacks from occurring, makes it all worthwhile
Do you suffer from optical or visual migraine? Find more treatment options as http://www.fightmigraineheadaches.com/
Article By: Lisa Harper
Optical migraine rarely occurs with a headache but many believe that it is more serious than the more common types of migraine since attacks affect a larger part of the brain. Its exact cause is still not known but some experts contend that several muscles are involved when it happens. When a person has a classic migraine attack, he mostly goes through three different stages: the aura stage, the headache stage and the background stage. During the first stage, the sufferer experiences visual disturbances such as blurred vision, flashing lights and blind spots in his field of vision. He may also feel nauseous or could vomit. This stage usually lasts for an hour. An optical migraine attack only involves this first stage and does not proceed to the next one. Thus, episodes do not normally come with a headache.
Aside from the visual disturbance, other symptoms that might arise consist of tingling sensations, confusion, numbness, slurred speech and in some cases, a headache that starts on one side of the head. Like the other types of the disease, optical migraine starts with a trigger. Triggers include alcohol, stress, hormonal changes, contraceptives, hunger, certain foods (cheese, chocolate, MSG, processed meats, red wine), strong sunlight or too much exercise.
There are conventional treatments to optical migraine that sufferers can have. The more common of the conventional kind are the medications, further subdivided into acute and preventive. Acute medicines halt symptoms that come with an attack. These are NSAIDs like aspirin and ibuprofen, triptans, ergotamine and analgesics. The group of preventive drugs is composed of beta-blockers, calcium channel-blockers and anti-depressants. Preventive treatments that do not include medications can be implemented to reduce the incidence of attacks, such as healthy diet and exercise; and avoiding triggers.
Some migraineurs opt to be treated with alternative therapies that do not include drugs but use herbal remedies instead. Feverfew and butterbur are two of the most common herbs that have been found to be beneficial to migraineurs. Other therapies that are used are acupuncture, chiropractic care and homeopath medicines.
There is no single treatment that works for all optical migraine sufferers. Migraine is a chronic disease and treatment must also be viewed from a long-term perspective. An effective treatment requires collaboration between a physician and the patient and can take some time to arrive at, after several trial and error methods. It certainly takes much time and effort but the reward of finding a treatment that works and prevents the attacks from occurring, makes it all worthwhile
Do you suffer from optical or visual migraine? Find more treatment options as http://www.fightmigraineheadaches.com/
Article By: Lisa Harper
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Symptoms of Ocular Migraine - 4 Classic Migraine Aura Effects
The symptoms of ocular migraine can also be classified as migraine auras. A migraine aura is a definite sign that a painful migraine headache will follow. It is a symptom that let migraine sufferers know ahead of time that a headache is about to manifest itself. Some people will have "pre" symptoms for a couple of days that will signal them that an agonizing headache is on its way.
Aura effects can develop for about 6 minutes and generally can appear from twenty minutes to an hour before the start of a headache. They are evidence of what used to be called "classic migraine". Currently, medical practitioners came up with a more scientifically accurate term, migraine with aura. Only less than 20% of migraine sufferers consistently experience any kind of aura before a headache begins.
Symptoms of ocular migraines - aura effects
Most migraine auras can be seen with the eye (visual). These effects are called positive visual phenomena because rather than their vision gets hazy or goes dark, people who see them experience the following:
Halos or Auras - an atmosphere of light, dust or smoke surrounding objects, specifically light objects.
Floating or Flashing Lights - these can be colored or white spots that appear to move.
Lightning Bolts - a spiked or zigzag line that flickers and/or arcs over the field of vision; with the regularity and intensity increasing over time until the person can no longer see; this light show usually ends with the beginning of headache pain.
Photophobia - a severe sensitivity to light; this light effect repeatedly lasts the extent of the headache.
Most aura episodes last less than an hour. Migraine sufferers who experience auras that last more than an hour are told to suffer from migraines with continued aura. In some cases you may experience aura effects without developing a headache, but it's still believed to be a symptom of chronic migraines. At different times you may experience all three variations, migraine with aura, migraine with extended aura, or a common aura without the headache.
If you're one of the millions of people worldwide who experience symptoms of ocular migraine, you should definitely consider using natural methods because common medications ONLY HIDE the symptoms for a while. If you learn how to attack the source of the problem, the pain and the rest of the symptoms will disappear. Please visit http://www.NaturalRemediesForMigraine.com/ because it's time for you to start feeling normal and healthy again.
Aura effects can develop for about 6 minutes and generally can appear from twenty minutes to an hour before the start of a headache. They are evidence of what used to be called "classic migraine". Currently, medical practitioners came up with a more scientifically accurate term, migraine with aura. Only less than 20% of migraine sufferers consistently experience any kind of aura before a headache begins.
Symptoms of ocular migraines - aura effects
Most migraine auras can be seen with the eye (visual). These effects are called positive visual phenomena because rather than their vision gets hazy or goes dark, people who see them experience the following:
Halos or Auras - an atmosphere of light, dust or smoke surrounding objects, specifically light objects.
Floating or Flashing Lights - these can be colored or white spots that appear to move.
Lightning Bolts - a spiked or zigzag line that flickers and/or arcs over the field of vision; with the regularity and intensity increasing over time until the person can no longer see; this light show usually ends with the beginning of headache pain.
Photophobia - a severe sensitivity to light; this light effect repeatedly lasts the extent of the headache.
Most aura episodes last less than an hour. Migraine sufferers who experience auras that last more than an hour are told to suffer from migraines with continued aura. In some cases you may experience aura effects without developing a headache, but it's still believed to be a symptom of chronic migraines. At different times you may experience all three variations, migraine with aura, migraine with extended aura, or a common aura without the headache.
If you're one of the millions of people worldwide who experience symptoms of ocular migraine, you should definitely consider using natural methods because common medications ONLY HIDE the symptoms for a while. If you learn how to attack the source of the problem, the pain and the rest of the symptoms will disappear. Please visit http://www.NaturalRemediesForMigraine.com/ because it's time for you to start feeling normal and healthy again.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
What Is An Ocular Migraine
Ocular Migraine – also called Acephalalgic Migraine – is a neurological syndrome characterized by abnormal visual sensations, sometimes accompanied by headaches, nausea and vomiting. In some cases, the person may feel heightened sensitivity to sound and light at the early stages of the attack. This type of migraine is generally seen in people with a history of classical migraine.
Like other migraines, ocular migraine spells occur repeatedly and irregularly. That is, patients may experience many spells of ocular migraine within a week and nothing at all for months on end. The spells may last from 15-30 min in general.
Causes of Ocular Migraine
Like in other migraines, the exact cause of ocular migraine is still a topic of debate. The most nearest and convincing explanation is that it is caused due to vascular spasm that affects the ocular blood vessel supplying blood to the vision center in the brain. It is also believed that ocular migraine is triggered by over stress, oral contraceptives, premenstrual changes, alcohol, and certain victuals such as chocolate, red wine, chicken livers, meats preserved in nitrates, and milk.
Symptoms
As mentioned earlier, the most notable symptom of ocular migraine is the unusual visual sensations that block the normal vision to a large extent during the spell. At the earlier stages of an ocular migraine episode, the patient may experience a visual disturbance in his/her peripheral vision, mostly in the form of a jagged, shimmering, semicircular light, pale pastel in color. Within minutes, it expands and becomes more centric to the area of vision, leading to temporary patchy vision loss. Eventually, in another 15-30 minutes, the zigzag pattern travels outwards of the visual field and soon out of the side vision before disappearing completely, leaving the field of view clear again.
After the episode, the patient may feel fatigued and with/without a mild headache, but the eye sight will be normal as it was before.
Treatments
Ocular migraines – in normal instances – do not require any treatment. But the doctor may diagnose the patient to ensure that there is no serious blood flow issue.
In some cases, doctors may prescribe some painkiller to contain the following headache, if the pain is unbearable for the patient. But such instances are very rare.
Tail Piece: Even though it is true that ocular migraines can be controlled to an extent by adjusting the diet and reducing stress, it cannot be prevented or cured forever. Once an ocular migraine episode starts, the patient will have no choice, but to see himself/herself through those grueling 30 minutes, preferably with a calm mind. There is no use in panicking or getting worried.
Overconsumption of drugs for headache relief can result in rebound headaches and worsening migraines. Get more information on natural headache remedy or remedies here on this site at http://www.naturalheadacheremedies.com.
Like other migraines, ocular migraine spells occur repeatedly and irregularly. That is, patients may experience many spells of ocular migraine within a week and nothing at all for months on end. The spells may last from 15-30 min in general.
Causes of Ocular Migraine
Like in other migraines, the exact cause of ocular migraine is still a topic of debate. The most nearest and convincing explanation is that it is caused due to vascular spasm that affects the ocular blood vessel supplying blood to the vision center in the brain. It is also believed that ocular migraine is triggered by over stress, oral contraceptives, premenstrual changes, alcohol, and certain victuals such as chocolate, red wine, chicken livers, meats preserved in nitrates, and milk.
Symptoms
As mentioned earlier, the most notable symptom of ocular migraine is the unusual visual sensations that block the normal vision to a large extent during the spell. At the earlier stages of an ocular migraine episode, the patient may experience a visual disturbance in his/her peripheral vision, mostly in the form of a jagged, shimmering, semicircular light, pale pastel in color. Within minutes, it expands and becomes more centric to the area of vision, leading to temporary patchy vision loss. Eventually, in another 15-30 minutes, the zigzag pattern travels outwards of the visual field and soon out of the side vision before disappearing completely, leaving the field of view clear again.
After the episode, the patient may feel fatigued and with/without a mild headache, but the eye sight will be normal as it was before.
Treatments
Ocular migraines – in normal instances – do not require any treatment. But the doctor may diagnose the patient to ensure that there is no serious blood flow issue.
In some cases, doctors may prescribe some painkiller to contain the following headache, if the pain is unbearable for the patient. But such instances are very rare.
Tail Piece: Even though it is true that ocular migraines can be controlled to an extent by adjusting the diet and reducing stress, it cannot be prevented or cured forever. Once an ocular migraine episode starts, the patient will have no choice, but to see himself/herself through those grueling 30 minutes, preferably with a calm mind. There is no use in panicking or getting worried.
Overconsumption of drugs for headache relief can result in rebound headaches and worsening migraines. Get more information on natural headache remedy or remedies here on this site at http://www.naturalheadacheremedies.com.
Identify and Treat Ocular Migraines
While many people suffer from traditional migraine headaches, it is not uncommon for others to suffer from a different type of migraine. Traditional migraines are characterized by sensitivity to light, sensitivity to sound, powerful head pains and nausea. Another type of migraine is harder to diagnose because the symptoms characteristic of a traditional migraine are either not present or less severe. Ocular migraines are becoming more common in today's society. These types of migraines are associated with vision and the eye more so than the brain.
Ocular migraines often start with a small blind spot in the peripheral vision. Over five to ten minutes, the spot gradually increases to encompass the entire peripheral portion of vision. Either complete blindness or object fuzziness often results. Other ocular migraine sufferers report a jagged shimmering light in their peripheral vision that grows and eventually overtakes much of the eye. It is often difficult to focus on objects. Reading in particular is very difficult since letters in words have to be viewed almost individually in order to be read. The individual might also become disoriented since they are now primarily seeing out of one eye instead of two. A dull, throbbing headache normally accompanies an ocular migraine. The blind spot or fuzziness will normally disappear with twenty to thirty minutes, leaving the individual fatigued. The individual might also still have some problems reading and focusing on particular objects since their eyes are adjusting again. Individuals normally do not have any sort of light or sound sensitivity, though it is not uncommon for ocular migraine sufferers to be nauseous due to either the temporary blindness or the panic of not knowing exactly what is happening.
Many scientists speculate that the causes of ocular migraines are similar to those of traditional migraines. A change in blood supply is often associated with traditional migraines and it is thought that the area impacted by the blood supply change is the only difference between the types of migraines. Traditional migraines are normally generated from the surface area of the brain. Ocular migraines are generated when the blood supply is reduced to the vision center of the brain. Much like traditional migraines, it is thought that certain "triggers" exist for ocular migraines. These include chocolate, stress or anxiety, lack of sleep, travel and artificial sweeteners. Limiting as many triggers as possible should help reduce the occurrence of ocular migraines. It has also been theorized that seasonal allergies could contribute to ocular migraines since the atmospheric changes would be similar to those of someone traveling cross-country via airplane.
At the onset of an ocular migraine, it is important to not panic. It can be disturbing to go slowly blind in one eye over fifteen minutes, but it is important to remain calm. Finding a quiet, dark area to rest in for thirty minutes is an excellent way to counteract the disabling effects of an ocular migraine. Being able to sit in the dark with eyes closed helps to limit some of the nausea and inability to focus on objects. Normal headache treatments such as aspirin or Tylenol can be used, but these are more effective in dealing with the headache following the visual disturbance than the actual visual impairment. By the time the medicine works, the visual impact has ended. Some ocular migraine sufferers report taking a short nap helps reduce the fatigued feeling following the visual disturbance and also reduce the impact of the headache.
If you have experienced visual impairment problems in the recent past, it is a good idea to visit your doctor to make sure these problems are being caused by ocular migraines and not by strokes or problems with the eye itself. It's also a good idea to log what foods were eaten recently and what activities were taking place when the ocular migraine occurred. This can help identify triggers and prevent ocular migraines from happening as frequently. This is the first step in being free from ocular migraines. Since there is currently no cure for ocular migraines, it is better to reduce their frequency than try to treat the symptoms each time they occur.
Ocular migraines can be scary, but knowing the symptoms and treatments will help reduce the impact they have on your daily life.
Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Migraine
Ocular migraines often start with a small blind spot in the peripheral vision. Over five to ten minutes, the spot gradually increases to encompass the entire peripheral portion of vision. Either complete blindness or object fuzziness often results. Other ocular migraine sufferers report a jagged shimmering light in their peripheral vision that grows and eventually overtakes much of the eye. It is often difficult to focus on objects. Reading in particular is very difficult since letters in words have to be viewed almost individually in order to be read. The individual might also become disoriented since they are now primarily seeing out of one eye instead of two. A dull, throbbing headache normally accompanies an ocular migraine. The blind spot or fuzziness will normally disappear with twenty to thirty minutes, leaving the individual fatigued. The individual might also still have some problems reading and focusing on particular objects since their eyes are adjusting again. Individuals normally do not have any sort of light or sound sensitivity, though it is not uncommon for ocular migraine sufferers to be nauseous due to either the temporary blindness or the panic of not knowing exactly what is happening.
Many scientists speculate that the causes of ocular migraines are similar to those of traditional migraines. A change in blood supply is often associated with traditional migraines and it is thought that the area impacted by the blood supply change is the only difference between the types of migraines. Traditional migraines are normally generated from the surface area of the brain. Ocular migraines are generated when the blood supply is reduced to the vision center of the brain. Much like traditional migraines, it is thought that certain "triggers" exist for ocular migraines. These include chocolate, stress or anxiety, lack of sleep, travel and artificial sweeteners. Limiting as many triggers as possible should help reduce the occurrence of ocular migraines. It has also been theorized that seasonal allergies could contribute to ocular migraines since the atmospheric changes would be similar to those of someone traveling cross-country via airplane.
At the onset of an ocular migraine, it is important to not panic. It can be disturbing to go slowly blind in one eye over fifteen minutes, but it is important to remain calm. Finding a quiet, dark area to rest in for thirty minutes is an excellent way to counteract the disabling effects of an ocular migraine. Being able to sit in the dark with eyes closed helps to limit some of the nausea and inability to focus on objects. Normal headache treatments such as aspirin or Tylenol can be used, but these are more effective in dealing with the headache following the visual disturbance than the actual visual impairment. By the time the medicine works, the visual impact has ended. Some ocular migraine sufferers report taking a short nap helps reduce the fatigued feeling following the visual disturbance and also reduce the impact of the headache.
If you have experienced visual impairment problems in the recent past, it is a good idea to visit your doctor to make sure these problems are being caused by ocular migraines and not by strokes or problems with the eye itself. It's also a good idea to log what foods were eaten recently and what activities were taking place when the ocular migraine occurred. This can help identify triggers and prevent ocular migraines from happening as frequently. This is the first step in being free from ocular migraines. Since there is currently no cure for ocular migraines, it is better to reduce their frequency than try to treat the symptoms each time they occur.
Ocular migraines can be scary, but knowing the symptoms and treatments will help reduce the impact they have on your daily life.
Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Migraine
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Learn More About Ocular Migraine
Ocular migraines are a period of strange visual sensations that may, or may not be followed by a migraine headache.
Who gets them?
They are most common in people who already suffer from classic migraine.
So what happens?
An ocular migraine usually only happens in one eye. When it begins, you may just notice that something is off with your sight.
You may see a tiny spot. Over a period of a few minutes, that spot may get bigger. You may start to lose your vision in patches. The expanded spot may start to shimmer or develop a colored or zig-zagged border.
This pattern may get bigger until it is not only in the center of your vision – but in the outer part too. Usually over 15-30 minutes the distortion may travel out to the side of your vision as well and then simply disappear.
You may, or may not go on to develop a migraine headache. Many people who suffer with this say that they only feel tired after the experience.
What causes ocular migraine?
No one’s quite sure – but it is believed to be caused by an unusual stimulation of the nerves at the back of the brain. In classical migraine, a spasm affects the surface of the brain. In ocular migraine, the blood supply to the eye or the supply to the vision area of the brain is affected.
How often do they happen?
In the same way as classic migraines, ocular ones seem to happen with no particular pattern. You may find that you have several in one week and then not suffer any more at all for months or even years.
Do they have any warning, like a migraine aura?
Some people find that they are extra-sensitive to light and/or sound and this is their signal that an ocular migraine could be on the way.
So who do I go to see – a Doctor or an ophthalmologist?
Many people often go and see their ophthalmologist as they are worried that they are losing their sight. People starting with ocular migraine should also see a neurologist so that other conditions which can give rise to the same sort of symptoms can be ruled out. These include a blood clot in the retinal artery, migraine with aura and stroke.
What treatment can I get for them?
Ocular migraines themselves don’t usually require treatment. They appear to be triggered by the same triggers common to migraine. Prevention is the best way of coping with them:
Avoid known triggers
Keep stress levels down
Keep to a regular routine
Make sure you get enough sleep
If they are followed by a migraine headache, the usual migraine medications might be prescribed by your Doctor.
Please note: Triptans, which are now commonly used for migraine treatment should not be used for people with ocular migraine. This is because they work by reducing the enlargement of blood vessels and therefore get rid of the pressure on nerves.
This constricting effect could give rise to problems with the blood vessels of the retina and could even result in lost vision.
Triptans include:
Sumatriptan (Imitrex)
Zolmitriptan (Zomig)
Naratriptan (Amerge)
There are other triptans too. If worried or in any doubt, please see your Doctor.
More migraine information may be found at http://Headache.HealthHows.com along with ideas, tips, and help for headaches of all types and causes
Who gets them?
They are most common in people who already suffer from classic migraine.
So what happens?
An ocular migraine usually only happens in one eye. When it begins, you may just notice that something is off with your sight.
You may see a tiny spot. Over a period of a few minutes, that spot may get bigger. You may start to lose your vision in patches. The expanded spot may start to shimmer or develop a colored or zig-zagged border.
This pattern may get bigger until it is not only in the center of your vision – but in the outer part too. Usually over 15-30 minutes the distortion may travel out to the side of your vision as well and then simply disappear.
You may, or may not go on to develop a migraine headache. Many people who suffer with this say that they only feel tired after the experience.
What causes ocular migraine?
No one’s quite sure – but it is believed to be caused by an unusual stimulation of the nerves at the back of the brain. In classical migraine, a spasm affects the surface of the brain. In ocular migraine, the blood supply to the eye or the supply to the vision area of the brain is affected.
How often do they happen?
In the same way as classic migraines, ocular ones seem to happen with no particular pattern. You may find that you have several in one week and then not suffer any more at all for months or even years.
Do they have any warning, like a migraine aura?
Some people find that they are extra-sensitive to light and/or sound and this is their signal that an ocular migraine could be on the way.
So who do I go to see – a Doctor or an ophthalmologist?
Many people often go and see their ophthalmologist as they are worried that they are losing their sight. People starting with ocular migraine should also see a neurologist so that other conditions which can give rise to the same sort of symptoms can be ruled out. These include a blood clot in the retinal artery, migraine with aura and stroke.
What treatment can I get for them?
Ocular migraines themselves don’t usually require treatment. They appear to be triggered by the same triggers common to migraine. Prevention is the best way of coping with them:
Avoid known triggers
Keep stress levels down
Keep to a regular routine
Make sure you get enough sleep
If they are followed by a migraine headache, the usual migraine medications might be prescribed by your Doctor.
Please note: Triptans, which are now commonly used for migraine treatment should not be used for people with ocular migraine. This is because they work by reducing the enlargement of blood vessels and therefore get rid of the pressure on nerves.
This constricting effect could give rise to problems with the blood vessels of the retina and could even result in lost vision.
Triptans include:
Sumatriptan (Imitrex)
Zolmitriptan (Zomig)
Naratriptan (Amerge)
There are other triptans too. If worried or in any doubt, please see your Doctor.
More migraine information may be found at http://Headache.HealthHows.com along with ideas, tips, and help for headaches of all types and causes
Migraines - Ocular or Other?
Is your visual disturbance caused by an "ocular" migraine? What is an ocular migraine? Studies have shown that ocular migraines are quite common and are believed to be attributed to the same triggers or causes as traditional migraine headaches.
An ocular migraine is also caused by vascular spasms, again like the classic migraine headache however; affect the area that carries the blood supply to the visual region brain. This is what causes the disturbance or the aura that often precedes an ocular migraine.
Various symptoms have been reported to include peripheral vision disturbances, dancing spots, zigzag like patterns, flashing lights, and the like. It is often said by the sufferer that these patterns dance across their visual field, before slowly going away, normally only affecting one eye at a time.
How long does the visual disturbance last? Typically, an ocular migraine can last between 15-30 minutes and very rarely goes beyond one hour. Sometimes it is followed by migraine headache pain, and sometimes not. It has also been reported that some episodes are followed by what is described as fatigue.
But, is your visual disturbance caused by an ocular migraine or something else? A trip to the doctor or ophthalmologist is the easiest way and safest way to determine the answer to that question. It might take a test or two, but if it helps alleviate ocular migraines following diagnosis, it is well worth it.
In addition, if you are able to determine that you are having ocular migraines, you can then work on identifying what trigger is causing it in the hopes of eliminating them in the future. With the triggers and causes basically shadowing those of classic migraines, and if you are one of the lucky ones who does not suffer pain following an ocular migraine, you can work on becoming free of the ocular migraines altogether.
| For more information on ocular migraines and other types of migraines, migraine pain and treatments, visit http://www.squidoo.com/ocular-migraines |
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