Ocular migraine is a special form of migraine. It manifests itself primarily through visual disturbances that impair vision.
Flickering in the eyes and loss of field of vision are typical
Stress, lack of sleep or alcohol can trigger attacks
Be sure to have your eye migraine checked by a doctor
Sudden flashes of light, zigzag lines in front of the eyes, loss of vision: an ocular migraine presents with symptoms that can be frightening for those affected. In contrast to other forms of migraine, the focus here is not on the headache, but rather on visual disturbances. That’s why experts also speak of one ophthalmic (affecting the eye) migraine.
What is meant by ocular migraine?
Occur with an ocular migraine optical phenomena that are similar to those of a migraine with aura. In fact, the two forms of migraine cannot be clearly differentiated from one another. We usually talk about an ocular migraine when the visual disturbances occur alone and do not progress into a phase of throbbing headaches. They usually disappear after a few minutes and leave behind no permanent damage.
Retinal migraine: what is it?
A rare special form of ocular migraine is the so-called retinal migraine: It affects the retina of the eye. She just kicks one-sided (monocular) and usually stays there accompanying migraines–Headache consist. In the case of a retinal migraine, large parts or the entire field of vision of the affected eye are often completely lost. Careful medical diagnosis and observation are particularly important in this case, as the retina can suffer permanent damage in individual cases.
Ocular migraines: causes and triggers
The exact causes of ocular migraines are not yet fully understood. Researchers currently assume that the blood vessels in certain brain regions are dysregulated during a migraine and sometimes contract spasmodically. If you have an ocular migraine, visual cortex – the so-called visual cortex – temporarily too little oxygenwhich leads to the typical visual impairments.
It is not always possible to find a triggering event for an eye migraine attack. Particular trigger (Triggers) but promote an episode in many of those affected:
Prolonged and/or severe stress
Bright, flashing light
Alcohol and drug consumption
Hormonal fluctuations
Changing weather conditions
Certain individual foods
Ocular migraine: symptoms in the field of vision
The main symptoms of an ocular migraine are not a throbbing headache, but Disturbances of vision:
restrictions or Losses in the visual field like a “blind spot” (scotoma)
Flickering and Flickering before the eyes (scintillations), sometimes even with eyes closed; in combination with scotoma called “flicker scotoma”.
Bright, short ones Flashes of light
Zigzag lines or colored “garlands“, which run through the field of vision
The symptoms of an ocular migraine usually last five to ten minutes on, in rare cases up to an hour. Some sufferers report accompanying headaches or dizziness. However, if the visual disturbances are followed by a longer, intense headache phase, it is called a migraine with aura. This can also cause emotional, speech and hearing disorders.
When to see a doctor if you have an eye migraine?
If the symptoms mentioned occur, you should seek medical help. Even if the attack goes away quickly. An ocular migraine is not dangerous, but vision problems can occur serious causes go back. These include a retinal detachment or a stroke. Your doctor will question you in detail, conduct a physical examination and then give you a… ophthalmological or neurological practice transfer. Here the specialist staff can examine you more specifically and rule out a serious cause for the visual phenomena. If you have repeated attacks, discuss possible strategies you can use to counteract them.
Eye migraine: what helps?
Many sufferers of an ocular migraine require treatment no drug therapy. Diagnosis is often an important step in assessing attacks as harmless and being able to deal with them better. During an acute attack, it may be helpful to move into one calm, retreat to a darkened room and wait for the visual disturbances to pass. In most cases, symptoms only last a few minutes.
A damp washcloth or a Cool pack on the forehead are helpful for some. Others have good experiences with calming ones Breathing techniques or Relaxation procedures such as progressive muscle relaxation (PMR). If symptoms persist, pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory drugs such as acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and others are recommended after consultation with a doctor Medication for migraine therapy.
Be careful in traffic
Even if ocular migraines are not dangerous in themselves, vision problems can have serious consequences in unfavorable situations. During an ocular migraine attack, you cannot actively drive. If the first symptoms appear while you are out and about, stop your car or bike as quickly as possible. Do not continue driving until symptoms subside.
Prevent eye migraine attacks
Reduce stress and try to avoid prolonged stress in everyday life.
Do without Alcohol and nicotine.
Drink Coffee and other caffeinated drinks only in moderation.
Regular exercise is helpful, especially Endurance sports such as jogging, swimming, cycling and Nordic walking.
Make sure you have enough restful sleep and a sleep-wake rhythm that is as regular as possible.
Don’t skip meals and make sure you eat one balanced, nutrient-rich diet with lots of fresh food.
In order to find out which individual triggers play a role, a migraine–diary a proven tool. Here you note when, for how long and how intense the eye migraine symptoms occurred, as well as accompanying circumstances and special features. Some sufferers react sensitively to certain foods, loud music or flickering lights, while for others the risk of migraines increases in connection with hormonal fluctuations. Not all, but many of these factors can be avoided to reduce ocular migraine attacks.
Notice: This information has been carefully researched, but does not replace the advice of a doctor. All statements without guarantee.
Author: Nica Trappe, medical editor