Ocular migraines are rare and benign, but
the symptoms can be frightening and worrisome for the suffering patient. Ocular
migraines are thought to be caused by the same mechanics as regular migraines and
are characterized by a visual disturbance or aura. The patient can experience a
blind spot in their visual field, zig-zag patterns, flashing lights, or an array
of colours similar to looking through a kaleidoscope. They may see things that
aren’t there, like transparent strings of objects, or see objects in their
vision disappear and reappear.
One in six adults in the United states are
affected by migraines. Around 20 per cent of migraine sufferers experience some
type of visual disturbance.
In a recent published study (June 2018) from the
American Headache Society, participants with chronic and episodic migraine
were given questionnaires that evaluate vision-specific quality of life.
The researchers concluded there are significant adverse effects on the visual
quality of life in sufferers of both sub-groups. Chronic migraineurs showed
scores as poor as those patients with other neuro‐ophthalmic disorders such as
multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, and ischemic optic neuropathy.
Ocular migraine episodes can be concerning
for the sufferer; however, most symptoms resolve on their own within an hour.
They may or may not end with a migraine headache. Some ways to help relieve
symptoms include:
- Lying down in a dark room
- Placing a damp cloth or cool
pack on the forehead
- Taking over-the-counter painkiller
medication
Recent scientific evidence suggests that
structural abnormalities in the visual cortex are the cause for ocular
migraines. In a 2015 study, MRI data was taken from people with one-sided
ocular migraine. In these subjects, the affected side showed different
thicknesses in certain areas of the cortex. There is a possibility that the
difference in these structures may account for higher sensitivity to neuronal
activity. Researchers are still studying the causes in the brain for migraines.
As of now there is no known cause for the onset of migraines. Some common migraine triggers include strong
odours, certain foods, bright lights, fatigue, stress and hormonal changes.
Patients can take measures to prevent the onset of migraines by adopting
lifestyle habits such as:
- Getting enough sleep
- Staying hydrated
- Managing emotional stress
- Regular light exercise
- Avoiding certain trigger foods
Patients who have had ocular migraine
before are likely to have them again and can learn what remedy works for them
and get back to their routine without problems. However, if a person with
migraines has unusual symptoms of vision loss, loss of sensation or
difficulties with speech, this can be a sign of more serious conditions and should
not be ignored. Its best to get patients in to be checked by an optometrist to
rule out serious conditions.
References:
https://headachejournal.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/head.13330
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325733.php
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/148373.php
https://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/ocular-migraine.htm
