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Ophthalmic Migraine
Severe type of headache is usually what the term "migraine" brings to mind. Visual disturbances, with or without headaches that are related to temporary spasms in the blood flow behind the eye are known as ophthalmic migraines. During such a migraine, a person experiences light flashes appearing as jagged lines or heat waves in both the eyes, lasting 10 to 20 minutes mostly without a headache. We will look into the causes, symptoms and treatments of Ophthalmic Migraine.
Causes
Due to the rarity of Ophthalmic Migraine, its exact cause is unknown; evidently it is the involvement of the blood vessels of the head. It might be due to nerve palsy, that is, the weakness of the nerves. Commonly these migraines are caused due to internal carotid artery aneurysms and diabetes. Many factors are known to be the cause of migraine, such as stress, premenstrual changes, consumption of alcohol, hunger and the use of oral contraceptives, also changes taking place in blood flow to the area of the brain that is responsible for vision, results in Ophthalmic Migraine.
Symptoms
Pain, mostly around the eye, along with nausea, vomiting and double vision are considered the most common symptoms of Ophthalmic Migraine. Due to visual disturbances caused by this headache, a variety of visual symptoms are experienced. Often seen in the central vision is a small, enlarging blind spot, along with, bright, flickering lights or zigzag lines inside the blind spot. The enlargement of the blind spot across the field of vision, and all of the other, phenomenon can get over within a few minutes only, often lasting to about 20-30 minutes. Very rarely is one left with a permanent neurological deficit followed by a migraine attack.
Treatment
Considered harmless, Ophthalmic Migraine is painless, causing no permanent visual or brain damage, hence not requiring any treatment most of the times. However, if unusual visual symptoms occur, consulting an eye doctor is advised, so that a proper diagnosis can be done and treatment suggested right away if the condition requires immediate attention. Such symptoms if experienced on a regular basis or if its frequency increases and affects daily life, then medications may have to be taken in consultation with a doctor. Resting in a quiet, darkened room during acute attacks helps subside symptoms. Analgesics like aspirin if taken right after the symptoms are felt, can provide relief. Non-medicative treatments like yoga can help treat Ophthalmic Migraine. Lastly, consulting an eye doctor may provide some remedies to treat or prevent Ophthalmic Migraines. Due to its symptoms being visual disturbances accompanying painless Ophthalmic Migraine, it is poorly understood, and does not always have to do with the eye. Instead, these visual symptoms occur as a result of the migraine "activity" in the eye's retinal blood vessels located in the back of the skull.
Conclusion
Conclusively, an Ophthalmic migraine is typically not like any other migraines, in the sense, it does not result in a headache but affects the eyes. Its onset is triggered by viewing flashing lights, chemicals or food preservatives, or when taking other prescribed medicines. In spite of these headaches not requiring any special treatment as such, these migraines can be very dangerous due to the affect it has on a person’s vision.