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Ophthalmic migraine, also known as retinal migraine, is a unique type of headache characterized by vision problems and neurological symptoms. This condition can temporarily interfere with activities like reading or driving, but it's not typically considered serious, and the visual symptoms are entirely reversible.
Ophthalmic migraine, sometimes referred to as ocular or visual migraine, is a type of headache that involves visual disturbances affecting only one eye (monocular vision changes). These disturbances often present as flashing lights, zigzag patterns, or blind spots and typically resolve within an hour. The headache, if present, generally affects one side of the head and may occur before, during, or after the visual symptoms.
It's important to clarify that the term "ophthalmic migraine" can be misleading, as it is sometimes used interchangeably with other migraine types such as migraine aura and retinal migraine. However, these conditions are distinct, involving different mechanisms and symptoms.
Migraine aura is a set of neurological symptoms that precede or sometimes accompany a migraine headache. Visual symptoms, such as seeing shimmering lights, blind spots, or geometric patterns, are common manifestations of migraine aura. Unlike ophthalmic migraine, the visual disturbances in migraine aura typically affect both eyes simultaneously, indicating that the issue originates in the brain's visual cortex rather than the eyes themselves.
The aura phase usually lasts from a few minutes to an hour and can also include sensory disturbances like tingling or numbness in the limbs, speech difficulties, or other neurological symptoms. While the visual symptoms can be disorienting, they are typically harmless and resolve on their own without lasting damage.
Retinal migraine is a rare and serious form of migraine characterized by repeated episodes of visual disturbances in one eye only, such as temporary vision loss, blind spots, or flashing lights. The visual symptoms can last anywhere from a few minutes to an hour and are followed by a headache, usually located behind the affected eye. In some cases, the headache can be extremely severe.
While the visual loss in retinal migraine is usually temporary and reversible, repeated episodes can, in rare cases, lead to permanent monocular vision loss. Retinal migraine involves changes in blood flow to the eye, unlike migraine aura, which originates from brain activity. Because of the potential for serious consequences, any episode of monocular vision loss should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out other conditions, such as stroke or retinal artery occlusion.
Causes of Ophthalmic MigraineWhile the exact causes of ophthalmic migraine are yet to be identified, it's known to be a neurological response to specific stimuli, favored by different types of reasons common to almost all affected people. Genetic and vascular factors appear to play a significant role in the onset of ophthalmic migraine.
Ophthalmic migraine can also be associated with specific vision pathologies, such as uncorrected visual defects (myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism), eyestrain, and eye diseases that make vision difficult.
Various factors can trigger an episode of ophthalmic migraine, including dehydration, excessive heat, high altitudes, smoke, stressful lifestyles, hypertension, hypoglycemia, hormonal changes, medicines, excess sodium in the diet, and disturbed sleep.
Ophthalmic migraine manifests itself with repeated attacks, characterized by visual disturbances in one eye only, in association with a migraine-type headache. Visual symptoms associated with this condition include increased sensitivity to light, increased tearing, vision of blind, dark or colored spots in the visual field, perception of flashes of light or flashes in the absence of light, and partial loss of vision or temporary blindness. The headache associated with ophthalmic migraine affects only one side of the skull and usually has a throbbing and severe to moderate intensity.
The condition can worsen during daily activities and can be associated with nausea, vomiting, hypersensitivity to sounds, dizziness, muscle strength disorders, a sense of drowsiness, difficulty expressing oneself verbally, and loss of sensation in the fingers and palate.
Diagnosing ophthalmic migraine involves a thorough eye examination. The diagnosis is often considered "one of exclusion," as other conditions can cause similar visual problems. A doctor can diagnose an ophthalmic migraine by examining personal and family medical history, gathering information regarding the symptoms experienced by the patient, and conducting an ophthalmological examination.
Once diagnosed, ophthalmic migraine can be addressed with the most appropriate treatment, which acts on the symptoms with fast-acting drugs. Depending on the case, the doctor may prescribe pain-relieving treatments based on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, ergotamine or triptans, beta-blockers, or calcium antagonists.
Some medications may be helpful in preventing an episode of ophthalmic migraine. The doctor will choose whether to prescribe them based on the frequency of ophthalmic migraine attacks and the patient's age.
A useful intervention in the treatment of this disorder is the use of glasses to correct any disorders or in any case avoid eye strain. Another effective strategy to prevent ophthalmic migraine consists of acting on all the environmental factors.
Most people who suffer from ophthalmic migraine usually experience an attack every few months. The visual disturbance phase tends to last no more than an hour.
People suffering from ophthalmic migraine can benefit from adopting some dietary and behavioral measures, such as avoiding factors that can favor the onset of headaches, limiting the consumption of foods that may contain molecules implicated in the onset of migraine attacks, and periodic check-ups at a trusted ophthalmologist.
In conclusion, while ophthalmic migraine can be a challenging condition to live with, understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatments can help manage its impact on your life. Always consult with a healthcare provider for accurate information and treatment options.