Learn More About Ocular Migraine
Posted: Tuesday, January 20, 2009
by Michael Kettunen
Ophthalmic (eye) migraines are really usual and oftentimes painless, tho' the solo term "migraine" normally brings to mind a serious type of headache.
But with eye-related migraines, visual disturbances with or without headache pain too can accompany migraine processes thought to be related to changes in blood flow in the brain.
These visual problems related with migraines technically are known as ophthalmic migraines, but are much more commonly (though incorrectly) known as ocular migraines. Because most laypeople understand the term better, this article refers to the condition as "what is an ocular migraine."
Certain foods may produce attacks; these include chocolate, red wine, milk, aged cheese, chicken livers, meats preserved in nitrates, or foods prepared with monosodium glutamate. Certain persons report that exposure to sunlight or work out can trigger attacks.
The symptoms of ocular migraines alter from individual to individual, and may include seeing zigzagging lines or patterns, especially at the outer edges of your vision, seeing colored or shimmering lights, loss of vision in one spot or off to one side. With typical migraines, but uncommonly with ocular migraines, you can have dangerous pain following these symptoms. You may also have nausea or vomiting. Ocular migraines normally require no treatment, other than rest until the symptoms pass.
Your physician will routinely get a full history and perform a thorough physical exam to rule out systemic causes of the headache. Your ophthalmologist will verify that no eye-related problems are bringing on the headache.
Stress easing, control of blood pressure, or medication to hold appropriate hormonal levels may be essential. New glasses or different work lighting may be prescribed by your doctor.
If you have continual headaches, it's important to consult your medical physician about them for a medical evaluation.
The management of a migraine consists of avoiding any precipitating factors, together with prophylactic or symptomatic pharmacologic treatment, if necessary.
During acute attacks, several patients discover it useful to rest in a quiet, darkened room 'till symptoms subside.
A simple analgesic (e.g., aspirin) taken right away oftentimes offers relief, but treatment with extracranial vasoconstrictors or other drugs is sometimes necessary.
Cafergot, a combination of ergotamine tartrate and caffeine, is often particularly helpful. A drug known as ergotamine has been used effectively for acute migraine. Sometimes, an analgesic painkiller is applied in combination with it. Ergotamine can bring on headaches and other side effects, such as vomiting, nausea, cramps and tingling sensations. It should be employed only a few times a week and not at all during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Sumatriptan is a fast-acting agent that can abort attacks when given subcutaneously (under the skin) by an autoinjection device. It should be avoided in pregnancy.
If migraine headaches happen more than two or three times a month, prophylactic treatment may be necessary. Medications include aspirin, propranolol or amitriptyline.
For more information, visit Eye Migraine blog.
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