Understanding Ocular Migraines: Symptoms, Triggers, and Relief Options
Do you feel a throbbing headache after seeing blind spots, or zigzag patterns? If yes, then you might be suffering from an attack of ocular migraine, which is a type of migraine that causes visual disturbance particularly in one eye, and within an hour a migraine headache. Its symptoms can range from moderate to severe. However, most of the episodes occur by trigger. Avoiding triggers can help you prevent this migraine. Learn about ocular migraine causes, triggers, symptoms, and relief options in this article. Log on to www.doralhw.org for a consultation. Causes The exact cause of ocular migraines is unclear, it is believed that it has the same causes as migraine headaches. Migraine headaches occur due to genetic factors, and some studies show that up to 70% of people who suffer ocular migraines have a family history of migraine headaches. Another possibility, according to some experts, is the narrowing of the arteries or veins in the eye. According to the World Health Organization, migraine headaches may be triggered by the activation of mechanisms deep in the brain, which produce inflammatory substances around nerves and blood vessels in the head and brain. Imaging studies found that auras reveal blood flow changes in the brain during ocular migraines and migraines. Some people are at higher risk of experiencing ocular migraine than others, like: Triggers People who experience ocular migraine may experience triggers that are similar to migraine with aura. Some common triggers are: You should try to identify your triggers in your headache diary so that you can either prevent those triggers or make yourself prepared for migraine episodes with the necessary medication. Symptoms Ocular migraine symptoms can vary from person to person. However, the main symptoms are visual disturbances in only one eye, or with aura, and a migraine headache. The visual symptoms of ocular migraine with aura may include: These symptoms usually last for 10 to 20 minutes before your vision starts to get better. The attacks always affect the same eye in most cases. A migraine headache happens before, during, or within an hour after the attack. You may experience symptoms of migraine headaches including: Relief options Ocular migraines usually don’t require treatment if they occur once in a while, just make sure you’re not doing any activity like driving or climbing that can be dangerous. However, if your migraine episodes are frequent and affect your everyday life, then you should seek medical treatment. The treatment’s main goal is to reduce the number of attacks and relieve the symptoms. It includes: You need to assess the situation and things that trigger your ocular migraines. Keep a diary in which you note when and how your migraines occur. Avoid those factors to lower the number of attacks you have. Both over the counter and prescription medications are used to treat recurring migraine episodes. Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or Excedrin can reduce the symptoms of migraine. Other medications that doctors prescribe to manage ocular migraine based on your triggers are: beta-blockers to manage blood pressure, anti-epileptics to manage epilepsy, antidepressants to manage depression, and CGRP inhibitors to manage migraines. Some of these prescription medications need to be taken regularly instead of required when you get migraine symptom flares. Some lifestyle changes and home remedies can help you manage the symptoms: Ocular migraine is a type of migraine that causes visual disturbances mostly in one eye with a migraine headache, before, during, or later (within an hour). The exact cause of ocular migraine is unknown; however, genetic factors and certain health conditions may cause this condition. Most people experience ocular migraine due to a trigger, which should be noted and try to prevent it to avoid migraine episodes. If your migraine episode happens once in a while, you don’t need to get treatment. However, if it is regular and impacts your everyday life, then you should get treatment. Treatment includes medications and avoiding the triggers to lower the number of episodes and manage their symptoms. Need help with migraine, visit our neurology clinic in Brooklyn to get professional medical help. Call us to book your appointment now!!!! Doral Health and Wellness has several urgent care clinics around New York that can cater to your family’s medical needs. We also have the best medical providers, physicians and staff that are highly trained in their respective specialties. To know more about the locations of our urgent care clinics, you can visit us at Doral Health and Wellness. If you are looking for urgent care near you, you can visit Doral Health and Wellness Urgent Care. We provide urgent care for common illnesses and injuries. Additionally, we also provide comprehensive care for any related injuries and health problems. We also offer other services, such as vaccinations, immunizations, and blood testing. For more info, visit us or call 1-347-384-5690.
