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Normally when someone says the word "migraine" you think of a really bad headache. There is another type of migraine though, an ocular migraine. They are also called ophthalmic migraines. This is when visual disturbances occur with or without headache pain. Ophthalmic migraines often occur when changes take place in blood flow to the area of the brain responsible for vision (visual cortex or occipital lobe). Hormonal changes seem to be a frequent trigger of these types of migraines.
While you can experience a variety of visual symptoms with an ocular migraine, usually the patient will see a small, enlarging blind spot (scotoma) in the central vision with bright, flickering lights (scintillations) or a shimmering zig-zag line inside the blind spot. The blind spot usually grows and may move across your field of vision. Normally this can last for up to one hour. Currently there are no treatments for occular migraines. There is also no way to prevent one from occuring. Try lying down in a dark room with a cool rag over your eyes. It should pass within an hour. If symptoms persist, please see a neurologist or eye doctor right away. |
