Below, you’ll find must-know information about ocular migraine.
Ocular migraine is a condition that can cause a headache and blurred vision. Symptoms often start as a bright spot in the center of one’s visual field that can quickly spread. It may also be accompanied by zigzag lines.
If the symptoms persist for more than an hour, it may be a sign of a more serious problem. In severe cases, the ocular migraine may cause total occlusion of vision.
It is important to consult a doctor to rule out other conditions that could be affecting vision.
Although the exact cause of this condition remains unclear, some researchers suggest that it is caused by the narrowing of the retinal arteries. Others believe it is triggered by electrical changes in the brain.
Some experts also believe that increased stress and certain foods trigger the onset of this condition.
The first stage of ocular migraine is the “aura” stage, which is commonly referred to as a “light show.” In this stage, visual impairment is experienced before or during the head pain begins.
The visual disturbance can be disorienting and look like a lightning bolt moving around the peripheral vision.
Symptoms of ocular migraine can be very frightening and disabling. They may also make it difficult to read or write and may even make driving impossible. Some symptoms may also mimic other serious health conditions such as heart attack and stroke.
Knowing the various symptoms of ocular migraine can help prevent panic upon the onset of the condition. It can also help manage the condition.
Below are ocular migraine symptoms worth knowing about.
8. Flashes Of Light
Frequent flashes of light are a common symptom of ocular migraine. These attacks cause small blind spots in the center of the visual field, called scotomas.
These spots cause a person to lose vision and may appear as sparks or flashes of light moving in zigzag patterns. They may last ten to thirty minutes and may be accompanied by a headache.
7. Sensitivity To Light Or Sound
Another symptom of ocular migraine is light sensitivity or photophobia. Photophobia may occur during the prodromal phase of a migraine, or a day or two after the migraine has ended.
Researchers have recently identified a nerve pathway between the retina and brain that activates certain nerve cells during a migraine attack. This pathway may explain why light during a migraine attack is so painful.
6. Vision Changes
Vision changes in ocular migraine are caused by constrictions of the eye’s blood vessels. This reduces blood flow to the retina and causes impaired vision, sometimes leading to temporary blindness.
Vision changes can be triggered by various factors such as smoking, stress, high blood pressure, dehydration, excessive heat, and low blood sugar. It can last anywhere from three to eight minutes.
5. Nausea And Vomiting
When a person suffers from ocular migraine, blood vessels in that person’s head swell up. This is usually caused by low amounts of serotonin in the brain. It’s been found that having low serotonin levels can cause nausea.
Ocular migraine also causes vomiting. A possible explanation for this is the two-way communication between the brain and the digestive system. It’s worth knowing that vomiting is a way to relieve the pain that comes with ocular migraine.
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