Ocular Migraine Symptoms, Signs, Causes, Triggers, And Treatments

4. Numbness Or Tingling

The numbness or tingling sensation experienced during an ocular migraine is caused by the abnormal electrical activity of the brain. This affects the areas of the brain responsible for sensation.

Numbness or tingling may also occur in one side of the body, a condition known as hemiplegic migraine. This is usually manifested by the onset of an aura before the headache begins.

3. Headache

Ocular migraine happens when there are changes in the blood flow in the brain. The person suffering from this particular condition, experiences headaches since changes in the blood flow to the brain cause the blood vessels and the nerves to become inflamed. The constricting blood vessels contribute to the severity of a headache.

2. Speech Changes

Speech changes are usually caused by a disruption in the brain’s network. Extensive changes in brain function take place, affecting its functional connectivity to the speech- motor system.

Speech problems in migraine sufferers are called transient aphasia and they can result in difficulty speaking or writing. Some people may even sound drunk when they speak. Transient aphasia is a less common symptom of ocular migraine. It occurs when a series of sensory disturbances take place minutes before the headache

1. Impaired Motor Skills

Motor skills can be impaired during an ocular migraine. The reason for this is that the electrical activity in the brain is not normal.

Abnormal electrical activity in the brain can affect motor skills in different ways. It can cause a person to experience seizures. These seizures can be focal or generalized. It can occur in one hand or foot or it can affect other areas such as the face or limbs.

Treatments And Care

Ocular migraines occur when there is inflammation around the blood vessels and nerves in the eye. It typically affects middle-aged adults, and women are three times more likely to develop it than men.

Many of these migraines are caused by a hormone called estrogen, which controls the chemicals in the brain that affect pain. Pregnancy, menstruation, and certain drugs may also trigger an attack. In addition, ocular migraine can be caused by medical conditions.

While ocular migraine is usually harmless and does not require any treatment, it is important to treat it if it continues for more than half an hour. If the condition is severe enough to impair vision, driving or performing any other task should be stopped immediately until the headache is gone.

If the condition lasts longer than 24 hours or occurs more than twice a month, it’s best to see a doctor.

Nonetheless, there are ocular migraine treatments worth knowing about.

12. Essential Oils

Essential oils such as peppermint and lavender can be used to treat ocular migraine. Menthol, an ingredient in peppermint oil, is believed to improve cognitive performance and elicit mental relaxation.

The lavender essential oil has sedative and analgesic properties that can help alleviate the symptoms, of ocular migraine. Using essential oils topically involves applying the oil to specific areas of the body, like the temples and forehead. Migraine sufferers commonly apply the oil directly to these two areas for relief.

11. Rest

In some cases, people suffering from ocular migraine can rest to treat the condition. The visual phase of ocular migraine usually lasts less than 60 minutes. It’s recommended to take rest until eyesight returns to normal.

In some cases, ocular migraine can be brought on by eye strain. This is often harmless, and rest can help relieve the pain.

10. Avoid Triggers

One of the natural ways to treat ocular migraine is by avoiding triggers that cause the condition. Examples of these triggers are consuming alcoholic beverages, skipping meals, lacking sleep, and stress.

Bright lights can also trigger ocular migraine. Avoiding sources of bright and harsh lights can help alleviate the symptoms of ocular migraine.

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