What is the difference between an ocular migraine and a retinal migraine?
People may use the terms ocular migraine and retinal migraine to mean the same thing, but there are some important differences. An ocular migraine generally occurs in both eyes. A retinal migraine is rare and tends to occur in just one eye, when vessels that supply the eye with blood narrow.
What mimics an ocular migraine?
Epilepsy also has many features similar to migraine that can lead to mutual misdiagnosis. Focal seizures and seizure aura can mimic migraine aura. Visual migraine aura can be confused for occipital seizures and vice versa, although symptoms are classically distinct.
What is a true retinal migraine?
Retinal migraine (ocular migraine) is an eye condition that causes brief attacks of blindness or visual problems like flashing lights in 1 eye. These episodes can be frightening, but in most cases they’re harmless and shortlived, and eyesight goes back to normal afterwards.
Why do retinal migraines happen?
The exact cause of retinal migraine is unknown and controversial. There are several mechanisms that have been considered including retinal vasospasm (narrowing of arteries), inflammation around the nerves, and changes within areas of the brain.
How is retinal migraine diagnosed?
There isn’t a test that can diagnose retinal migraine. Your doctor will look at your medical history and also your family medical history, as half of those with this condition have a family history of migraines.
Can you have a retinal migraine without headache?
Can I have a visual migraine without a headache? Definitely. It is actually very common to have a visual migraine without any headache. The medical term for this is “acephalgic migraine,” which literally means migraine symptoms without headache.
Is retinal migraine the same as migraine with aura?
Retinal migraine involves repeated bouts of short-lasting, diminished vision or blindness. These bouts may precede or accompany a headache. A retinal migraine — unlike a migraine aura — will affect only one eye, not both. But usually, loss of vision in one eye isn’t related to migraine.
How long can Retinal migraines last?
A retinal migraine a rare phenomenon that usually affects monocular vision transiently. Duration of symptoms on average is 5 to 20 minutes.
How do you get rid of retinal migraines?
Treatment for Retinal Migraines These medications can include NSAIDs and antinausea medications. Triptans and ergotamines are avoided in these patients. Preventive therapies used for other migraines types should be explored, such as the calcium channel blockers, antiepileptic or tricyclic medications.