Migraines can be debilitating, affecting various facets of a person's life. Among the many types of migraines, ocular migraines stand out due to their unique manifestations related to vision. This article seeks to help you understand and recognize the signs and symptoms of ocular migraines, enabling timely intervention and care.
What is an Ocular Migraine?
An ocular migraine, also known as a retinal or ophthalmic migraine, is a rare condition characterized by temporary vision loss or blindness in one eye. It is often accompanied by or followed by a headache. Unlike the visual disturbances called "auras," which affect both eyes and are common in classical migraines, ocular migraines impact only one eye.
Signs and Symptoms
Visual Disturbances: Typically, the first and most prominent symptom is a visual disturbance that can affect a part or all of the vision in one eye. This can last from a few minutes to about 30 minutes.
Blind Spots (Scotomas): These are areas of diminished vision or complete blindness. They often begin as a small point, expanding outward.
Flashing Lights: Before the headache strikes, many individuals report seeing flashing lights or zigzagging patterns.
Partial or Complete Vision Loss: While rare, some individuals might experience transient blindness in one eye.
Headache: A headache often follows the visual disturbances, though it may occur simultaneously or not at all. This headache can be throbbing, moderate to severe in intensity, and can last for a few hours to several days.
Other Associated Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity (photophobia), and sound sensitivity (phonophobia) may accompany the migraine.
Causes and Triggers
The exact cause of ocular migraines is still a topic of research, but it's believed to be related to:
Vasospasm: A spasm or narrowing of blood vessels in the retina, the layer of cells at the back of the eye.
Neurological Factors: Changes in nerve cell activity could be a contributing factor.
Common triggers include:
Stress or anxiety
Bright lights or loud noises
Changes in weather conditions
Tobacco use
Certain foods and beverages, especially those containing caffeine or nitrates
Diagnosis
If you experience symptoms of an ocular migraine, it's crucial to consult an ophthalmologist or neurologist. They will usually ask about your symptoms, medical history, and any potential migraine triggers. They might also recommend:
Eye Examination: To check the health of your eyes and detect any abnormalities.
Imaging Tests: Such as MRIs or CT scans to rule out other conditions.
Treatment
While ocular migraines often resolve without any intervention, it's vital to address them, particularly if they are frequent or severe. Treatment may include:
Rest: Lying down in a dark, quiet room often helps.
Avoiding Triggers: Keeping a diary to identify and then avoid potential triggers can be beneficial.
Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care: this treatment option can address the root causes of ocular migraines by optimizing spinal alignment and enhancing nervous system function.
Ocular migraines, while distressing, are usually harmless and don't result in permanent vision loss. Recognizing the symptoms allows for timely care and intervention.
How We Treat Ocular Migraines
Dr. Gordon Elder is proficient in the Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic Technique, a method that emphasizes the well-being of the upper cervical spine by pinpointing and correcting misalignments, thus enhancing spinal and neural health.
For ocular migraine treatment, Dr. Elder adopts a comprehensive approach. Initially, a 25–30-minute assessment determines if nerve pressure results from vertebral misalignments. After this assessment, patients receive feedback and can discuss any queries regarding their spinal condition with Dr. Elder.
Subsequently, Dr. Elder applies gentle adjustments, leveraging state-of-the-art 3-D imaging to precisely locate any upper cervical misalignments. These precise interventions ensure the body's innate healing capacities are optimized by facilitating proper nerve function.
Post-adjustment, patients undergo periodic reviews, usually over 3-5 months, amounting to 10-15 sessions, ensuring the adjustments remain effective over a quarter of a year.
If ocular migraines disrupt your daily life, contact Dr. Elder for an appointment. Blair Chiropractic Clinic, based in Lubbock, Texas, also caters to patients from Amarillo, Midland, Odessa, Abilene, El Paso in Texas, and Hobbs in New Mexico.
Published by Vic Belonogoff: A Blair Chiropractic doctor helped heal vertigo, among other conditions that Vic Belonogoff suffered from, and it gave him his life back. He continues to see an upper cervical chiropractor as a preventative measure. Vic Belonogoff is passionate about upper cervical chiropractic and how much it helps patients.