![]() Generally, the episode lasts less than an hour. In some cases, the entire visual field of one eye may be affected. This blind spot gets larger, making it impossible for you to drive safely or read with the affected eye. Ocular migraine symptoms generally include a small blind spot that affects your central vision in one eye. Ocular migraine and visual migraine symptoms Now, let’s take a closer look at ocular migraines (retinal migraines) and visual migraines (migraine auras). But the vision problems caused by visual migraines affect both eyes, not just one eye, and tend to be somewhat shorter - usually around 20 minutes in duration. Visual migraines also cause temporary vision disturbances. Unfortunately, "ocular migraine" often is used to describe a much more common (and harmless) condition - called a visual migraine or migraine aura. Ocular migraines are also called retinal migraines. Ocular migraines can be painless or they can occur along with (or following) a migraine headache. In an ocular migraine, vision in the affected eye generally returns to normal within an hour. Ocular migraines are caused by reduced blood flow or spasms of blood vessels in the retina or behind the eye. Powered by trusted neurologists.An ocular migraine is a rare condition characterized by temporary vision loss or even temporary blindness in one eye. However, loss of vision in one eye may also be caused by some more serious conditions, so be sure to see an eye specialist if this occurs. A retinal migraine-unlike ocular migraine-will affect only one eye, not both. (See " Ask the Experts" from the December 2012/January 2013 issue of Neurology Now for more on this topic.) The risk is increased further if a woman with aura takes contraceptives that contain an estrogen compound, or if she is a smoker.Ī rare condition that is sometimes confused with ocular migraine is retinal migraine, in which an individual experiences repeated bouts of short-lasting diminished vision or blindness that either precedes or accompanies a headache. It has been noted, however, that aura may be associated with a small increased risk of stroke (cerebral infarction) in women. The visual disturbances may temporarily interfere with certain daily activities such as reading or driving, but the condition usually is not considered serious. Similarly, language disturbances or weakness of one side of the body occurs if corresponding areas of the brain are involved.Īura is generally harmless. For example, people sometimes experience tingling and prickling sensations in a limb or face if areas of the brain that relate to sensation are involved. Spreading depression may also affect other areas of the brain, causing other non-visual symptoms. However, the frequency of visual aura alone (ocular migraine) is not known because many people who have this as an isolated symptom do not seek medical care. It is estimated that visual aura occurs in 20 to 25 percent of people with migraine headaches. ![]() In fact, the term "fortification spectrum" is used by neurologists to describe it.Ī visual aura is thought to be an electrical or chemical wave that spreads over the area of the brain responsible for vision (called spreading depression). For some people, these shapes resemble the walls of a medieval fortress. Zigzag lines or other shapes may also appear. Often, the symptoms of ocular migraine begin near the center of vision as either a bright spot or area of visual loss (called scotoma) that spreads to involve one-quarter or one-half of the visual field. The symptoms of an aura usually begin slowly and last 15 to 30 minutes, although they sometimes persist for up to an hour. In some cases, as with ocular migraine, people experience the symptoms of visual aura without getting a headache. However, it may also occur during a headache. Visual aura usually precedes a migraine headache. Ocular migraine is a term that usually refers to a condition known as migraine visual aura, which involves episodes of passing visual disturbances, such as bright spots, affecting both eyes. Not necessarily, but here's what you should know. I am an intensive care unit nurse who believes in not running to doctors for every little thing, but should I be concerned? Dr. I have also discovered that flashing lights sometimes bring these on. Q: I recently found out by looking on the Web that my symptoms point to ocular migraines. Should I be concerned about ocular migraines?
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