How to Treat Ocular Migraines

Ocular migraines, often called painless or silent migraines when involving no headache, can be hard to diagnose. The symptoms can differ greatly from the traditional migraine. They are characterized by a blind spot, blurry vision or seeing lights similar to a fireworks display within the eye. These indications, however, may be part of a visual problem that is unconnected to migraines. Learn to identify, treat and prevent ocular migraines.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Migraine journal

Diagnose Your Condition

1. Know the symptoms of ocular migraines. In addition to visual disturbances, you may or may not have pulsating headache pain followed by nausea and fatigue.

2. Read "Migraines and Other Headaches" for detailed information. See the Resources section below for a link.

3. Consult a headache specialist for a diagnosis. Discuss your family history with migraines and your symptoms, as outlined in a migraine journal.

Treat Symptoms With a Variety of Solutions

4. Cope with gradual vision loss and return that may last about 30 minutes as you would a traditional migraine. Rest in a dark room until vision returns to normal.

5. Take an anti-nausea medication, purchased over-the-counter or prescribed by your headache doctor.

6. Take ibuprofen or aspirin for any headache pain. Use only as directed, never exceeding the daily recommended dosage. If you need something stronger, call your doctor.

7. Address any migraine triggers that your doctor identifies, in order to prevent an attack. These may include food, sleep or environmental adjustments.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't panic. Ocular migraine symptoms pass within a short time and vision returns to normal.
• Keep a migraine journal detailing your experiences and the behavior leading up to them. This will help identify the triggers of your migraines and diagnose the issue.
• Assemble as complete a family medical history as possible to share with your doctor. Migraines are often hereditary.
• Brief visual impairment may be indicative of a serious condition other than migraine, such as stroke or eye damage. See a doctor for a correct diagnosis.
• Take any medication used to treat symptoms as directed and ask a doctor if you should anticipate any drug interactions.

Resources

• Basic Details in Migraines and Other Headaches
• Description of Ocular Symptoms on the Migraine Aura Foundation Website

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[Choppy]

on 8/13/2008 Today I got a really painful Ocular Migrane, I do suffer from migranes but this one was so painful that I work for Opthamoligist he had to send me to my family doctor because of the severe symptoms. I had them all from pain, to vomitting. What can I do if i ever get another one again?

[ireland]

on 12/3/2007 I take Niacinamide or Non-flushing Niacin daily to prevent ocular migraines. I prefer not to take pain medication when I don't need it for actual pain.