Ocular migraines involve severe visual disturbance without pain, with triggers including stress, menstrual cycles, and certain foods. Neurologists can help determine the root cause and prevention methods. Patients should seek medical attention for any strange visual symptoms and headaches.
Ocular migraines are migraines involving the eyes. They can manifest in different ways with a variety of symptoms, and neurologists use the term a little differently, which can lead to some confusion. As a general rule, a case of severe visual disturbance is classified as an ocular migraine, whether or not it is accompanied by pain. Most people seek the attention of an eye doctor after experiencing these migraines due to vision-related symptoms, but they should also visit a neurologist. A neurologist may be able to determine the root cause and make recommendations to prevent the ocular migraine from recurring.
Often, no pain is associated with migraine around the eyes. Instead, the visual field is severely disrupted. Flashing lights, distortion and loss of vision have all been reported by patients experiencing the condition. Sometimes only one eye is involved and the symptoms usually go away after about half an hour. It is believed that the cause of these migraines is a change in blood flow to the brain and that a number of things can trigger them.
The hallucinations associated with these migraines are sometimes known as Alice in Wonderland syndrome, due to their resemblance to Lewis Carroll’s imaginary world. Some neurologists have suggested that the topsy-turvy world of Alice in Wonderland may have come from the mind of someone who has experienced these migraines. In some cases, a migraine follows the visual symptoms of an ocular migraine. Other symptoms may include pain around the eyes, nausea, vomiting and double vision.
Stress and changes in women’s menstrual cycles are thought to be associated with ocular migraines. Also, some foods can act as triggers. These foods include caffeine, chocolate, aged cheeses, rich meats, and red wine. If a patient has severe ocular migraines accompanied by intense pain, a neurologist may lead the patient on an elimination diet, to determine which food acts as the trigger. Even patients who do not experience pain may choose to go on an elimination diet, as these migraines can be very detrimental to daily life.
Any patient experiencing strange visual symptoms and regular headaches should see a doctor. Vision changes and headaches can be symptoms of a more serious problem. When visiting a doctor about these problems, it is helpful to have a list of when the symptoms first appeared so the doctor can look for a common link between the incidents.
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