Retinal Migraine: Symptoms, Treatment

Retinal Migraine - a type of migraine that is rare and consists of prolonged repeated attacks, decreased vision or blindness in one eye. Episodes of vision loss or blindness may precede or be accompanied by headaches along with other symptoms such as nausea.

The main cause of retinal migraines is not fully understood and is still controversial. However, several mechanisms have been considered for this symptom, including: retinal vasospasm, narrowing of the arteries, inflammation around the nerves, and changes occurring in regions of the brain. Even so, more research is still needed to fully understand the potential causes.
Some ophthalmologists believe that retinal migraines are the result of changes in nerve cells that spread across the retina. But long-term damage to the eyes can be very rare. Although retinal migraines are not a sign of serious problems in the eye, they can also be a risk factor for reduced blood flow and damage to the retina. If this situation occurs, it can lead to long-term vision impairment.
Certain activities and conditions can trigger retinal migraines: intense exercise, smoking, tobacco use, dehydration, low blood sugar, changing birth control pills Changes in hormone levels, increased blood pressure, altitude, hot temperatures, caffeine... In addition, certain foods and liquids can trigger retinal migraines, including: foods with containing nitrates, such as hot dogs, other processed meats; foods with tyramine, smoked fish, frozen meats and some soy products; products containing MSG, including chips, broths, soups and condiments; alcoholic beverages including some beers and red wine; Drinks and foods with caffeine

Symptoms of a retinal migraine are similar to those of a regular migraine, but symptoms of a retinal migraine usually include a temporary change in vision in one eye.
Loss of vision. People who have experienced migraine and orbital attacks will often lose vision in only one eye. This process is usually quite short, can take about 10 to 20 minutes. In some cases, it can take up to an hour. In some cases, dark spots are seen called "fibroids". Dark spots that appear and get bigger can cause complete vision loss.
Partial loss of vision. Others will experience partial vision loss in one eye, which is often characterized by blurred, blurred or sparkling vision known as "strabismus." Partial vision loss can last up to 60 minutes. Headache. Sometimes, people who experience retinal migraines will experience headaches after or while their vision is being attacked. Headaches in this state can last from a few hours to a few days. Illness, nausea, and a sharp pain in the head often accompanies headaches and usually affects one side of the head. This pain may be worse when you are physically active.

To date there have not been any specific tests to diagnose retinal migraines. If a person sees a doctor or optometrist with a retinal migraine, he or she may use an “ophthalmoscope” to check for reduced blood flow to the eye.
Doctors usually diagnose retinal migraines by investigating the symptoms, performing a physical exam, and reviewing personal and family medical history. Retinal migraines are usually diagnosed by an exclusion process, which means that symptoms such as transient blindness cannot be explained by other serious eye diseases or conditions.

If retinal migraines are infrequent, your doctor or health care professional can perform optometry and prescribe medications commonly used to treat other forms of migraine. Medications to help with these conditions include triptans, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen, and anti-nausea medications. In addition, doctors can look at individual triggers and try to address them aggressively to prevent further relapses. Ophthalmologists may sometimes prescribe specific medications for retinal migraines including beta-propranolol blockers, antidepressants - amitriptyline, or anticonvulsants such as valproate or topiramate. However, to treat retinal migraines definitively and effectively, more research is still needed to have specific grounds for this disease.

The terms "c-optical migraine" and "retinal migraine" are often used and understood in the same sense. However, retinal migraine is one of the rare types of ocular migraine. It is therefore important to distinguish the term "visual migraine," where migraine affects an area of ​​the brain involved with vision and can lead to auras affecting vision in both regions. two eyes, not just one.
5.1 The Danger of Retinal Migraines Usually, retinal migraines subside after a short while without harming long-term health. However, this symptom can affect your ability to drive safely. As such, you should discuss this with your doctor and potentially have an eye exam to look at potential causes and rule out more serious concerns, such as a stroke in the eye.
Migraine with or without aura is a risk factor for stroke. If it hasn't happened before, simultaneous vision loss in both eyes could also be a sign of a more serious problem.
5.2 Retinal Migraine Without Headache Your head may begin at the same time as the retinal migraine affecting vision or may be up to 1 hour later, or the person may not feel it at all. feel headache. These signs hold true for migraines that are more common with aura.
5.3 The prevalence of retinal migraines Retinal migraines are considered relatively rare. There are also other migraines that often affect vision in both eyes, not just one.
5.4 Duration of retinal migraines The visual effects of retinal migraines usually last no more than an hour. But, not all retinal migraines are accompanied by a headache or nausea, but such symptoms can last for more than a day.
5.5 Risk factors for retinal migraines Both children and adults or subjects of any age can get retinal migraines. These conditions tend to be more common in the following groups: people under the age of 40, women, people with a family history of retinal migraines or headaches, people with a personal history of migraines. migraine or headache. People with certain other conditions that can affect blood vessels and eyes may also be at risk. These include: sickle cell anemia, epilepsy, lupus, hardening of the arteries, giant cell arteritis, or vasculitis of the scalp
Retinal migraines often begin with vision loss total or partial force, or visual impairment such as twinkling lights. This usually lasts no more than an hour. The headache phase begins during or after the onset of visual symptoms. This headache can last from a few hours to a few days. Usually, this type of migraine occurs every few months. Episodes may occur more or less frequently. Either way, you should consult an ophthalmologist if you are already experiencing related vision impairment.