Do you experience visual disturbances during a migraine attack? If so, you may be experiencing a visual migraine, also known as an ocular migraine.
Don't suffer alone! Call Eye Health Centre in St. Albert to schedule an appointment today.
What are Visual Migraines?
- Visual migraines are a type of migraine that primarily affects your vision.
- During a visual migraine, you may experience visual disturbances that can last anywhere from a few minutes to an hour.
- These disturbances include flickering lights, blind spots, zigzag lines, and other visual distortions.
Visual Migraine Symptoms:
Aura:
- One of the most common symptoms of a visual migraine is an aura. This is a temporary visual disturbance that usually lasts for 20-30 minutes before a migraine headache sets in.
- Auras can include a variety of visual disturbances, such as flashing lights, shimmering lines, or even temporary loss of vision.
- These visual symptoms can be frightening and disorienting, especially if you're unfamiliar with them.
Scotoma:
- Another common symptom of visual migraines is scotoma, a blind spot in your vision.
- This blind spot can appear as a small black or gray spot in your field of vision that grows larger over time.
- Some people also experience fortification spectra, which are shimmering, zigzag lines that move across their field of vision.
Other Symptoms:
- In addition to these visual disturbances, some people may experience other symptoms during a visual migraine, such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
- These symptoms can be extremely debilitating, making it challenging to go about your day-to-day activities.
Why Do I Have Visual Migraines?
While the exact cause of visual migraines is still not fully understood, it is believed to be related to changes in blood flow to the brain. It is also thought to be linked to genetics and specific triggers, such as stress, lack of sleep, or certain foods.
What Can I Do To Manage Visual Migraines?
If you experience visual migraines, it's essential to talk to your doctor to rule out any underlying health conditions. Your doctor may also recommend medications or other treatments to help manage your symptoms.
In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to help reduce the frequency and severity of your visual migraines. These include getting plenty of rest, managing stress, avoiding trigger foods, and staying hydrated.
Remember, if you experience visual migraines, you're not alone. With the proper treatment and lifestyle changes, you can manage your symptoms and get back to enjoying your life.
Call Eye Health Centre in St. Albert to schedule an appointment today.