A visual migraine is a temporary visual distortion that often begins with a small sparkling, shimmering area that slowly expands outward. The growing spot often has jagged, zig-zag edges. The visual symptoms typically last approximately 20-30 minutes and then completely resolve.
Common triggers include stress, hormonal changes, bright/flashing lights, drinking alcohol (red wine), changes in the weather, skipping meals/not eating enough, or too much or too little sleep.
“Ocular Migraine” is a term that has been used to refer to a number of migraine subtypes that are characterized by a variety of visual disturbances including visual loss, blind spots, zig-zag lines, or seeing stars. Unlike other forms of migraine, they may occur without any accompanying head pain.
Both ocular migraines and traditional migraine headaches are caused when the blood flow is momentarily disrupted. In migraine headaches, this altered blood flow is occurring in the brain, whereas in ocular migraines, it's the back of the eye that is receiving disrupted blood flow.
It may start as a small hole of light, sometimes bright geometrical lines and shapes in your visual field. This visual aura may expand into a sickle- or C-shaped object, with zigzag lines on the leading edge. As it moves, it may appear to grow.
Ocular migraines and stroke are two conditions that share similar symptoms and can often be confused. Although an ocular migraine alone does not indicate a stroke, studies show that those who suffer from ocular migraines may be at a higher risk of experiencing a stroke.
If you have visual symptoms that have not previously been evaluated by a health care provider, you should see a provider if you have any of the following: Visual changes in only one eye. Visual changes that last less than five minutes and more than 60 minutes. Visual changes without a headache.
Stress is a common trigger of migraine headaches, including ocular migraine headaches. Since anxiety causes stress, anxiety is a common cause of migraine headaches, including ocular migraine headaches.
There is no specific diagnostic test available that can identify ocular migraines; to diagnose your condition, the eye doctor may: Perform a comprehensive eye exam. Review your medical history.
It's rare. Some research suggests that in many cases, the symptoms are due to other problems. Other migraine attacks can also cause vision problems. An aura migraine can involve flashing lights and blind spots.
Usually, brain tumor headaches are described as headaches with features more similar to ten- sion-type headaches than to migraines. therefore, it is strongly suggestive that the mechanism of spreading depression can initiate the symptoms of visual aura even in occipital brain tumors.
A visual migraine is a temporary visual distortion that often begins with a small sparkling, shimmering area that slowly expands outward. The growing spot often has jagged, zig-zag edges. The visual symptoms typically last approximately 20-30 minutes and then completely resolve.
A retinal migraine a rare phenomenon that usually affects monocular vision transiently. Duration of symptoms on average is 5 to 20 minutes. The prognosis for an ocular migraine is good. The frequency and intensity of the headache typically decrease.
Dehydration. Though often overlooked, dehydration is one of the most common causes of migraine headaches—and thus, of visual and ocular migraines. For some especially migraine-sensitive folks, even mild dehydration can trigger a migraine event.
LACK OF SLEEP
Sleep disturbance is one of the most common factors linked to ocular migraine. Excessive sleep is a less common trigger as well. Sudden changes in your sleep schedule, jet lags, and insomnia can also cause migraines.
Possible triggers for ocular migraines
Low blood sugar levels. High blood pressure (hypertension) Dehydration.
The most common cause of kaleidoscope vision is an ocular migraine, which is a migraine accompanied by visual symptoms. About 20% of people who suffer from migraines experience some type of aura, also known as a sensory disturbance.
Some people experience flashes of light that appear as jagged lines or "heat waves" in both eyes, and they can last for up to 20 minutes. These types of flashes are usually caused by a spasm of blood vessels in the brain, which is called a migraine. If a headache follows the flashes, it's called a migraine headache.
A retinal (ocular) migraine is a type of migraine aura. But it only affects one of your eyes. A migraine with aura affects both of your eyes. The visual symptoms during an ocular migraine usually don't last as long as symptoms of a migraine with aura.
Migraine headaches and brain aneurysms can sometimes share some symptoms. It's rare, but an aneurysm that is large or growing can push on nerves or tissue and cause migraine-like symptoms, including: Headaches. Pain above or behind the eyes.
In rare cases, visual migraine can trigger a seizure. This is called migralepsy and usually causes a person to experience a seizure within 1 hour after noticing migraine symptoms.
Some people get retinal migraine every few months, although the frequency can vary. Retinal migraine is a separate condition. It shouldn't be confused with headache-type migraine or migraine with aura, which usually affects the vision of both eyes.