Ocular migraines are those migraines in which the eyes are affected. The patient may be extremely sensitive to light, see bright lights or wavy lines, experience what are known as migraine auras and find it very difficult to focus their eyes to read or see fine detail.
Common Triggers for Ocular Migraines
Ocular or retinal migraines can have many triggers. Bright lights, chemical imbalances within the body, high blood pressure, exposure to toxic chemicals, stress, foods that contain MSG or the overuse of artificial sweeteners, and loud noises may all act as triggers.
Health conditions may also play a role in triggering migraines. Every person is different and will react to these triggers in different ways. When working with a headache specialist, the first thing the doctor will do is try to uncover possible triggers.
Once the cause or trigger of the headache is known, it is much easier to develop an effective treatment plan.
Possible Treatment Options
If the migraine is caused by an underlying health condition, treating that condition will reduce the risk of migraines recurring. Seizures, injuries to the head/neck/spine, brain tumors, and different types of strokes can each cause varying degrees of headache pain. The symptoms of these migraines can be treated, while other health conditions are simultaneously addressed.
If something is wrong within the brain, such as chemical or hormonal imbalance, brain tumor or another brain injury, a headache specialist will be able to begin treating the associated headache and reducing the risk of the continued occurrences.
Treatment options include various types of medications to relieve the pain and inflammation within the brain, as well as medications to help dilate the blood vessels in the brain and allow more oxygenated blood to reach the area.
Correcting any structural abnormalities in the head, neck, and spine may also offer relief.
Preventing Ocular Migraines
There are also things the patient may be able to do to reduce the risk of severe ocular migraine pain. A few tips include avoiding bright or pulsating lights, having a complete physical to determine if there is a health condition that may be causing the headache pain, exercising regularly, and eliminating foods from the diet that may contain toxic elements, such as artificial sweeteners, food additives, and preservatives.
It may also be beneficial to get a massage on a regular basis. Deep tissue massage can improve blood flow and relax the muscles in the head, neck, and back.
National Headache Institute
At the National Headache Institute, we know how to effectively deal with the intense pain of retinal and ocular migraines. When you need a headache doctor who understands migraine auras and can provide you with the best possible ocular migraine treatment options, call our office and schedule an appointment.
We can help you get to the bottom of your headache pain and work with you to find the right solution for your particular case.
