What mimics an ocular migraine?

Focal seizures and seizure aura can mimic migraine aura. Visual migraine aura can be confused for occipital seizures and vice versa, although symptoms are classically distinct. This is further complicated because occipital seizures are often followed by migraine-like headache.

Can ocular migraines be a symptom of something else?

The causes of ocular migraines differ from person to person, and sometimes they are just unexplainable. Some say chocolate or caffeine triggers them, while others believe stress and certain medications are a factor. Still, other sufferers say they experience ocular migraines randomly.

Is it an ocular migraine or something else?

The term "ocular migraine" can be confusing. It generally means a headache that's accompanied by changes in vision. But the term is often used interchangeably to refer to two different conditions: migraine aura, which usually isn't serious, and retinal migraine, which could signal something serious.

Why am I getting ocular migraines all of a sudden?

Harsh lighting, long screen time, other visual strain, stress, dehydration, food additives, and other causes all may trigger an ocular migraine, a subtype that focuses in the eye and causes vision changes.

How can you tell the difference between an ocular migraine and a TIA?

For instance, a migraine with only a visual aura but no headache may be mistaken for TIA. Like a stroke, a migraine can be sudden and can lead to mild confusion. However, migraine aura symptoms tend to develop relatively slowly and then spread and intensify, while the symptoms of a TIA or stroke are sudden.

Retinal "Migraine"

Are ocular migraines mini strokes?

The bottom line. Ocular migraine, or migraine with aura, and stroke are two different conditions. Having an attack doesn't mean you're having a stroke or are about to have one. However, research has shown that people with migraine with aura are at an increased risk of stroke.

What causes bright zigzag lines in eyes?

Causes of Ocular Migraine. Ocular migraine is a term used to cover several migraine subtypes that cause visual disturbances. They can develop with or without the accompanying pain of a classic migraine attack. During an ocular migraine flare, you may see flashing or shimmering lights, zigzagging lines, or stars.

Can brain tumors cause ocular migraines?

In another study, Forsyth et al. [5] reported that headaches were similar to ten- sion-type in 77%, migraine-type in 9%, and other types in 14% of 111 patients with a brain tumor. Our cases presented with only migraine-type headache with migraine-like visual aura due to an astrocytoma.

Should I be worried about ocular migraines?

Retinal migraine (ocular migraine) is an eye condition that causes brief attacks of blindness or visual problems like flashing lights in 1 eye. These episodes can be frightening, but in most cases they're harmless and shortlived, and eyesight goes back to normal afterwards.

Can dehydration cause ocular migraines?

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.

What is scintillating scotoma?

Scintillating scotomas are blind spots that flicker and waver between light and dark. Scintillating scotomas are typically not permanent. But they can be an indicator of an underlying health condition.

What is kaleidoscope vision?

Kaleidoscope vision is not a stand-alone condition, but rather a visual symptom of migraines or conditions like a stroke or brain injury. A person experiencing kaleidoscope vision may perceive their visual field to be fractured, vividly colored, or scrambled — similar to looking through a kaleidoscope.

What does kaleidoscope vision look like?

Kaleidoscope vision is characterized by images that are disjointed, blurry, and brightly colored. They appear as if you're looking through a kaleidoscope or broken glass, and can last for an hour or more. Most often, kaleidoscope vision is a symptom of ocular migraine or migraine with aura.

What happens in the brain during an ocular migraine?

The result: The brain produces an outsize reaction to the trigger, its electrical system (mis)firing on all cylinders. This electrical activity causes a change in blood flow to the brain, which in turn affects the brain's nerves, causing pain.

What does an ocular migraine feel like?

Ocular migraines are a rare condition that can be defined as a headache followed by vision changes. You may see lines, shimmering lights, stars, or at times blind spots. Some people will experience temporary blindness in one eye.

How long can an ocular migraine last?

The visual portion of an ocular migraine typically lasts less than 60 minutes, so most people don't need treatment. It's best to stop what you're doing and rest your eyes until your vision goes back to normal. If you have a headache, take a pain reliever that your doctor recommends.

What were your first signs of a brain tumor?

What are the symptoms of a tumor behind the eye?

Can sinus problems cause ocular migraines?

Believe it or not, inflamed sinuses are a common symptom or trigger for multiple headache disorders, including migraine. Research showed, the majority of people who think they have sinus headache actually have Migraine. So, making sure you've got a good diagnosis really is that important.

Can low thyroid cause ocular migraines?

The study researchers conclude that “patients with subclinical hypothyroidism have an increased risk of developing both migraine with aura and migraine without aura in respect to controls.

When should I see a doctor for ocular migraine?

It is important to talk with a doctor about severe, frequent, or disabling headaches, as well as those that cause other symptoms, such as sensory problems or nausea. A person should seek emergency care for visual symptoms that affect only one eye.

Can high blood pressure cause ocular migraines?

Retinal migraines are more likely to be triggered by other factors: intense exercise, dehydration, low blood sugar, high blood pressure, hot temperatures, and tobacco use.

What are the warning signs of a detached retina?

What is Streff Syndrome?

Streff Syndrome is an involuntary, juvenile amblyopia thought to be caused by near point stress. It is typically characterized by bilateral reduced acuity, near visual acuity poorer than distance visual acuity, with no significant refractive error or pathology.

What is Acephalgic migraine?

“Migraine aura without headache”—previously known as “acephalgic migraine” and sometimes called “silent migraine”—is when someone has a migraine aura without any head pain. Despite a lack of head pain, migraine aura without headache is still disabling for those who live with it.