Visual Disturbances and Migraines

​Migraines are a type of headache that can cause severe pulsating or throbbing pain, often on one side of the head. In some cases, migraines also cause sensitivity to light, nausea, and vomiting. Less common migraine symptoms can also include:

• Pins and needles sensation in an arm or leg
• Difficulty speaking
• Weakness in the face

Some individuals develop visual auras. Ocular migraine is the original term for the visual changes that may develop with a migraine. More recently, doctors refer to the visual and sensory symptoms as migraine with aura. Auras are reversible symptoms of the nervous system. A visual aura involves temporary visual impairment.

Although it does not cause permanent damage to the eyes, migraines with aura can be bothersome. The symptoms can impede the ability to perform daily tasks such as reading, writing, and driving.

According to the American Migraine Foundation, up to 30 percent of people with migraines have visual aura symptoms. 
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Symptoms of visual auras 

According to the Mayo Clinic, visual auras tend to be short-lived. Visual symptoms typically last five minutes to one hour. They can occur before or during a migraine headache, but it is also possible to develop visual aura symptoms without a headache.

Visual symptoms of a migraine with aura include:

• Zigzag patterns
• Blind spots
• Flashes of light
• Shimmering spots

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Can vision loss occur with a migraine? 

Temporary vision loss in one eye can occur with a specific type of ocular migraine called a retinal migraine. Usually, vision loss only lasts for a brief time. Migraine with aura can also cause blind spots but not complete vision loss. 

What is a retinal migraine? 

Retinal migraines are a rare form of ocular migraines that can cause temporary vision loss. The exact pathophysiology of retinal migraines is not entirely clear. One theory is that retinal migraines occur due to vasospasm (sudden reduction of a blood vessel) within the retina.

Research indicates that retinal migraines can start as early as childhood. Still, most cases begin in the second decade, and the peak incidence is in the fourth decade.

Symptoms of retinal migraines include:

• Seeing twinkling light
• Blind spots or areas of decreased vision
• Temporary vision loss 

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​Differences between retinal migraines and migraines with aura 

Although both types of migraines can cause temporary visual disturbances, there are some key differences between retinal migraines and migraines with aura.

A retinal migraine occurs in one eye. A migraine with aura usually affects both eyes. Typically, migraines with aura symptoms still happen even with your eyes closed. Visual symptoms of a retinal migraine resolve when the eyes are closed.

In retinal migraines, the visual symptoms are derived from the eyes. In a migraine with aura, symptoms occur due to changes in the brain. 
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Migraine treatment 

There are various migraine treatment options available to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines. Treatment may include lifestyle changes to reduce stress, changes in dietary habits, and avoidance of alcohol.

Medication options may include:

• Low dose aspirin
• Calcium channel blockers
• Antiseizure drugs
• Triptans

Remember that not all visual disturbances, such as flashing lights, occur due to migraines. There are other causes of seeing zigzag lines and spots, some of which have serious causes.  If you develop changes in vision, it is always best to see an eye specialist.

If you would like to ask whether an appointment with one of our eye doctors would be appropriate at this time, call our office at 508-746-8600.