Ocular migraine is a specific type of migraine that has all the conventional symptoms but in addition to those affects vision and hearing of the individual suffering from it. Medical experts say that ocular migraines can cause blindness that can last anywhere from a few minutes to up to an hour. Vision loss, albeit temporary, is very common among people suffering from ocular migraines. However, if left untreated without any apt medical intervention, ocular migraines can cause eventual blindness, in at least one eye.
Owing to the nature of the symptoms, ocular migraine’s symptoms are referred to as retinal or monocular and ophthalmic in some cases. Despite evidence that support the aforementioned symptoms of ocular migraines, there are other conditions too which can be causing the same symptoms. Thus, in the diagnosis, a doctor has to rule out other conditions.
Causes of Ocular Migraines
The causes of ocular migraines have not yet been established by the medical fraternity. Tons of studies and relentless research have been conducted but there is very little unanimity as to what causes ocular migraines. There is a certain level of agreement and broad consensus in the medical fraternity that some kind of spasms in the blood vessels in the retina of the eye causes ocular migraines.
Retina is located at the back of the eye which has many blood vessels leading to it and leaving it. If any of the blood vessels are damaged or do not function properly then there is a possibility of having the symptoms that ocular migraines are known for. The common symptoms are flashing lights, one or more blind spots and partial or complete blindness in one eye or both the eyes. These symptoms are often associated with headaches that can last well after the migraines have subsided. These headaches can be very painful, can alter the pulse rate and affect hearing. Nausea, vomiting tendencies and abnormal sensitivity to sound and light are also common associated symptoms.
Apart from the blood vessel spasm in the retina, any kind of physical or neural changes to the retina are also regarded as the cause of ocular migraines. Since the common symptoms are ocular or retinal in nature, it is anticipated that some retinal problem is what causes the condition. However, there is still not enough medical evidence that rules out other conditions.
If you have episodes of ocular migraines, medical intervention should be sought immediately.
