Ocular Migraine

In an ocular migraine, the symptoms are similar to the aura of classical migraine with an interesting difference - only one eye is involved, and by closing this eye sufferers can get rid of most of their aura. However,the migraine which follows is not treatable in this way, unfortunately!

Symptoms include flashing lights which increase in size gradually and change position, blind spots and a feeling that everything is colored grey, or lacking in color.

The symptoms can be severe enough to blot out vision completely, and usually last for up to an hour, although some migraine sufferers report having symptoms for much longer before their migraine starts. Treatment is similar to that for classical migraine.

Many people suffering from ocular migraine do not realise that their symptoms are neurological and seek help from an ophthalmologist. Although there is no specific treatment for the symptoms of ocular migraine,a neurologist can help treat the migraine which follows, and can also rule out other conditions such as stroke, TIA or brain tumors which can cause similar symptoms.