Vascular headaches are also known as migraines. There are different types such as ocular migraines. Although the specific reason why migraine occurs has yet to be known, migraines are thought to be caused by the dilation and constriction of arteries in the brain. These headaches can start early in the morning and may be extremely painful. The pain is often limited to one side of the head and becomes more severe after about an hour or two. It may also gradually spread and may eventually be accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
A variation of migraine is the ocular migraine or opthalmoplegic migraine. It is believed to be caused by dilations and constrictions of arteries but the most affected ones are the ocular blood supply to the vision center of the brain. It is also believed to be due to nerve palsy or problems with the internal carotid artery. Although this condition is rare, it can still be extremely painful and is often accompanied by double vision and other types of visual disturbances, nausea and vomiting. Other symptoms include sensitivity to light, glare or haloes around lights, burning eyes, etc. In some extreme cases, the person experiencing ocular migraine can have a permanent neurologic deficit due to low blood flow and oxygen in the brain. However, most of the symptoms vary and depend on what triggered the migraine.
Understand Migraine
Some external factors are believed to be the start for the occurrence of migraine. Some primarily involve overtiredness. Ocular migraines typically occur after long periods of reading, watching television, using the computer work, and other activities that may stress the eyes. Food may also serve as external factors that bring on the onslaught of ocular migraine. These foods may include red wine, chocolate, milk, chicken livers, preserved meats foods prepared with monosodium glutamate and others. Biological factors can also be causes of migraines such as stress, alcohol consumption, hunger, or the use of oral contraceptives. It also includes serious body conditions such as sinus conditions, hypertension, allergies, tumors, angle-closure glaucoma and others.
Treatment for ocular migraine starts with a doctor. A doctor will routinely obtain a thorough and complete medical history. He will also perform a thorough physical exam to rule out several causes for ocular migraine such as systemic ones. Ophthalmologists often also play a role since they will be the ones to verify that no eye-related problems that are bringing on the ocular migraine.
In cases wherein a doctor is not easily accessible or is unavailable at the moment, stress relief, control of blood pressure, or medication to maintain may also help. Management of a migraine also includes avoiding any triggering factors, together with prophylactic or preventive treatment, if necessary. In some cases, it is best to rest in a quiet, darkened room until symptoms subside. Medications such as simple analgesic can be taken right away. These provides some immediate relief, but may not completely get rid of the migraine. Treatment options can be discussed with a doctor during check-up, especially in cases of acute migraine attacks.
Migraine Ocular - The Eye Migraines Understand Migraine
