Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: annie123 on 17/02/2014 21:57:25

Title: what are causes/cures for/problems with ocular migraines?
Post by: annie123 on 17/02/2014 21:57:25

Jagged lights across the eyes and temporary loss of vision (15-30 mins) have been diagnosed as ocular migraines although no one seems to know what exactly these involve. They can initially be confused with retinal detachment so it is difficult to know when one occurs which it is.
If they start to become more frequent over the years, does this mean there is anything changing/growing in the brain  which could become more dangerous?

Title: Re: what are causes/cures for/problems with ocular migraines?
Post by: evan_au on 18/02/2014 20:08:55

I used to experience scintillating scotoma (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scintillating_scotoma), many years ago (although I didn't know what they were called until I looked it up, just now).
They seem to have declined since I started a programme of regular exercise.

Title: Re: what are causes/cures for/problems with ocular migraines?
Post by: annie123 on 19/02/2014 18:02:30

Thanks. I didn't know about that. I must consider it and 'talk to my doctor'.I have always exercised regularly though and the phenomenon is not triggered by anything i can pin down.

Title: Re: what are causes/cures for/problems with ocular migraines?
Post by: cheryl j on 20/02/2014 01:07:57

I get an ophthalmic migraine every few years. The first one freaked me out because I didn't know what it was. It's always in the left side of my left eye. I notice wavy lines and some times a loss of vision. It lasts about 15-25 minutes. (The wavy lines are just like the ones used in bad sit coms when someone is having a flash back or dream sequence.)

Some medical sites say hormone levels, certain foods, smoked foods, preservatives, caffeine, withdrawal from caffeine, and red wine can be triggers. In my case it did happen twice  after I had had red wine.