Retinal migraine

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Retinal migraine
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	Ophthalmology, Neurology
Symptoms	Visual disturbance, scotoma, monocular blindness
Complications	Rarely, permanent vision loss
Onset	Sudden
Duration	Less than 1 hour
Types	N/A
Causes	Unknown, possibly related to vascular changes
Risks	Family history, stress, hormonal changes
Diagnosis	Clinical evaluation, exclusion of other causes
Differential diagnosis	Amaurosis fugax, ocular migraine, retinal detachment
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Avoidance of triggers, medication
Medication	NSAIDs, triptans
Prognosis	Generally good, but can recur
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

Retinal Migraine: An Overview

Retinal migraine is a rare form of migraine characterized by recurrent episodes of visual disturbances or temporary vision loss in one eye.

Illustration of visual disturbances associated with retinal migraine

Definition and Characteristics

Retinal migraine is defined as a migraine that involves visual disturbances or partial vision loss, typically affecting only one eye. These episodes are often followed by a headache phase, which is a common characteristic of migraines.

Symptoms and Manifestations

The primary symptom of retinal migraine is temporary vision loss or visual disturbances in one eye. These disturbances may include:

• Flashes of light
• Blurred vision
• Partial vision loss
• Complete, temporary blindness in one eye

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of retinal migraine is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to changes in blood flow to the eye. Potential triggers include:

• Stress
• Bright lights
• High altitude
• Dehydration
• Certain foods or medications

Diagnosis and Differential Diagnosis

Diagnosing retinal migraine involves a thorough medical history and eye examination. It's essential to distinguish it from other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as ocular migraine and transient ischemic attack.

Treatment and Management

Treatment for retinal migraine focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing future episodes. Options may include:

• Pain relief medications
• Preventive medications
• Lifestyle modifications to avoid triggers

Complications and Prognosis

While retinal migraine is generally benign, frequent episodes can impact the quality of life. In rare cases, prolonged or severe episodes may lead to permanent vision loss in the affected eye.

Conclusion

Retinal migraine is a distinct type of migraine characterized by visual disturbances in one eye, often followed by a headache. Understanding its symptoms, causes, and treatment options is crucial for effective management and improving the quality of life for those affected.

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