Headache-Migraine-RetinalRetinal Migraine is a migraine headache where there are repeated attacks of visual disturbances preceding the headache phase of the Migraine attacks. Often these migraines are called ocular migraines, ophthalmic migraines, silent migraine, acephalgic migraine, and even ophthalmoplegic migraines.
A retinal Migraine attack begins in one eye with visual symptoms that can include:
- scintillations (seeing twinkling lights)
- scotoma (areas of decreased or lost vision)
- temporary blindness.
Visual field defects depend on the location of the disturbances in the visual pathway. Field defects in retinal migraine correspond to the one shown in (A) but not in (B-D).
The headache phase of a retinal Migraine begins during or within 60 minutes of the visual symptoms. The headache phase presents symptoms consistent with Migraine without aura. If the process causes strange visual disturbances, usually lasting less than an hour, but no headache, then it is called a Silent migraine. |
