5 Things You Need to Know About Migraine Headaches And Vision

1. The Aura of Migraine Headaches and Vision

Doctors see millions of people every year for migraine headaches, a common problem that appears to decrease with age. A small percentage of people experience vision problems with their migraine headaches, either simultaneously or separately. In these people, an aura--which usually causes visual disturbances--precedes a migraine headache, but not always.

2. Visual Disturbances are Bizarre, but Short-Lived

Migraine symptoms usually present as a throbbing headache on one side, but some people have pain on both sides of the head or in the neck. Some individuals have warning symptoms that a migraine is imminent, including visual disturbances, but the visual phenomena can also occur during or after the headache. The symptoms include photophobia, tunnel vision, blurry vision or the inability to see everything in their field of vision. Around the absence band, they may see glittering lights. Some people report consistent flashing. Colored sparks or light, also known as photopsias, commonly occur with a migraine, as well as visual hallucinations in which a person sees different shapes in their field of vision. Some people can experience temporary blindness, but the visual disturbances usually last an hour or less.

3. Ruling Out Other Causes

Most people will see a doctor if they have migraines because of the pain. Your doctor may want to conduct some tests to rule out other possible causes if she deems it necessary. Computerized tomography (CT) scans will rule out anything more serious, such as a brain tumor or brain bleeding. If in the rare instance that visual disturbances stick around, a visual-field test will help the doctor make a diagnosis. Your doctor may order other tests if you present with other symptoms.

4. First Line of Defense is to Avoid Triggers

Because doctors are not certain what causes migraines, people can help themselves by identifying triggers. Consider keeping a log. Of particular importance is what you did prior to the migraine. Hormonal changes, such as a woman's menstrual cycle, strong colognes and perfumes, stress, alcohol, caffeine and many foods can all be triggers for you. Avoid the triggers to avoid the migraine headaches and vision problems.

5. Migraine Treatment for Symptoms

Sometimes, living a healthy lifestyle and avoiding triggers is not enough. Doctors can prescribe medications to lessen the severity of a migraine headache, including those in the triptan class, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and narcotic pain relievers. However, these do not target the visual disturbances. Talk to your doctor about medications taken daily to prevent migraines, such as beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers if your visual side effects are troubling you.