Question 1

what is a retinal migraine?

Accepted Answer

5 signs: One eye
visual disturbances (flashing light, dark spot, blind)
temporary visual loss
headache (starts after visual changes)
repeated (at least 2 attacks)

it’s helpful to see your doctor during an attack, so she can ask the appropriate questions to diagnose you.
If your symptoms don’t quite fit the above criteria, you may have another type of migraine.

Question 2

what is the definition or description of: retinal migraine?

Accepted Answer

Retinal migraine: Retinal migraine (ophthalmic migraine or ocular migraine) is a rare vascular headache.   It may cause decreased vision or blindness temporarily in one eye.

Question 3

how do you treat a retinal migraine, with or without going to a doctor?

Accepted Answer

Need to see doctor: It’s helpful to see your doctor during an attack, so she can ask the appropriate questions to diagnose you. 
There are a number of things that can cause similar visual disturbances, such as brain damage, tumours, ischemic optic neuropathy (damage to the optic nerve) and other optic disorders.  Even if the symptoms are coming and going, it’s very important to rule out other causes.

Question 4

what is the difference between retinal migraine & ocular migraine? i got them yes ago & been checked by eye doc and neuro. havent had one in long time & got one recently in one eye last 15 min. cld it be a tia and how would i know the difference?

Accepted Answer

: Migraine affects vision due to dysfunction involving occipital lobe neuronal depression and there is NO retinal direct involvement.  At older age always a concern of TIA so contact your doctor

Question 5

random white flashy circles in peripheral both sides. full vision good in peripheral and front. ocular migraine or beginning of retina tear? worried

Accepted Answer

Migraine: You are having symptoms in both eyes.  Retinal detachment can start with such symptoms but is extraordinarily rare in both eyes except after severe eye trauma.  Your symptoms are much more likely that of ocular (or occipital ) migraine.  If you are worried to the point of distraction or sleep loss, then check with your ophthalmologist.

Question 6

mom had 2-day migraine, then flashes of light not like her usual aura. how do you tell if aura or retina detachment? when does she go to see doctor?

Accepted Answer

ASAP: The  vast majority of  headaches are not life threatening nor are they associated with  retinal detachment. Atypical  migraines, however,  should  be investigated by an md.  Acute severe migraine  headaches  described as  the " worse headache i've ever had", seizures, difficulty seeing, weakness  or other unusual symptoms  need immediate medical attention. Consult  your  md with any concerns.

Question 7

neuro and eye doctors: had 2-day migraine, then flashes of light not like usual aura. how do you tell if aura or retina detachment? see which doctor?

Accepted Answer

Cover your bases: If i were you i would go to a doctor that specializes in neuro-ophthalmology. If your in the new york/ new jersey area i recommend dr. Alison yashar.

Question 8

lost my peripheral vision and then i had a very painful migraine behind my eyes. went 2 the i doc 2 mos. ago he said i might have a detached retina.

Accepted Answer

Is it or isn't it?: Did your physician do a dilated exam of your retina?  If not you need to see a board certified opthalmologist asap to determine this.  Your treatment hinges off of this...

Question 9

had oct scan and dilated retina exam 9 days ago for spots in rt eye. all normal. seeing spots like after images that fade almost like a migraine aura does. mostly happens going dark to light. visible even with eye closed. what is happening. scared?

Accepted Answer

: This phenomenon has been described in migraine sufferers and is almost never due to direct problems within the eye itself.  This might be characterized as a variant of "palinopsia", which can be seen with prior head injury, medication reactions, and various brain lesions.  At this point, find an experienced academic neurologist to go to the next step.

Question 10

ocular migraines with vision covered by spots with onset of migraine. ages 8-16 once or twice every couple of years. they've stopped. past 4 years flashes of orange light in eyes & muscle twitches. eye doctor says eyes and retina are fine?

Accepted Answer

: Medication is available to test and to prevent Migraine headaches. There are certain triggers such as stress and foods e.g. processed deli meat,aged cheeses to avoid.
Watch for signs of worsening pain, fever and imbalance. Stay well hydrated and please follow up with your physician. A virtual consult with Healthtap is available.

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Doctor answers about:

Retinal migraine signs

A member asked:

What is a retinal migraine?

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: retinal migraine?

A member asked:

How do you treat a retinal migraine, with or without going to a doctor?

A member asked:

What is the difference between retinal migraine & ocular migraine? i got them yes ago & been checked by eye doc and neuro. havent had one in long time & got one recently in one eye last 15 min. cld it be a tia and how would i know the difference?

A member asked:

Random white flashy circles in peripheral both sides. full vision good in peripheral and front. ocular migraine or beginning of retina tear? worried

A member asked:

Mom had 2-day migraine, then flashes of light not like her usual aura. how do you tell if aura or retina detachment? when does she go to see doctor?

A member asked:

Neuro and eye doctors: had 2-day migraine, then flashes of light not like usual aura. how do you tell if aura or retina detachment? see which doctor?

A member asked:

Lost my peripheral vision and then i had a very painful migraine behind my eyes. went 2 the i doc 2 mos. ago he said i might have a detached retina.

A member asked:

Had oct scan and dilated retina exam 9 days ago for spots in rt eye. all normal. seeing spots like after images that fade almost like a migraine aura does. mostly happens going dark to light. visible even with eye closed. what is happening. scared?

A member asked:

Ocular migraines with vision covered by spots with onset of migraine. ages 8-16 once or twice every couple of years. they've stopped. past 4 years flashes of orange light in eyes & muscle twitches. eye doctor says eyes and retina are fine?

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