Retinal migraine (retinal) is also a form of migraine headache which can affect either both eyes or just one. Eye vision changes usually associated with retinal migraines are described as "aura"visual migraine." However the term is also commonly used to describe both conditions: visual migraine and retinal migraine.
Visual migraine usually results from light flashes in your eyes. It can be a sudden flash or flashing of light for a few seconds followed by a glare for a longer time. Visual migraine symptoms can range from mild discomfort in your eyes, to blurred vision, to double vision, to dizziness, to lightheadedness, to light sensitivity and more. Visual migraine usually occurs suddenly and can cause nausea and vomiting. These symptoms can be very severe and affect vision and concentration.
Visual migraine is normally caused by eye problems, eye inflammation, eye problems, or eye infections. Some doctors suggest that it may also be caused by certain stress factors. The other major symptom of visual migraine is blurry or double vision. However, the symptoms may occur in combination.
Although the cause of visual migraines is unknown, most doctors believe that visual migraines are caused by an imbalance in two chemicals in your brain. One chemical is called cerebrospinal fluid chemicals and the other is called chemicals produced inside the brain. The chemical that commonly causes visual migraines is gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), known as a neurotransmitter. Your body produces this substance when you are awake and when you are relaxed, but if it is out of balance, your mind receives information and your body reacts as if your eyes are out of balance or chemicals seem to be missing.
Retinal migraine and visual migraine occur simultaneously. If you have a visual migraine, you will see flashes of light emanating from your eyes that can be luminous or sometimes gray. These flashes of light and gray have no color. Sometimes the flashes are not very bright, but they can be distracting or painful. The flashes of light in your eyes are accompanied by dizziness or light sensitivity, as well as feelings of pressure or faintness.
A visual migraine is usually preceded by an aura – a sudden and usually debilitating feeling of lightness, discomfort, pain, or discomfort. Visual migraines can also be accompanied by headaches, changes in vision, blurred vision, double or blurred vision, nausea or vomiting, photosensitivity to light, or blurred vision. Other symptoms may also be present, such as sweating muscle weakness, blurred vision or a feeling of incomplete visual field, pain or pressure in the eye or eyelid area, or sensitivity to light, sound, smells, or tastes.
Visual migraines are usually caused by eye problems, an eye infection, or damage to the eye
Most people with visual migraines have reduced vision. An ophthalmologist can check your eyes for infections, eye irritation, or damage. Treatment includes eye drops and eye exercises.
Retinal migraines can lead to serious vision problems. Some of these symptoms include blindness, severe headaches, blurred vision, difficulty seeing, double vision, difficulty seeing near objects, vision changes, and eye pain. Severe visual migraines can lead to loss of vision.
A visual migraine and a retinal migraine can be caused by several factors. There are some foods that cause both visual migraine and retinal migraine. The most common foods that trigger the symptoms of both are chocolate, onions, tomatoes, peppermint, coffee, tea, caffeine, and certain herbs, including ginger, lavender, eucalyptus, chamomile, and Valerian.
Visual migraine and retinal migraine can be prevented by avoiding these foods. Avoiding foods that trigger visual migraine is especially important. if you are prone to the symptoms of either type of migraine. It is best to avoid eating certain foods at night, as these foods contain caffeine, which is believed to trigger the symptoms of visual migraine. If you do suffer from migraines, you should drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated and also drink tea or coffee to avoid stimulating your retinas.
Visual and retinal migraine can be treated with anti-depressants. You can also try wearing eye goggles if you are prone to having the visual migraine.