Retinal Migraine
What is Retinal Migraine
Retinal migraine, also known as ocular migraine, is a rare type of migraine characterized by temporary, repeated attacks of visual disturbances — or complete vision loss — in one eye (monocular). These episodes are usually associated with headache but can sometimes occur without one.
Pathophysiology:
The exact cause is unclear, but it’s believed to result from transient changes or spasms in the retinal blood vessels leading to decreased blood flow to the retina (the light-sensitive part of the eye).
Symptoms
Sudden, temporary visual disturbances in one eye (monocular) — such as:
- Partial vision loss
- Blurred vision
- Blind spots or scotomas
- Flickering or shimmering lights
- Visual symptoms typically last from a few minutes to an hour, followed or accompanied by headache.
- The headache is usually on the same side as the affected eye.
- Nausea, vomiting, and light sensitivity may accompany the headache.
Triggers:
- Stress or anxiety
- Hormonal changes
- Bright lights or glare
- Dehydration
- Skipping meals or fasting
- Excessive caffeine or sudden caffeine withdrawal
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is clinical and by exclusion of other serious causes of monocular vision loss (like retinal detachment, optic neuritis, or amaurosis fugax).
Eye examination and sometimes imaging (OCT, MRI) are used to rule out other pathologies.
Homeopathic Perspective
In homeopathy, the aim is to treat both — the migraine tendency and the vascular-spasmodic origin behind the visual symptoms.
Common indicated remedies:
1. Belladonna – Sudden intense headache with throbbing pain and vision disturbances; eyes appear red and sensitive to light.
2. Glonoine – Congestive type headache with flushed face, dim vision, and feeling of heat in the head; especially from exposure to sun or heat.
3. Gelsemium – Headache with blurred vision, heaviness of eyelids, and dizziness; associated with nervous exhaustion.
4. Iris Versicolor – Periodic migraine beginning with visual symptoms (blurred vision, zigzag lines) followed by throbbing frontal headache and nausea.
5. Spigelia – Left-sided headache extending to the eye with shooting or stabbing pains; worse from motion and touch.
6. Natrum Muriaticum – Migraine with visual aura or partial blindness before the pain; especially from grief or emotional stress.
Management Tips
- Avoid bright lights or excessive screen exposure.
- Maintain regular meals and hydration.
- Manage stress and maintain sleep hygiene.
- Regular eye check-ups are important.
