Acephalgic migraines are a group of migraines also known as eye migraines. They comprise of ocular migraine, silent migraine, ophthalmic migraine, and basilar migraine. The most characteristic feature of these types of migraines is that they are not accompanied by headache. Almost 20% of individuals suffering from migraine are likely to experience acephalgic migraine at some point of time.

Types of Acephalgic migraines:

The various types of eye migraine are:

Ocular migraine: This type of migraine is also referred to as retinal migraine and involves a number of visual distortions and partial or complete blindness in one eye. Patients experiencing this type of migraine report of seeing a small expanding blind spot called scotoma in the center. This is accompanied by scintillations or sparkling lights or an iridescent crisscrossing streak or metamorphosia within the scotoma. The blind spot tends to broaden and can also cover the entire field of vision. The duration of this attack can last from a few minutes to half an hour.

Silent migraine: This type of migraine is accompanied by visual distortions such as bright flashes of light, zigzag lines, dizziness and nausea. There is no headache phase and it tends to last for less than an hour.

Opthalmic migraine: This type of migraine is accompanied by visual distortions, increased sensitivity to light, sound and smell and vertigo and dizziness. A prime characteristic of ophthalmic migraine is that the symptoms usually occur when the migraine peaks. This migraine is most commonly experienced by men and is more common than other acephalgic migraines.

Basilar migraine: This type of migraine attacks are not specifically eye migraines but involve a host of eye symptoms. They are accompanied by visual distortions, twitching of the eye and partial blindness. They are further accompanied by vertigo and dizziness.

Acephalgic migraines might not be accompanied by headache but it is essential for you to consult a doctor in case you experience any of the above symptoms. It is also essential for you to discontinue doing any task at hand whenever you experience such an attack accompanying visual disturbances in order to avoid any accidents or injuries.