Visual migraine is a very common condition that results from a seizure or a cramp in the blood vessels which are located behind the eye. However, this cramp does not affect the surface of the brain but impacts the blood supply going to the vision center in the brain.

The advent of these attacks is characterized by distorted vision in the peripheral region. This disturbance usually lasts for about 15-20 minutes and then fades away. There are chances that headache might not follow these visual disturbances and the patient might only feel fatigued once the visual disturbances have subsided.

Symptoms of visual migraine:

• Throbbing or pulsating pain in the head
• Burning sensation in the eye
• Hypersensitivity to light and sound
• Nausea, vomiting and fatigue
• Visual distortions like seeing zig zag lines, and sudden flashes of light

Causes

The headache in this case often starts after long hours of reading, sitting in front of a television, using a computer or any other work that might strain the eyes.

In some cases, visual migraine is caused by eye strain that is a result of wearing eye glasses.

Excessive emotional or work related stress can also trigger this condition.

A condition called angle-closure glaucoma is in certain cases a reason that leads to visual migraine.

Certain types of foods such as chocolate, aged cheese, fermented foods, nuts and monosodium glutamate can precipitate this type of migraine.

Excessive intake of alcohol is also a common trigger for visual migraine.

Imbalance of the hormone estrogen, especially in women during pregnancy menstruation and menopause can precipitate an attack. Taking oral contraceptives and undergoing any hormonal therapy also triggers the onset of visual migraine.

Treatment for visual migraine:

Before opting for any treatment for visual migraine it is very important to verify that the symptoms are not of any other ailment. For this, it is very important to visit an ophthalmologist to confirm that this condition is caused because of a migraine and no other eye problem.

Non- steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs (NSAID) and aspirin might prove to be effective in providing relief from the symptoms of this disorder. Both nasal and oral form of Imitrex available in the market is another useful treatment for visual migraine.