What causes optical migraines

[Myothername]

I have these and and although I don't get the headache they are so irritating. I get like a flashing aura in one eye or the other. Usually I get maybe one every 6-9 months, lasts about 30 minutes and it is gone. Well I got one yesterday morning while I was getting ready for work so I hurried and put on my eye makeup before my vision was compromised. Then last night I dreamed I was having one, woke up and sure enough I had one. That was really weird that it would show up in my dreams. Then had another this morning. Anyone else have these and know what causes them? I have tried to track my diet, monthly cycle, etc. I can find nothing that causes it.

 

[Geoff_M]

I think they're most associated with stress and muscular tension.

 

[DMass]

I get the aura and then the headache. If I take asprin when the aura starts the headache isn't too bad. Although I get very fuzzy headed and light sensitive for the rest of the day.
I thought it was because I'm a high myopic and that was the cause; but I don't think that's the reason.

 

[beattyfamily]

I get them. Maybe twice a year since my early 20's. I get a headache and sometimes nausea afterwards. The blurry vision lasts about 20-30 minutes then the headache, even with taking meds during blurry vision, lasts hours and usually lingers till I wake the next day.

Sometimes I get 2 headaches in a row. Then none for months.

I also got one while sleeping for the first time this year. I dreamed I was having the blurry vision and then I woke with the headache. Weird. That only happened once though.

I haven't figured out what triggers them if anything. I thought maybe my it could be tied to my menstrual cycle or too much caffeine but I don't know. Of course, bright light, or poor lighting is what causes it to come but no matter what I do to try and make the lighting better, it comes. There's no stopping it.

My eye doctor said the blurry vision is just a sign a headache is coming and there isn't any 'trigger' and no way to stop it.

Who knows.

 

[linda0706]

I sometimes get them after a bright light flashes in my eyes. Like the bright sun reflecting off of another car...something really, really bright.

If I take something (Advil, etc.) quickly while I'm still having the auras I usually do not get the headache.

 

[starrzone]

I sometimes get them after a bright light flashes in my eyes. Like the bright sun reflecting off of another car...something really, really bright.

If I take something (Advil, etc.) quickly while I'm still having the auras I usually do not get the headache.

This is what works for me. When I get the "fuzzy" vision, popping a pain pill usually does the trick. I try and lay down in as dark a room as possible, and I'm usually fine.

 

[Tricia1972]

Bright lights are my trigger. If I am overly tired or overly stressed, then even sitting at a computer all day can trigger one.

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

Mine are usually kicked off by stress. I have noticed that I have never had a migraine when in the middle of a vigorous workout program. For instance, I usually take about 5 months to build up to a marathon, running 40-70 miles per week. I have never had a migraine during that. Must have something to do with blood flow, but the exercise also helps with stress.

 

[njcarita]

I've gotten them for the past 25 year.... sometimes I'll get them every few months and than I won't get them for YEARS.... never could figure out what brings them on..... my dads had them for the past 50 years too???

 

[mickeyboat]

I get them, too, but there doesn't seem to be any rhyme nor reason. I don't get the headaches, though. I always take an Advil when I get them, and hope the headache never comes. I also take it as a sign that I need to rest a little bit.

 

[kkozma]

Very timely post- I have had two in the last 2 days- I also take something and have found migraine relief pills(excedrin migraine) work and have not had headache. I sometimes think allergies may be a trigger or getting a cold.
But now as I read this post stress is surely a contributor.

 

[LuvOrlando]

I have a migraine right now, the painful kind not the visual kind (I took my pill so I'm ok), but I get both kinds.... I'm just that lucky. My Neurologists told me they are the same thing as the painful kids except the Optic nerve is affected, so they have the same triggers. Be careful, if the visual stuff lasts more the 15-30 minutes seek help so there is no permanent damage, it can happen.

PS- if I could choose I'd go with the visual ones, they last less time and don't make me want to cry. The kaleidoscope kinds are neat but the face numbness is annoying, the worst kind is when my peripheral vision goes black... I don't like those AT ALL

 

[phamton]

I seem to get the aura migraines (without the headache) when I have low blood sugar. I sometimes forget to eat or skip some meals when I get busy. When the aura starts, I try to get some sugar in me like orange juice first and then eat something with protein.

Sometimes but, not often, flashing lights will trigger them.