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Suggest Treatment For Ocular Migraine
Question: I have had ocular Migraines for over twenty years. I don't have pain just zigzag lines. I have been have visual aura off and on for most of the day! I see it out of the corner of my eyes then it progresses to twinkling lights in my field of vision.Then it's gone. It seems to come back every other hour! I had not had one for several months, but today has been scary!
I feel OK, just scared! I have had a problem with anxiety for a while. I also have Myesthenia gravis Occular. I had a Pacemaker put in 4 months ago.
This feels like it's been continuous every hour now! It starts and wanes! I am afraid to go to sleep!
I feel OK, just scared! I have had a problem with anxiety for a while. I also have Myesthenia gravis Occular. I had a Pacemaker put in 4 months ago.
This feels like it's been continuous every hour now! It starts and wanes! I am afraid to go to sleep!
Brief Answer:
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Ocular migraine usually does not recur so often as you describe, that is not typical. In terms of treatment the Aspirin you have taken is the correct treatment. A calcium channel blocker like Nifedipin may also be successful but only if your myasthenia is confirmed to be only ocular, as if general it may worsen myasthenia.
Other acute migraine medications are not advised as they narrow blood vessels and may worsen this particular migraine form.
Ocular migraine in itself is benign, but if the symptoms become persistent though, without returning to normal between attacks, or even continuing repeating in this same frequency, then I believe another cause such as retinal tear or detachment must be considered and an urgent ophthalmological evaluation of the retina is required.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Ocular migraine usually does not recur so often as you describe, that is not typical. In terms of treatment the Aspirin you have taken is the correct treatment. A calcium channel blocker like Nifedipin may also be successful but only if your myasthenia is confirmed to be only ocular, as if general it may worsen myasthenia.
Other acute migraine medications are not advised as they narrow blood vessels and may worsen this particular migraine form.
Ocular migraine in itself is benign, but if the symptoms become persistent though, without returning to normal between attacks, or even continuing repeating in this same frequency, then I believe another cause such as retinal tear or detachment must be considered and an urgent ophthalmological evaluation of the retina is required.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank You Dr. Taka! If It was a retinal detachment, it wouldn't be in both eyes would It?
Can anxiety cause Occular auras?
Can anxiety cause Occular auras?
Brief Answer:
Read below
Detailed Answer:
Retinal detachment generally is unilateral. There are some cases where it's bilateral though and at times it is hard to differentiate flashes of light whether uni or bilateral, so if persistent a visit is advisable.
As for anxiety it can mimick virtually any symptom. It can also be a migraine trigger in itself, so it definitely can be a contributor. If anxiety was an issue even before the symptoms a short course of benzodiazepines may be considered.
Let me know if I can further assist you.
Read below
Detailed Answer:
Retinal detachment generally is unilateral. There are some cases where it's bilateral though and at times it is hard to differentiate flashes of light whether uni or bilateral, so if persistent a visit is advisable.
As for anxiety it can mimick virtually any symptom. It can also be a migraine trigger in itself, so it definitely can be a contributor. If anxiety was an issue even before the symptoms a short course of benzodiazepines may be considered.
Let me know if I can further assist you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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