Quote:
Originally Posted by aigel
Optical migraine as mentioned. All I can add is this very good visualization of the effect:
20TWENTY: AURA . . . Am I going blind or Am I going crazy?
Note that this blog post also sends you to the doctor for an eye exam to ensure no retina problems.
Massive amounts of MSG are a common trigger. Did you have chinese food or bad pizza?
G |
As aigel points out, there is usually a trigger that sets up the event....MSG, red wine, chocolate, atmospheric pressure change, etc. The blood vessels supplying oxygen to the choroid, retina, optic nerve, and other various tissues of the eye will dilate and then suddenly constrict causing a more or less ischemic event which induces the classic Migraine Aura.
Having these "occasionally" (2-4 times per year) is no big deal. However, studies have shown that patients....err, people that experience these regularly are at a higher risk of developing Primary Open Angle Glaucoma. So if this is your case remember to mention it to your Optometrist so that he/she can monitor you with the appropriate tests regardless of the fact that your vision may seem fine to you.
I forgot to mention that Ocular Migraines should be differentiated from what are called TIA's ...Transient Ischemic Attack...a sudden painless loss of vision lasting anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes or possibly longer. This is a very serious situation indicating the onset of a CVA or Stroke. So if one of your eyes "goes dark" for a short period of time but comes back to normal, PLEASE do not dismiss it...like a lot of men might....immediately take an Aspirin (ASA), not a Tylenol or Advil or Motrin but an Aspirin, and seek immediate medical care....like now...like right now, now!
I hope this helps someone....pass it on to your friends and family!
Cheers!
Alex