The first time, after age 50, or with paralysis or speech difficulties: contact a doctor the same day.
What is ocular migraine?
In migraine with aura, temporary visual disturbances occur because the nerve cells in the brain’s visual centre briefly change their activity. The disturbance is therefore in the brain, not in the eye. It can come with or without a headache afterwards.
Typical symptoms
- A small blind or flickering spot that slowly spreads
- Bright zigzag lines or jagged edges in an arc
- Vision returns completely within 5–60 minutes
Migraine or eye disease?
Visual disturbances from migraine are seen with both eyes, even when you close one. Flashes of light with posterior vitreous detachment and retinal detachment are short flashes in one eye and are often accompanied by new black dots.
Contact a doctor the same day if
- it is the first time you have experienced it, especially after age 50
- the loss of vision lasts more than an hour or is only seen in one eye
Call 112 if you also have paralysis, numbness, speech difficulties or a drooping mouth.
Treatment
The aura passes by itself. Frequent attacks are treated and prevented by your GP. It can help to know your triggers, e.g. lack of sleep, stress and hunger.
This text is general information and does not replace an examination. If you are unsure about your symptoms, call us.