Retinal Migraine Symptoms and Insights

Retinal migraine is typically a neurological diagnosis, often associated with visual disturbances known as scintillating scotoma. Patients commonly report experiencing flashes of light, wavy vision, and the sensation of water-like ripples moving across their visual field. These visual symptoms are usually followed by a migraine headache. During this time, eye exams including pupil dilation and intraocular pressure testing often reveal no abnormalities, effectively ruling out conditions like glaucoma.

Understanding Scintillating Scotoma

Scintillating scotoma refers to a specific type of visual aura that occurs before or during a migraine episode. It involves temporary visual field loss accompanied by shimmering or flickering lights. These disturbances typically affect one eye and can appear as jagged lines or blind spots that interfere with clear vision. The phenomenon is neurological in origin and not related to any structural eye disease.

Triggers and Symptom Progression

Many individuals experience these symptoms after maintaining a fixed posture for extended periods, such as during office work or long drives. The visual disturbances—such as flashing lights, floating light spots, and distorted vision—can last from a few minutes to an hour. Once the visual symptoms subside, a more intense migraine headache often follows, sometimes accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light, or fatigue.

Diagnosis and Recommended Care

Since retinal migraines do not show abnormalities in standard eye exams, it is crucial to rule out ocular conditions first. Once eye-related issues are excluded, further evaluation by a neurologist is recommended. Brainwave testing, such as an EEG, may reveal abnormal patterns associated with these migraine episodes. Proper diagnosis and management in a neurology clinic can help patients better understand and control their condition.