Approximately 25-30% of people with migraines experience visual disturbance known as an aura, though in some cases, auras can indicate other underlying problems.
Migraine auras usually last between 10 and 30 minutes, though can be over in seconds, or can last as long as an hour. In most cases, migraine auras precede an excruciating headache that can last anywhere from a few hours to 72 hours, but some migraine sufferers experience the aura and many other migraine symptoms without a headache.
Visual auras typically originate in the brain, not the eyes. Because of this, they are generally seen in both eyes, but may only affect one half of the visual field. Visual aura symptoms are categorized as positive, negative, or altered. If closing one eye changes what you see, the symptoms are originating in your eyes. If not, they’re coming from the brain.
Positive symptoms mean seeing something that isn’t there. Usually this includes patterns in the field of vision, such as spots, zigzag patterns, or lights.
Negative symptoms mean some of the field of vision disappears. This could mean blind spots, tunnel vision, or complete loss of vision.
Altered or distorted vision means things don’t quite look right. It could mean colors being faded, or a sense of looking at things through water or heat, or blurred vision.
Migraines have such a wide range of symptoms, particularly visual symptoms, that it can be difficult to determine whether symptoms are those of a migraine or something more serious. If you experience any of the following, you should seek medical attention:
No matter what triggers your migraines, or if you’ve even identified them, chiropractic care could help you reduce your sensitivity so you can have fewer attacks, and make them less severe.
Call Chatfield Chiropractic now on (03) 9303 9952 in Roxburgh Park or (03) 9746 3977 in Sunbury to arrange an appointment to see how we can help you manage your migraine symptoms.
Migraine auras usually last between 10 and 30 minutes, though can be over in seconds, or can last as long as an hour. In most cases, migraine auras precede an excruciating headache that can last anywhere from a few hours to 72 hours, but some migraine sufferers experience the aura and many other migraine symptoms without a headache.
Visual auras typically originate in the brain, not the eyes. Because of this, they are generally seen in both eyes, but may only affect one half of the visual field. Visual aura symptoms are categorized as positive, negative, or altered. If closing one eye changes what you see, the symptoms are originating in your eyes. If not, they’re coming from the brain.
Positive symptoms mean seeing something that isn’t there. Usually this includes patterns in the field of vision, such as spots, zigzag patterns, or lights.
Negative symptoms mean some of the field of vision disappears. This could mean blind spots, tunnel vision, or complete loss of vision.
Altered or distorted vision means things don’t quite look right. It could mean colors being faded, or a sense of looking at things through water or heat, or blurred vision.
Migraines have such a wide range of symptoms, particularly visual symptoms, that it can be difficult to determine whether symptoms are those of a migraine or something more serious. If you experience any of the following, you should seek medical attention:
- New floaters, spots, or flashes of light in one eye that don’t go away within an hour could indicate a detached retina. These should be evaluated immediately by an ophthalmologist to prevent potential vision loss.
- Temporary loss of vision (usually less than 30 minutes) in one eye, especially in those over the age of 45, could indicate inflammation in the arteries or even be an early sign of a stroke. While migraines can also cause short term vision loss, it’s still a good idea to see an ophthalmologist or neurologist just to be sure.
- Tunnel vision, loss of vision in one side, or total vision loss with or without headache could be a sign of a stroke, especially when accompanied by dizziness, weakness, numbness, or double vision. While these symptoms are very similar to those of migraine, they are more likely to indicate a stroke if they come on suddenly and all at once. If they come on gradually, it’s more likely a migraine.
- If your migraine patterns suddenly change, get dramatically worse, or start to last longer, you should see an ophthalmologist or neurologist to make sure nothing serious is causing the change.
No matter what triggers your migraines, or if you’ve even identified them, chiropractic care could help you reduce your sensitivity so you can have fewer attacks, and make them less severe.
Call Chatfield Chiropractic now on (03) 9303 9952 in Roxburgh Park or (03) 9746 3977 in Sunbury to arrange an appointment to see how we can help you manage your migraine symptoms.