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Ocular Migraines, aura, blood flow...

From John Claude Krusz, MD, PhD, and Teri Robert, for About.com

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

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Question: Ocular Migraines, aura, blood flow...

Answer:

Dear Pat,

One problem here is that there is no diagnosis of "Ocular Migraine" in the International Headache Society's classification, which is the universally accepted standard. Thus, we can't be sure what you've been reading and what symptoms you think are part of so-called Ocular Migraines. There IS a diagnosis of "Retinal Migraine," in which there are visual symptoms affecting only one eye, followed by a headache and other associated Migraine symptoms within 30 minutes.

As for interruption of blood flow, I'd suggest being a bit more particular about your sources of information, as at least part of what you've been reading is incorrect. As part of the chain reaction that occurs when we encounter a Migraine trigger, the blood vessels constrict for a fraction of a second, then DILATE. There is actually more blood flow during a Migraine, not less.

You definitely need to consult a neurologist at least, a Migraine specialist at best. There's a link to our directory of recommended specialists below.

good luck,
Teri Robert
(answer reviewed by Dr. Krusz)

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