An ocular migraine is a headache accompanied by a visual disturbance or loss that typically lasts less than an hour. These headaches usually stem from a reduction in blood flow or from blood vessel spasms in or behind the retina of the eye.1
nn
A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain stops due to a clot or bleeding.2 There are two types of strokes: an ischemic stroke (caused by a clot) that prevents blood from circulating in the brain, or a hemorrhagic stroke (caused by a blood vessel bleed) that puts pressure on the surrounding brain tissue.2n
nn
This article explains the connection between ocular migraines and strokes, the signs and symptoms of each, and how to minimize risk.n
nnn
Tim Kitchen / Getty Images
There are two types of ocular migraines: a retinal migraine and a migraine with aura.
nn
One of the main differences is that retinal migraines usually only affect one eye, while migraines with aura affect both eyes. The eye disturbance and vision loss symptoms typically occur within an hour of headache onset or during the headache.3
nn
Symptoms of migraine with aura may include:4
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
Some people who experience migraine with aura may also experience motor skill issues, speech difficulties, or other sensory difficulties.3n
nn
Symptoms of retinal migraine can be more intrusive and may include:3
n
n
n
n
n
It can be hard to distinguish the cause or type of ocular migraine, so it’s essential to talk to your healthcare provider if you are experiencing symptoms. In some cases, retinal migraine can lead to irreversible vision loss.5n
n
Stroke symptoms can come on suddenly and may include:6
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
Seek Immediate Medical TreatmentnDuring a stroke, time is essential. If you think someone may be having a stroke, call 911 immediately. The quicker a person receives medical care, the greater the chance of survival and recovery.
Some ocular migraine symptoms, such as vision loss or disturbance in one or both eyes, can be the same or very similar to stroke symptoms. Also, some who suffer from migraine with aura symptoms may have stroke-like symptoms, such as motor skill issues, speech difficulties, or other sensory difficulties.3
nn
A migraine with aura can also resemble a transient ischemic attack (TIA), also known as a ministroke. A stroke headache can also be similar to a migraine headache.
nn
It’s difficult to determine the cause of many headache symptoms without diagnostic imaging. On diagnostic imaging, white matter changes have been found in some people with migraines that appear similar to stroke patients.7n
n
Migrainous strokes occur when a migraine with aura and an ischemic stroke occur at the same time. This type of stroke is rare, accounting for less than 1{d5295ea87e68eb0e5a5d8c61923c2be42e4927391e615ed3d767cbe4c3eec0bd} of all strokes.8
n
Research shows a link between migraines with aura and an increased risk of ischemic stroke.7 The exact reason for the link is unknown, but some researchers theorize that contributing factors may include:7
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
In 2016, the American Heart Association reported a 25-year ongoing study showing that migraine with aura patients are 2.4 times more likely to have an ischemic stroke than those who don’t have migraines with aura.9 In addition, migraine with aura patients are 3 times more likely to have an ischemic stroke from a mass or clot that originates in the heart and travels to the brain.
nn
Those who suffer from ocular migraines can control two factors that may lower their risk of stroke, which include quitting smoking and discontinuing oral contraceptive pill use.
nn
If you smoke, talk to your healthcare provider about methods that can help you quit. If you take oral contraceptive pills and experience migraines, discuss alternative options with your healthcare provider.
n
For occasional ocular migraines, treating with medications that target migraine symptoms is a common approach. These may include:3
n
n
n
n
Preventative medication therapies are also helpful and may include:
n
n
n
n
n
Other non-medical therapies and preventative measures include:
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
Talk to your healthcare provider or an eye specialist about other ways you can avoid migraine triggers.