Migraine headaches are a common condition that affects 38 million Americans. However, there are many types of migraines, and today we are going to take a closer look at retinal migraines. What is a retinal migraine? What symptoms may a patient experience? How can you find natural help for migraines? Read on to learn more.
A retinal migraine may or may not involve a headache. The primary symptoms are visual and are the result of reduced blood flow to the eye. This may occur when the vessels carrying blood to the eye suddenly narrow. This may result from anything from stress to smoking. Retinal migraines are more common for younger patients (40 and under) as well as those who have a family history of migraines.
Visual disturbances are the primary symptom of retinal migraines. Often, these visual symptoms occur before a headache starts. Symptoms are localized to just one eye and may include:
These symptoms may be followed by a moderate to severe headache, sensitivity to light and sound, and nausea and vomiting.
If these symptoms sound like a migraine with aura, keep in mind that aura involves visual symptoms in both eyes while retinal migraines only affect one eye.
Migraines often begin following head or neck trauma. Such trauma can cause an upper cervical misalignment. The misalignment, in turn, can affect blood flow to certain parts of the brain and can also affect the brainstem. When such a misalignment is corrected, proper blood flow and brainstem function may be restored. For some, this leads to fewer and less severe migraines. For others, it leads to complete resolution of migraines.
If you are experiencing migraines, especially if you have a history of head or neck trauma, find an upper cervical chiropractor near you to learn more about the benefits.
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The content and materials provided in this web site are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to supplement or comprise a medical diagnosis or other professional opinion, or to be used in lieu of a consultation with a physician or competent health care professional for medical diagnosis and/or treatment. All content and materials including research papers, case studies and testimonials summarizing patients' responses to care are intended for educational purposes only and do not imply a guarantee of benefit. Individual results may vary, depending upon several factors including age of the patient, severity of the condition, severity of the spinal injury, and duration of time the condition has been present.
