Ophthalmic Migraines
If you have received a diagnosis of ophthalmic migraines, welcome. This page will explain the condition to you and invite you to come see us at the clinic La Migraine for effective treatment of your ocular migraines. We aim to unveil the often overlooked facets of this bewildering type of migraine.
In our ongoing commitment to provide effective treatment with in-depth information on headaches and migraines, the clinic also offers dedicated pages for the treatment of other types of headaches and migraines, including chronic migraines, migraines with aura (classic), vestibular migraines, hormonal migraines (menstrual or catamenial), atypical migraines, migraines in children, as well as headaches associated with Arnold’s and Horton’s neuralgia, post-traumatic headaches, post-concussion headaches, and tension headaches. Each of these pages explores our solutions for these headaches, their specific characteristics, and serves as a valuable resource for those seeking to improve various aspects of their condition.
(Some of these pages are under construction. Will follow soon.)
Some Terms Related to Ocular Migraines (i.e., related to the eyes)
Migraines with Aura: Characterized by neurological symptoms, primarily visual disturbances, that precede the headache phase, signaling its onset.
Ocular Migraines: Involve temporary loss of vision, monocular or visual disturbances, not necessarily accompanied by a headache, indicating transient involvement of the retina or optic nerve.
Migraines Affecting the Orbital Region: Characterized by localized pain around the eye or in the orbital region, often accompanied by typical migraine symptoms but with a distinct focus on the location of the pain.
Retinal Migraines: Defined by repeated episodes of unilateral visual disturbances, including blindness, preceding or accompanying a migraine headache, suggesting retinal vasospasm.
On this page, mention of migraine with aura primarily refers to associated visual manifestations, which are present in nearly 90% of individuals with migraines with aura.
Clinique La Migraine – Our personalized solutions against occular migraines.
Our clinic La Migraine holds a significant position both in practical expertise in managing migraines and in theoretical understanding of them in the greater Montreal area. With an impressive track record spanning over two decades, our approach has yielded positive outcomes, with a significant, on average reduction of above 70% in the intensity, frequency, or duration of these ocular migraines. In most instances, patients experience remarkable results, and often achieve complete alleviation of their ocular migraines. Leveraging this wealth of experience, we offer tailored solutions to guide you on your journey towards symptom relief from classical migraines.
What treatments do we offer for ocular migraines?
While conventional treatments for migraines, such as pain-relieving medications and triptans, offer acute relief, at the clinic La Migraine, we are committed to going beyond immediate relief by offering personalized strategies that aim not only to manage symptoms at the moment but also to reduce their frequency and intensity in the long term. We invite you to an initial consultation to discover how our approach can become your preferred solution for comprehensive and sustainable migraine management.
Our model leverages the interconnection between nociception from the neck and the base of the head and the brain. This allows us to offer targeted interventions for you. These interventions aim to reduce neuronal interference and nociception to your brain originating from accessible tendons, ligaments, muscles, fascia, and joints with all their proprioceptive components. Through these advanced treatments, we greatly enhance neuromusculoskeletal health and foster optimal nervous system function. We thereby mitigate causes and render you much less sensitive to triggers of attacks.. This reduces your migraine intensity, frequency, and duration.
That’s why you should come and see us. Call us for more information or to book an appointment for yourself, your child, or other loved ones. We accept new patients and you do not need to have a referral.
Prevention and Long Term Maintenance
Lifestyle changes such as dietary modifications (reducing or eliminating alcohol, caffeine, and other substances intake), stress management techniques, and cervical strengthening exercises can help prevent or reduce symptoms of migraines in the long term. The clinic La Migraine also provides personalized maintenance programs for this purpose.
Why choose our treatments?
At the heart of our commitment at the clinic La Migraine, we understand the debilitating impact of migraines on daily life. Our dedicated team offers exceptional solutions to free our patients from the incessant burden of migraines. We firmly believe that no one should accept living with migraines longer than necessary, and that’s why we provide much more than just momentary relief.
Personalized Approach: Each individual is unique, and our solutions are tailor-made to meet the specific needs of each person. We consider your situation comprehensively, going beyond symptoms to address underlying causes.
Reduction in Frequency and Intensity: Our goal is clear – reduce the frequency of attacks and alleviate the intensity of pain. We aim for lasting relief, offering a significant improvement in the quality of life..
Proven Experience: With many years of experience, Daniel Lachance, D.C., and his team have successfully treated various cases of migraines and headaches. Their aptitude ensures a reliable and effective approach for each patient.
Putting your life’s quality first
We invite you to seize this opportunity to improve your quality of life, regain balance, and no longer be limited by migraines. You are not alone in this battle, and our dedicated team is ready to accompany you towards a future without incessant migraines. Contact us today to discuss the best approach for you, as no one deserves to suffer any longer. Your well-being is our top priority. Your well-being is our top priority.
Navigating Through Ophthalmique Migraines
What is the difference between ocular migraines and other migraines?
You may hear people use the terms “ocular migraine” and “retinal migraine” interchangeably. However, they are not the same. The term “ophthalmic migraine” (ocular) was mainly used in the past to describe what is now called migraine with aura. These two terms are often used to refer to two different conditions: migraine with aura, which is usually benign, and retinal migraine, which could indicate something more serious.
Although ocular and retinal migraines share some symptoms, there are major differences between the two. Ocular migraines often involve visual symptoms that affect both eyes simultaneously, while retinal migraines can be unilateral and involve alterations in the retina. Generally, the term “ophthalmic migraine” refers to any headache that causes temporary changes in vision. About 90% of people with migraines with aura fall into this category. In contrast, retinal migraine describes a more specific condition: it is monocular, meaning it affects only one eye. Thus, a retinal migraine is actually a type of ocular migraine.
Symptoms
The symptoms of ocular migraines are focused on visual disturbances, namely visual auras. These auras typically last from five minutes to an hour and can sometimes occur without headaches. Visual disturbances during a migraine aura are common. Visual auras often (but not limited to) include:
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Scintillations (usually in a C-shape)
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Zigzag lines
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Tunnel vision
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Sometimes, temporary loss of partial or total vision.
For more details, please refer to our page on migraines with aura.
Regarding retinal migraines, the defining characteristics according to the ICHD-3 are as follows:
A. Attacks meeting the criteria for migraine with aura 1.2 (see migraines with aura) and criterion B below
B. Aura characterized by the following two elements:
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Positive and/or negative visual phenomena, fully reversible, monocular (for example, scintillations, scotomata, or blindness) confirmed during an attack by either of the following:
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Clinical examination of the visual field
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The patient’s drawing depicting a monocular visual field defect (made after clear instructions)
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at least two of the follow aspects:
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spreads gradually over ≥5 minutes
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symptoms last 5-60 minutes
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accompanied, or followed within 60 minutes, by headache
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C. Not better accounted for by another ICHD-3 diagnosis, and other causes of transient monocular blindness have been excluded.
Retinal migraine is an extremely rare cause of transient monocular visual loss. Appropriate investigations are necessary to exclude other causes of transient monocular blindness. (ICHD-3)
As with all migraines, it is recommended to consult a doctor or healthcare professional for an official diagnosis. It is also crucial to undergo testing with a doctor in a clinic or hospital if you have recently started experiencing migraines for the first time to rule out any serious possibilities such as an aneurysm or meningitis.
Contact Form– We’re accepting new patients
We would be delighted to assist you and discuss your migraines. No referral is necessary. Simply fill out this form and submit it, and we will get in touch with you.
You are on the right path to your first consultation and relief from migraines!
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