Hi all, I have had these migraines on and off for a few years now. Symptoms are, no headache, visual disturbance usually starts in the very central vision which then turns into a zig zag pattern which gradually disappears across to the periphery of view before disappearing entirely. The episodes average around 20 mins. I have experienced it after drinking red wine and have a recollection of eating some stilton on another occasion. I'm used to getting them every 2 months or so but unusually experienced it the last two days in a row. The only thing I can think of on this occasion is having eaten some chocolate (more than I'd normally have on these occasions) an hour or two earlier.
Have others had similar experiences and have they identified their own triggers (food, stress, sleep issues, etc)?
Thanks a lot Dave
Written by
David_H
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
I have the exact same symptoms David, potentially the same triggers but over the years, decades in fact, I’ve found the underlying most likely cause to be dehydration. I have a urological issue meaning urgency and frequency so I tend to reduce liquid intakes when on travels or I’m in hot and humid climates and fail to drink enough water. This seems to “encourage” aura migraine which is then triggered by bright sunlight especially when there’s a dappling/strobe effect.
Thanks Peter. I too have urological issues at night. I've also had it when the sun's been very bright like you. Worst time is when it starts off in Central vision then seems to take ages before it starts properly. Worrying at the the time
My Neurologist told me that I have migraines. He did not specifically say ocular migraines or visual migraines. My only symptom is double vision. Not blurry. No headache. No pain. I question if it is caused by anxiety except that it has happened several times with no anxiety at all. I do not know any triggers. How did you discover your triggers? Mine seems to happen with no rhythm or reason. He prescribed Vitamin B2 and Magnesium. I have still had double vision since being on both for a while. Is there anything that you do during the visual disturbance that helps to manage it in the moment or to help make it go away?
Hi. I saw in a website that common triggers are red wine, certain cheeses, chocolates and bright skies all of which have coincided with my episodes. Have you checked with optician or maybe ophthalmologist?
I have been to an optometrist. He told me I should see a neurologist. My PCP referred me. My neurologist referred me to a neuro ophthalmologist. There is only one in my state. I am waiting, and waiting, and waiting to even get the appointment scheduled. I think it is going to be a long, long time before I get in. I just joined this website today. There were only 3 posts for ocular migraines and 1 other post for double vision. The posts were like 7 years old. I would love to talk to someone who has experienced double vision. I was so happy to find your post. Thank you for your response. It would be nice to chat with someone else who has visual issues without any headache. It makes it hard to accept that it is migraines.
I don't recall double vision as being a symptom of visual or ocular migraines. I guess you've checked what you can find on Google. Sorry to hear you have to wait such a long time over there. Especially if your paying private medical insurance. Seems like its not your actual vision but can bd very stressful im sure. Hope you find a speedy response.
Have you tried to contact t the Nero guy's secretary to get an idea of how long the wait might be? At least you'll know you're on his list for definite
I have spoken to the office twice. They are waiting for the doctor to review my chart before they will schedule the appointment. They told me to try calling back again on Friday.
Thank you for telling me that lying down and shutting your eyes helps you. How do you react? I was getting totally freaked out. Now I am doing a little bit better, but it is extremely disturbing. The first time it happened I was driving. I was so so scared. All I wanted to do was get home. I shouldn't have driven like that. I said I never would again. Well I did one more time. Hopefully next time I will pull over. Has it ever happened to you when you were driving?
Yes it has! At least I know what to expect and it normally passes after about 25 mins. Still disconcerting. Apparently the migraines are quite common, cause unknown aort from potential triggers although I'm sure stress plats a part
Absolutely. I think once you know what it is and hopefully something not to worry about you'll be able to be less stressed which in turn may reduce the number of incidents. First things first... see the Neuro guy and take z list of questions with you so you don't forget anythinh
I have a KindleUnlimited membership. I just looked up Ocular Migraine and Diplopia to see if they have any books available there. They do. I just read 4 books. Ocular Migraine: Natural Prevention and Treatment a Success Story. Beyond the Headache: Coping with Ocular Migraine Symptoms. Migraine Headaches: What is Migraine? (Including Ocular Migraine and Migraine Aura. Insight Into Diplopia: understanding, Treatment, and Future Directions. Wow wow wow! What a ton of information. First of all I learned about the herb Feverfew which is supposed to prevent migraines. I placed an order for some. Then I learned about the Brock String exercise. I have watched a couple of YouTube videos on that. I haven't decided on which one I want to buy yet. I am doing more research. Also they talked about different vitamins for the eyes. I don't think I am going to try any of those without recommendations from my doctor. I will write that on a list to take to my neuro ophthalmologist whenever I do get there. Have you had any more visual disturbance since you posted this 7 days ago? I hope not.
No. I think I got about 5 last year Pretty random. I think I'd wait to see the consultant before embarking on any vitamins, meds, etc and just tell him what you've found
I think I might try the eye exercises while I wait for my appointment instead of delaying that. I will tell them what I am doing. The other thing is that I can't give really detailed explanations of exactly what I see when it happens. It is hard to remember after the fact. I also have not tried to cover one eye at a time to see if it is with both eyes open or only one. If it happens again before my appointment, I am going to try really hard to remember to do that. I think it would be important information for the doctor to know for diagnosis.
I just read this "Consult an eye doctor before starting Brock string exercises to ensure they are appropriate for your specific condition." Yup I will wait. Thank you so much for your suggestion.
I finally got a call from the neuro ophthalmologist's office. Unfortunately I have to go to two appointments. The first is testing. The second is with the doctor. It is a 2 hour drive.
Wed 2/19 2:00 testing
Tue 3/18 1:00 doctor
I am amazed I am getting in with the doctor that fast. She had a cancellation otherwise she is booking out to July.
Hi all, I was just reading through all the posts and can relate to all the symptoms, and like everyone else I kept saying to myself I can’t be the only one who experiences strange symptoms. When these episodes of attacks happen especially outside, people pass by assume I’m pissed…I wish. I have recently been diagnosed with Ocular with auras, Vestibular, Hemiphlegic and silent migraines. I’m struggling with the shooting pains that feels like electric shocks, sharp stabbing pain in the head, they start from between both shoulders blades or one side then up the back of neck into and across back of head. Does anyone experience this?
Hi. Would "silent" migraines indicate pain free? I've not seen your stabbing pains associated with visual migraines... Something new to me. Have you been told its all part of the same issue?
hi David, tbh it’s all new to me, all I got told in nearly 17 years is I have chronic migraines, or it’s in my head. So for that many years the neurologists at that time prescribe me with every triptans, every migraine tablets/capsules, liquid medication and even under the tongue dissolveable meds all types antidepressants like amytripterline, notriperline etc etc tropriamate also and also recently morphine but nothing as helped. I recently got diagnosed with ocular, vestibular and hemiphlegic and also silent migraines and with all my symptoms the neurologists as said to that it’s all linked to the same thing.
I agree with you, I have had and continue to have neurologists and I request to have a one or a few that specialise in headaches, CNS ( central nervous system. MS etc just to rule out certain things. But you get fed up after awhile with them keep saying “oh it’s all in your head” and need to go and see a psychotherapist.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Migraines worsening 
migraines 
Constant visual disturbances for 9 weeks
My Migraines..... now Vertigo??
