Ophthalmic migraine can affect anyone, men and women of any age. This can be a real nightmare, as headache medications have no effect on this type of migraine. Fortunately, there are natural remedies. Here is a list of solutions to relieve this type of pain.

Unpredictable symptoms

Often sudden and overwhelming, ophthalmic migraines’ symptoms are obvious. It all starts with vision disorders, called “aura”: a field of vision altered by sparkling spots, partial or even temporary blindness. These vision problems can last between 5 minutes and 1 hour, before the headache arrives.

Gestures that help

Like many different kinds of migraines, it is best to act as quickly as possible. If you have already experienced the symptoms previously mentioned, you will be able to react quickly and not let the pain set in. VU Optometrists are here to give you their best advice on how to manage the pain.

Calm and darkness

Migraines can cause hypersensitivity to light and noise, so it is best to remain calm and in the dark at first, until the headaches disappear. Use this quiet time to relax and relieve tension by doing breathing exercises. Take a deep breath, then exhale slowly three times in a row, while remaining focused only on your breathing. This will help to calm intracranial tensions and especially to fight against stress which is an aggravating factor. 

Relaxing Massage 

In order to enhance your relaxation and relieve the migraine, a head massage is a very good option. Choose an essential oil, such as peppermint or lavender, which are known to relax and relieve this type of pain.

Put two or three drops on your fingers, then massage your temples with circular movements. You can apply more or less pressure depending on the intensity of the pain and prolong the massage in the hollow of the neck and in the brow bone.

A source of freshness

Ophthalmic migraines are caused by your skull’s small vessels’ dilation of the small vessel preceded by a phase of vasoconstriction (the vessels contract and the diameter narrows) in the event of an aura. During the migraine phase, and therefore the dilation phase, you can apply a compress soaked in cold water to the face, neck and temples. With its vasoconstrictor effect, cold water provides instant relief.

Analgesic drugs

If the pain has had time to settle and all your effort have been useless, you must face facts and act on the source. There is nothing more effective than taking painkillers that will have the rapid effect and neutralize the pain.

If these migraine episodes become recurrent and occur more than twice a month, you should consult your family doctor who will be able to give you advice, and thus prescribe an appropriate treatment.

If you have any doubts or questions, do not hesitate to ask one of the optometrists at the VU Visual Clinic in Montreal, who will be able to advise you and orient you towards the right specialist if necessary.