Ocular migraine is a “classic” type of headache accompanied by visual disturbances. Generally, ocular migraine sufferers claim to see flashes of light, shadows, or "aura" which of course are not really there. Mild ocular migraines can be easily cured by painkillers and adequate rest. However, more severe migraine conditions can usually only be treated with the help of a doctor. In addition, patients generally also need to make lifestyle changes to prevent similar migraines from recurring in the future. Although many people often equate ocular migraine with retinal migraine, they actually have different symptoms. Retinal migraine is a serious health disorder and can cause brief blindness or decreased vision function in one eye. If these symptoms strike you, contact your doctor immediately!
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Method 1 of 3: Relieve Migraine Quickly
Step 1. Be aware of the symptoms of the aura phase of migraine
A characteristic of ocular migraine is the appearance of visual disturbances, which are also known as “aura”. During the aura phase, you're more likely to experience visual disturbances, see irregular lights that don't really exist, even "see a star-like light" or other visual effects. This condition may or may not be accompanied by pain. To overcome this, first understand the various common symptoms that usually accompany your ocular migraine.
Generally, the aura phase will last 10-60 minutes before an ocular migraine occurs
Step 2. Take migraine medications that are available in your home
Chances are, your doctor will prescribe medications such as triptans or ergot derivatives that you can take whenever you have a migraine. If these medications are available in your home, take them immediately to stop the headaches, nausea, or other symptoms that may accompany the aura phase of a migraine.
- Generally, migraine drugs are packaged in pills or dissolving tablets (tablets dissolve easily), spray drugs, or injectable drugs.
- Always follow the dosage instructions given by your doctor.
- Do not take these drugs if you are pregnant, have certain types of heart problems, or have high blood pressure. Always discuss your medical history with your doctor before taking any medication!
Step 3. Take a break and try to stay away from migraine triggers
Even if you don't have a headache, try to find a quiet, dark place where you can close your eyes for a moment when migraine symptoms appear. If certain situations prove to be capable of triggering your migraines (such as a specific sound, smell, or light), do your best to avoid those triggers.
If you have trouble lying down, at least try to stay away from sunlight or bright lights and environments that are too noisy
Step 4. If necessary, try taking over-the-counter pain relievers at pharmacies
Indeed, migraines with mild intensity can be stopped or at least relieved by taking aspirin, acetaminophen, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen sodium in standard doses. Make sure you always follow the instructions on the package and don't overdo the dose.
- You can also take over-the-counter medications specifically designed to relieve migraines. Generally, these drugs contain a combination of aspirin, acetaminophen, and caffeine.
- If you are currently taking other medicines, try to consult with your doctor over-the-counter medicines that are safe and effective for consumption.
Step 5. Compress the forehead with cold water to relieve the pain that appears
First, soak a clean towel or cloth in cold water, wring it out until no more water drips off, then place it on your forehead or neck. While the towel is still cold, don't take it off.
Using a cold compress while lying in a quiet and dark place can treat your migraines, you know
Step 6. Massage your scalp
Extend your fingers above your head and use them all to massage your scalp and temples. Believe me, pressing your fingers firmly against the temples and scalp can work very effectively to relieve mild migraines.
Method 2 of 3: Preventing Migraines with Medical Treatment
Step 1. Ask your doctor for recommendations on medications to prevent migraines
If your migraines are often difficult to cure, try asking your doctor for medicines to prevent migraines. If your migraines are really severe and make it difficult for you to carry out your daily activities, or if you have to take painkillers to treat migraines more than twice a week, try asking your doctor to prescribe the following medications:
- Certain antidepressants
- Anticonvulsant drugs
- Beta blocking drugs
- Calcium channel blockers
Step 2. Get hormone therapy if your migraines are triggered by hormonal changes
In women, migraines are often associated with the menstrual cycle and the hormonal changes that accompany it. Some women even claim to experience severe migraines during menopause! If a similar situation occurs to you, see your doctor immediately and ask the doctor for recommendations for hormone replacement therapy to treat migraines.
Monitor your symptoms using a daily journal or special app to find patterns. By doing so, you will know whether or not hormone therapy is needed
Step 3. See a therapist if your migraine seems to be triggered by a mental health disorder
Stress, anxiety, and depression have been shown to be frequently cited as causes of migraines. Thus, managing these various disorders should be able to treat your migraines. Some types of therapy you can take to manage stress are cognitive behavioral therapy and “talk therapy”; both are able to work quite effectively to treat migraines.
- If you want, you can also ask your doctor for recommendations from a trusted therapist.
- You can also try neurofeedback therapy (therapy to capture brain wave activity).
Method 3 of 3: Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Migraine Relapse
Step 1. Avoid migraine triggers
Until now, researchers still have not found the exact cause of migraines. However, it is likely that environmental factors such as too bright light, too loud sound, too thick smoke, messy sleeping and eating patterns, and consumption of certain foods are the triggers. If you know that there are several risk factors for triggering migraines in you, try to avoid them. Some of the things you can do are:
- If your migraines are often triggered by bright light, try reducing the time you spend in the sun, in very bright rooms, or in front of laptop and cell phone screens. If you want, you can also buy special lenses that can block light with a certain intensity.
- If migraines often strike when you're tired, try improving your sleep routine. Every day, make sure you always go to bed and wake up at the same time!
Step 2. Stop behaviors that make migraines worse
In fact, certain activities and habits can increase the risk and frequency of migraines, and make the condition worse. Therefore, try stopping or limiting the activities listed below to improve your long-term health.
- Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption. Although some patients claim to benefit from consuming limited amounts of caffeine, make sure you don't drink more than 3 cups of caffeinated drinks in a week.
- Stop smoking.
- Stop taking oral contraceptives.
- Don't skip meals.
Step 3. Manage stress
Many people experience migraines because they are triggered by stress. In fact, stress has been shown to be able to worsen a person's migraine condition, you know! That's why managing stress and anxiety is a must not only to prevent potential migraine relapses in the future, but also to improve your overall quality of life. Some ways you can do to reduce stress are:
- exercise
- Do various relaxation techniques
- Do breathing exercises
- Try practicing yoga
Step 4. Perform various alternative treatments such as massage and acupuncture
Acupuncture can relieve the pain you are experiencing, while massage can reduce the frequency of migraines. Understand that everyone's body reacts differently or responds to the same treatment. Therefore, choose the method that feels most suitable for you!
You can even try massaging yourself without going to the spa
Step 5. Try taking supplements if your doctor allows you to
Several types of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B-2 (riboflavin), coenzyme Q10, and magnesium are good options for treating migraines. But before taking any vitamins or supplements, make sure you first consult with your doctor.
Your doctor can determine the dosage of the supplement that suits your needs
Tips
- Always carry over-the-counter or doctor-prescribed migraine medication with you wherever you go, just in case a migraine strikes suddenly.
- Some migraine triggers are anxiety, stress, lack of sleep or eating, certain infections (such as those that cause the flu and fever), loud noises, too bright light, too strong a smell, dehydration or hunger, diet, and certain foods.
- Try applying a cold compress to your forehead to make your body feel more relaxed.
