There are various treatment options available for use during an ocular migraine, although each person reacts differently to each treatment method. This sometimes makes finding the best ocular migraine therapy a matter of trial and error. Over-the-counter and prescription medications are often helpful in preventing and treating these headaches. Other treatment options include rest, cool compresses, and the avoidance of known triggers such as bright lights, strong odors, and stress. Any questions or concerns about the best treatment choices for an ocular migraine on an individual basis should be discussed with a doctor or other medical professional.
Over-the-counter pain relievers can sometimes help treat an ocular migraine, although prescription medications are often needed. While these medications have been shown to reduce the pain caused by this type of headache for many people, they often work better when combined with other forms of treatment. Anti-nausea medications may be prescribed for those who tend to have moderate to severe nausea along with the ocular migraine. It is important to note that the onset of any sudden and severe headache should be reported to a doctor right away for further medical evaluation.
Skipping meals or not getting enough restful sleep have been shown to trigger an ocular migraine in those who are predisposed to this type of headache. Avoiding these potential triggers can often prevent the onset of the migraine. While caffeine has been proven to ease the pain of headaches for some people, consuming too much caffeine can have the opposite effect. Foods containing MSG or tyramine are also common migraine triggers.
Those who suffer from recurrent migraines often report that frequent exposure to bright lights tends to trigger them. Sunlight and flashing lights are particularly common triggers. Some migraine sufferers cannot handle exposure to fluorescent lighting. Those who spend a lot of time looking at a computer screen are also more likely to experience an ocular migraine.
Environmental triggers such as strong odors, perfumes, and exposure to cigarette smoke should be avoided by those who are prone to developing migraines. Cool compresses places on the forehead may help to bring relief once the migraine begins. Many people report positive effects from taking a nap or spending some time in a quiet and dark room. The migraine patient will likely have to experiment with different treatment methods, and each individual headache may respond differently to the various treatment options.