Migraine is usually thought of as a severe headache that comes in attacks. There are different types of migraines. There is also a migraine in which no headache occurs, but eye symptoms are visible. This is also called an aura. All kinds of temporary abnormalities in the visual field can be observed, such as seeing jagged figures or loss of the visual field. This attack completely disappeared within an hour. What does such an attack entail and can you do something to prevent it?

What migraine means

A migraine attack is caused by a disruption in the cooperation between the blood vessels and nerves in the brain. The cause of an attack can be due to various causes, such as: fatigue, stress or an approaching menstruation. It is possible that this is hereditary. There are foods that can trigger a headache attack, such as: chocolate, red wine, aged cheese or spicy dishes. This has not been demonstrated for an attack without headache. It is more common in women than in men. The frequency of an attack can vary from one attack per year to as many as a weekly attack.

Auras

Migraine with headache is the most common. In addition, there is also a form of migraine in which there is no headache and in which auras are observed. This form of migraine is also called classic migraine or migraine accompagnée and causes temporary abnormalities in the visual field. The aura phenomena usually start at one point in the visual field and slowly grow larger and spread over the entire visual field. Sometimes there is tunnel vision or even complete blindness. It is sometimes described as looking into a cracked mirror.

Symptoms before the attack

The symptom pattern of migraine varies greatly. Even in one person the pattern of complaints can change. More than half of people with migraines experience prodromes. These are symptoms that indicate that an attack is about to occur. These can be changes in mood, causing people to be irritated, hyperactive, have problems concentrating, have a reduced appetite or feel like eating a lot. A migraine attack without a headache can also be a precursor to a migraine attack with a headache.

Complaints

The most common complaints experienced during an attack are:

• Seeing zigzag stripes
• Seeing flashes
• Less good/cloudy vision
• Blind spots in visual field
• Loss of parts or entire field of vision
• Feeling weak
• Tingling in arms and/or legs
• Difficulty speaking

Characteristics of migraine without headache

With this form of migraine there is no headache. An attack does occur, but the headache does not occur. That is why it is also called ophthalmic or visual aura without headache. An attack can last from a few minutes to an hour. There may be a heavy feeling in the head beforehand, but there is no further headache. Migraine without headache usually occurs in middle age from the age of 40. Sometimes it can happen that this form of migraine develops at a young age, or that someone who gets it later in life has also suffered from it at a younger age.

When to go to the doctor?

If an attack occurs more than twice a month or the attack lasts longer than an hour, it is advisable to consult your doctor. If an outage lasts less than four minutes, it is also advisable to consult a doctor. There is nothing you can do to shorten the time you see an aura. Medicines also have no effect on the auras. It has not been shown that damage to the brain occurs.

Prevention

Try to avoid triggering factors such as tension, fatigue and stress as much as possible. Make sure there is enough relaxation and try to get enough sleep. This is especially true during a stressful period. It has not been scientifically proven that there is a connection between an attack of migraine without a headache and certain foods.

What to do during an attack

If an attack occurs, try to remain as relaxed as possible. There is nothing you can do about it at that moment and you have to wait until it disappears on its own. Sit or lie down somewhere relaxed. Panicking will cause your blood pressure to rise and this can cause a headache.

read more

• Headache: what can you do about it yourself?
• Preparing for a doctor’s visit