Because of the many types of migraine, most doctors will diagnose it based on The International Classification of Headache Disorders. This is to avoid misdiagnosis. Because the term is so confusing and misused, it is easy to misdiagnose retinal migraine. Problems can arise when a migraine sufferer receives a diagnosis that is not accurate in diagnosing the condition but is more descriptive. These descriptive terms can be misleading and may not reflect the true diagnosis.
IHS
To make it easier for patients to communicate with other doctors and change doctors, the International Headache Society (IHS), developed a standard diagnosis. Retinal Migraine, a real migraine diagnosis, is often misunderstood to describe any migraine that is associated or accompanied by visual symptoms. It is characterized in recurrent attacks with unilateral visual disturbances that precede the headache period of migraine attacks.
These symptoms include monocular (affecting one eyes) visual symptoms like scintillations, temporary loss of sight, and scotoma. Scintillation can be a sign of a migraine attack’s aura phase. It is when lights flash in different intensities during migraine aura. The headache period starts within 60 minutes of the visual symptoms consistent with migraine without aura.
Duration
Headache durations of 4 to 72 hours. The main difference between retinal and migraine with aura (neurological phenomenon), is that the former can present with monocular visual symptoms, as well as temporary, but permanent, monocular blindness. To rule out other causes, the diagnosis of migraine disease is made by looking at the medical history and personal details of the patient.
There are many prescription and over-the-counter medications that can help with migraine symptoms. Treatments to reduce stress are equally effective for most people. Retinal migraine is a diagnosis that excludes other conditions. Patients will need a complete cardiovascular exam to rule out embolic or other vascular diseases as the cause of their visual loss. This condition can be treated in the same way as migraine patients.
