Understanding Ocular Migraines: A Personal Journey

Migraines, especially ocular and hemiplegic types, are more than just headaches; they are life-altering events that can feel both deflating and debilitating. They strike with little warning, often leaving sufferers vulnerable to intense physical pain, cognitive disruption, and emotional strain. As both a vision therapist and someone who has personally navigated the tumultuous waters of migraines, I’ve learned invaluable lessons about self-care, awareness, and the importance of truly understanding what our bodies are trying to tell us.

What is an Ocular Migraine? An ocular migraine is a specific type of migraine primarily characterised by visual disturbances, which can sometimes precede or accompany the headache. These disturbances might include flashing lights, zigzag patterns, or even temporary vision loss in one eye. For some, the symptoms are mild, but for others, they can be completely debilitating, affecting their ability to function for hours or even days at a time.

Ocular migraines are distinct from typical migraines because they focus primarily on visual disruptions. Although these episodes often resolve quickly, the confusion, frustration and disorientation they cause can linger, making it essential for individuals to seek coping mechanisms and strategies to manage them.

Migraines are thought to arise from changes in blood flow in the brain, which may trigger nerve pathways associated with vision. When these pathways are activated, they can create the visual symptoms that many people recognize. Some researchers believe the visual disturbances are caused by cortical spreading depression—a wave of electrical activity that travels across the surface of the brain. This complexity highlights the need for personalised treatment approaches and an understanding of the unique triggers that can set off these episodes.

From an early age, I have dealt with the unpredictable and unsettling reality of hemiplegic migraines.

There’s one moment that I vividly remember, a memory etched deeply into my body and mind. I was in primary school when, suddenly, a strange tingling sensation began creeping down the right side of my body. My hand and leg started to feel foreign, as if they didn’t belong to me anymore, and within moments, they were numb and I lost the ability to hold my pencil. Panic washed over me, but when I tried to ask for help, no words would come. It felt as though my voice had been taken from me—which was extremely unsettling for someone who loves to talk. The intense, crushing pain in my head followed shortly after, amplifying my fear and sense of helplessness. I was just a child, unsure of what was happening to my body and uncertain if and when I would regain control. That moment lingered for days, leaving me shaken and wary, knowing that these episodes could come without warning and disrupt my world in an instant.

The fear was overwhelming. Would I be able to move my right side again? When would my speech come back to making sense rather than sounding like gobbledegook? The combination of physical symptoms and the emotional toll left me shaken for days. The uncertainty of when the next episode might strike became a companion, a shadow that still lingers. These migraines disrupt not only my work but also my ability to connect with loved ones and engage in activities I enjoy. The unpredictability of migraines serves as a harsh reminder of how fragile our health can be, urging us to listen closely to what our bodies are telling us.

Living with ocular migraines creates a ripple effect in many aspects of life. Visual disturbances can make it difficult to read, drive, or even hold conversations. There have been times when I hesitated to go out with friends or attend events, fearing that an episode might strike at any moment. This leads to a sense of isolation because friends and family may not fully understand what the experience is like unless they have lived it themselves.

The psychological impact can also be significant. Constant apprehension about the next episode can lead to avoiding certain activities, sometimes leading to feelings of isolation. This cycle can be difficult to break, reinforcing the need for proactive management and open communication with loved ones about what is being experienced.

In my journey of managing migraines, one of the tools I have found extremely beneficial is Syntonic Phototherapy, also known as Syntonics or colour light therapy. This approach uses specific wavelengths of light to create physiological effects that can help in managing visual and neurological symptoms associated with migraines. Through years of experience and personal trials, I have come to rely on specific color filters like Mu Upsilon (Blue-Green) and Upsilon Omega (Indigo) to support my visual and nervous system.

These colours are chosen for their predictable impacts on the brain and body. For instance, Mu Upsilon (Blue-Green) has a calming effect on the visual centres of the brain, which helps mitigate the overstimulation that often accompanies migraines. Upsilon Omega (Indigo), on the other hand, has a grounding effect that supports nervous system regulation, providing a sense of stability even when visual disturbances make everything feel chaotic.

The therapeutic impact of specific colour filters in Syntonics lies in their ability to stimulate or soothe various parts of the brain. By selectively engaging neural pathways, these colours can help improve overall brain function, making it easier for the visual and nervous systems to cope with triggers that may otherwise lead to migraine episodes. Certain shades are known to promote relaxation and relieve stress-induced visual symptoms, while others support focus and clarity—both essential elements when dealing with migraines. I am extremely thankful for being a Vision Therapist knowing that Syntonics is readily available in my therapist toolbox for personal and professional use.

My experiences with these filters have been profound. During a migraine episode, using Mu Upsilon or Upsilon Omega has often reduced my symptoms and shortened recovery time. A non-invasive yet powerful therapy that has made a meaningful difference in my life, enabling me to manage my migraines with greater confidence and less reliance on medication.

In addition to syntonic phototherapy, vision therapy has proven to be a complementary approach in managing migraines for multiple patients. Vision therapy exercises train the eyes and brain to work together more efficiently, which can help alleviate the visual disturbances associated with ocular migraines. Exercises designed to improve focus, eye coordination and visual tracking can reduce the impact of migraines over time. For example, practicing convergence exercises or peripheral vision training has been beneficial for both myself and several of my patients who suffer from similar conditions.

Through my experiences, I have come to understand the critical role that sleep, hydration, nourishment and mindfulness play in managing migraines. Here are some of the strategies that have been most effective for me:

Sleep: A consistent sleep schedule is vital. Poor sleep can trigger migraines, so I prioritize restful nights by creating a calming bedtime routine, ensuring my sleep environment is conducive to rest, and maintaining a regular sleep schedule. This routine has made a noticeable difference in my migraine frequency.

Hydration: Staying hydrated is another key component. Dehydration is a known migraine trigger, and I have found that drinking enough filtered, alkalized water throughout the day significantly reduces my headaches. I keep a water bottle on my desk and set reminders on my phone to ensure I’m sipping regularly, especially on busy days.

Nourishment: Proper nutrition cannot be overlooked. I focus on a balanced diet rich in whole foods, avoiding known triggers like excessive caffeine, soy products, and processed foods. Foods that support brain health, such as omega-3-rich fish, leafy greens, nuts, and fruits and vegetables, are staples in my meals. Planning meals and snacks ahead of time helps me nourish my body rather than reaching for convenient but potentially harmful options.

Mindfulness Practices: Minimising stress is essential. I’ve integrated mindfulness practices, like meditation and deep-breathing exercises, into my daily routine to stay grounded and mitigate anxiety, a common precursor to migraine episodes. Simple activities like taking short walks in nature to benefit from the Schumann Resonance or practicing yoga have also contributed to my overall well-being.

I have also chosen to build a support network of friends, family and fellow migraine sufferers. Sharing experiences, coping strategies, and simply listening to each other can be incredibly therapeutic. Online forums and local support groups have provided a sense of community and understanding that can be hard to find elsewhere.

Regularly consulting with healthcare professionals about my migraines has provided new strategies and perspectives. Open communication with my healthcare team—whether a neurologist, functional medicine practitioner or vision therapy colleagues—has allowed me to explore different treatment options and find what works best. Tracking triggers, symptoms and treatments, has been invaluable in providing insights over time.

Living with migraines, especially ocular and hemiplegic types, can be incredibly challenging.

These experiences have reinforced the importance of self-awareness and self-care. By prioritising sleep, hydration, nourishment, mindfulness practices and building a support network, we can create a foundation that supports not just our brain health, but our overall well-being.

For those grappling with migraines, remember that you are not alone. Listen to your body, seek support, and explore both traditional and alternative therapies to find what works best for you. Building a community, whether in-person or virtual, can provide a valuable support network, offering the understanding that only comes from shared experience.

Together, we can navigate the complexities of migraine management and find strategies that allow us to reclaim our lives from the shadow of migraines. The journey may be long, but it is one filled with growth, resilience, and a deeper understanding of the mind-body connection.