Ocular Migraine vs Ophthalmoplegic Migraine: What Is The Difference?
Not all headaches that affect your vision are the same, and knowing the difference can be life changing. Ocular migraine and ophthalmoplegic migraine may both involve the eyes and cause headaches, but they are two very different conditions.
ANF Therapy®, also known as Amino Neuro Frequency Therapy, is a frequency-based approach that utilizes wearable devices, ANF Devices, which are applied directly to the skin. These devices are configured with bio-coded frequencies, aiming to support the natural healing mechanisms and promote physiological balance.
In this blog, we’ll explore the differences between ocular migraine and ophthalmoplegic migraine, as well as the current research on recognizing and treating them.
What is ocular migraine?
Ocular migraine, or retinal migraine, is a type of migraine that affects just one eye. You may see flashing lights, zigzag lines, or a blind spot, and sometimes even lose vision for a few minutes. These symptoms typically last 5 to 30 minutes and usually resolve on their own. Unlike other migraines with aura that affect both eyes, ocular migraine only affects one eye. It can feel scary, but most episodes are harmless and don’t need medication.
What is ophthalmoplegic migraine?
Ophthalmoplegic migraine, now called recurrent painful ophthalmoplegic neuropathy, is a rare disorder. Incidence is estimated at 0.7 cases per million individuals. It affects the nerves that move your eye. It typically begins with a headache, followed by eye problems such as a drooping eyelid, double vision, or difficulty moving the eye.
Healthcare professionals now see it as a nerve disorder rather than a type of migraine. It often involves the third cranial nerve, and MRI scans may show changes in the third cranial nerve. Experts believe inflammation or nerve irritation plays a key role.
How ocular migraine and ophthalmoplegic migraine affect the body:
Ocular migraine is linked to temporary changes in blood flow, while ophthalmoplegic migraine is believed to involve inflammation or irritation of the nerves that move the eye.
Pathophysiology of ocular migraine:
Ocular migraine is a result of the narrowing of the retinal blood vessels. The retina is a layer of tissue present at the back of your eye. It needs a constant supply of oxygen to function properly. Even when this supply undergoes a temporary reduction, you can experience the visual symptoms of an ocular migraine. Triggers behind this narrowing of retinal vessels include:
Increased levels of stress can cause spasms in the vessels of one or both of your eyes. This goes for both physical and emotional stress.
Dehydration reduces your blood volume and puts stress on the blood vessels in your eyes.
Low blood sugar levels from skipping meals can trigger the release of stress hormones. These can irritate the nerves or disturb the blood supply of your retina.
Missing sleep can make your nervous system more sensitive to other triggers of ocular migraine.
Pathophysiology of ophthalmoplegic migraine:
The exact cause of ophthalmoplegic migraine is still unknown. However, it is now believed to be an irritation of your cranial nerves, especially the third cranial nerve. In rare cases, the fourth and sixth cranial nerves can be implicated. These nerves control the movement and function of your eye. Their inflammation can result in the weakness or paralysis of the muscles in your eye.
Ocular migraine and ophthalmoplegic migraine share many risk factors. However, ophthalmoplegic migraine may have additional triggers, such as infections in childhood, which can irritate your nerves.
Feature | Ocular Migraine | Ophthalmoplegic Migraine |
Main cause | Temporary narrowing of blood vessels in the retina | Inflammation or damage to nerves that control eye movement |
Affected area | Retinal artery (blood supply to one eye) | Cranial nerves (mostly nerve III, sometimes IV or VI) |
What happens in the body | Reduced blood flow causes short-term visual changes | Nerve swelling or irritation leads to eye muscle weakness |
Visual symptoms and differences between ocular migraine vs ophthalmoplegic migraine:
Ocular migraine and ophthalmoplegic migraine can both affect your eyes, but the way they show up is very different.
Feature | Ocular Migraine | Ophthalmoplegic Migraine |
Type of visual problem | Flashing lights, blind spots, zigzag patterns | Double vision, drooping eyelid, dilated pupil, limited eye movement |
Which eye is affected | One eye only | Usually one eye |
Eye movement | Normal | Impaired or restricted |
Other symptoms | May have a mild headache or none. | Headache followed by muscle weakness. |
How long do the symptoms last | 5 to 30 minutes | Several days to weeks |
Eye exam findings | Usually normal. Pupil size was not affected. | May show cranial nerve involvement on MRI. Pupil size may be affected. |
Need for urgent care. | Not usually, unless symptoms last longer or affect both eyes. Retinal injury is extremely uncommon. | Yes, especially if double vision or eyelid drooping occurs |
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Medical Emergencies with Similar Symptoms |
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How can ANF Therapy® help with ocular and ophthalmoplegic migraine?
ANF Therapy® or Amino Neuro Frequency Therapy is a frequency-based approach. It is applied by trained healthcare professionals to aid in the treatment, prevention, and relief of musculoskeletal injuries such as ACL tears. This therapy is helpful for managing related issues such as pain, swelling, discomfort, and limited mobility. It is designed for use in physical rehabilitation, neuromusculoskeletal care, and supportive treatment settings.
Outcomes:
ANF Therapy® is a non-invasive and chemical-free method. It uses small carbonised metal devices that are applied to the skin. In a real-world study involving 1,054 patients across 45 countries, pain levels decreased significantly, from 7.6 to 3.1 out of 10 with ANF Therapy®. Common pain areas included the lower back, knee, neck, and shoulder. Patients also showed reduced swelling and improved range of motion. Satisfaction was high (92/100), and side effects, such as dry mouth, headache, and fatigue, were mild and short-term, reported by 42% of patients. The results are promising, but should be interpreted with caution.
Start your journey with ANF Therapy®:
ANF Therapy® is the newest frequency-based approach. If you are suffering from migraines, consult an ANF Practitioner or find an ANF Therapist at https://www.anftherapy.com/find-clinic/ to discuss how ANF Therapy® can help.
If you’re a healthcare practitioner and want to enhance your clinical skills with frequency medicine, learn more about the ANF Therapy® and ANF Clinical education program by visiting www.anfacademy.com.
Final thoughts: Ocular migraine vs ophthalmoplegic migraine
Ocular migraine causes temporary changes in vision in one eye, such as flashes of light or blind spots. It usually goes away on its own and doesn’t affect how your eye moves. Ophthalmoplegic migraine is more serious. It begins with a headache and then leads to eye problems, such as double vision or a drooping eyelid. This happens because the nerves that move your eye become inflamed. Ocular migraine often just needs rest and avoiding triggers. Ophthalmoplegic migraine usually needs treatment and follow-up with a neurologist.
