Hi, Barbara,

Have you actually been diagnosed with optical Migraines? To simplify matters and make it easier for people to get information and treatment, doctors usually go by the gold standard for diagnosis, the International Headache Society's International Classification of Headache Disorders, 2nd Edition (ICHD-II). Under ICHD-II, there is no diagnosis of "optical Migraine." We do see it used, but doctors use it differently, so that leaves me unsure of what type of Migraine you actually have.

The description you give might be Migraine aura, and the different types of Migraine can occur without the headache at which point they're termed "acephalgic" or silent."

Migraine is a genetic neurological disease caused by genetics and overactive neurons in the brain. I think what you're trying to determine is what triggers your Migraines. One of the best ways to determine your triggers is to keep a Migraine diary. That will often help you and your doctor find your triggers.

You do need to see your doctor for diagnosis. In the meantime, here are some links to information that should help you...

     •  Ocular, Optical, and Opthalmic Migraines

     •  Migraine With Aura - the Basics

     •  Acephalgic or Silent Migraine - The Basics

     •  Your Migraine and Headache Diary

Good luck,

Teri