How Are Migraines and BVD Related?

Migraines are headaches that often cause severe pain, and they usually occur on one part of the head. Some people experience a pulsing sensation with the throbbing pain. Migraines are often accompanied by vomiting, nausea, and extreme sensitivity to sound and light. 
 

Migraine attacks can last anywhere from a few hours to several days. In some cases, the pain can be so severe that it can interfere with a person’s daily activities. Binocular vision dysfunction (BVD) is an eye condition that can cause chronic migraines.

 

Binocular Vision Dysfunction

In many cases, migraines are not an illness by themselves, but rather an indication of an underlying issue. Many people suffer from migraines that are symptoms of different health conditions. 
 

If you suffer from migraines accompanied by vision problems, there is the likelihood that you are experiencing binocular vision dysfunction. BVD is an eye condition where the eyes have difficulty working together. Incompatibility between the two eyes results in various visual disturbances. The condition can cause unpleasant and debilitating consequences.

 

Causes of Migraines 

The causes of migraines are not fully known. As mentioned previously, migraines are often a symptom of an underlying health condition. However, research has shown that genetics and environment can be a factor in migraines. 
 

Changes or dysfunction in the brainstem and how it interacts with the trigeminal nerve may also be involved. Imbalances in the brain chemicals, which include serotonin, can lead to migraines. These are the chemicals that help regulate pain in the nervous system. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) plays a role in migraine pain. 

 

Symptoms of a Migraine

Most people experience an “aura,” which is a warning symptom that occurs before the migraine. The aura will often include visual effects such as blind spots, flashes of light, and other disturbances. Tingling on one side of the face, difficulty speaking, and tingling in one arm or leg are other warning signs. Migraines can also be accompanied by neck tension, shoulder pain, and upper back pain. 
 

Other symptoms include:

• Dizziness

• Disorientation

• Vertigo

• Lightheadedness

• Loss of balance or coordination

• Nausea

• Motion sickness

• Falling
  
   

Symptoms of BVD
 

Chronic migraines can be an indicator that a person is suffering from BVD. Migraines can result from consistent straining or overworking of the eye muscles.
 

Migraines are not the only symptom of BVD. Other symptoms are blurred vision, anxiety, difficulty with close vision, eyestrain, light sensitivity, and gritty or sore eyes. Problems with night vision, fatigue, double vision, problems with glare, and poor depth perception are also symptoms.

 

Migraine Triggers
 

Several triggers can lead to migraines. The triggers include: 
 

• Hormonal changes such as pregnancy and menopause

• Drinks such as alcohol and caffeine

• Stress

• Sleep changes

• Sensory stimuli like loud sounds

• Bright flashing lights

• Strong smells

• Intense physical exertion

• Weather changes

• Medications

• Some foods
  
   

Migraines and BVD are related in that each condition can be a symptom of the other. Suffering from BVD or migraines can impact the patient’s ability to work. Some medications can reduce uncomfortable symptoms. Combining medication with lifestyle changes and self-help remedies can help treat migraines.
 

A quick self-test could determine if you are suffering from migraines or BVD. If you are suffering from BVD, we have a treatment that can help. Click here to take our Free 5 minute self-test now! You can also contact The Dizziness and Headache Optometry Center in Santa Barbara, California at (805) 626-3400 for an appointment.
 

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