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Migraine triggered by rubbing the eyes
1Department of Medicine, Franklin Medical Center, Greenfield, Mass, USA.
Headache
|March 20, 1998
Summary
Gentle eye rubbing can trigger exertional headaches in some individuals by causing visual auras. This suggests a potential link between mechanical eye stimulation and migraine precipitation.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Recurrent exertional headaches can significantly impact quality of life.
- Identifying triggers for headaches is crucial for effective management.
Observation:
- A patient repeatedly self-induced typical headaches through gentle eye rubbing and photopsias.
- No intracranial or orbital lesions were detected.
- Electroencephalogram (EEG) and ophthalmologic examinations were normal.
Findings:
- Mechanical eye stimulation, specifically rubbing, triggered headaches within 30 minutes.
- The induced headaches were preceded by bilateral photopsias (visual disturbances).
- Vagal mediation was ruled out as carotid sinus massage did not induce bradycardia.
Implications:
- This case suggests mechanical eye displacement may precipitate retinal auras, leading to migraines in susceptible individuals.
- Further research into the neuro-ophthalmic mechanisms of visually triggered headaches is warranted.
- This finding may inform diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for specific headache syndromes.