08 January,2024 07:31 AM IST | New Delhi | IANS
Image for representational purpose only. Photo Courtesy: istock
Researchers have found that changes in blood flow in the retina could influence visual symptoms of some migraine patients, a new study has said.
According to the study published in the journal Headache, the findings could represent a long-sought observable marker for migraines that doctors can use to aid in the clinical treatment of the condition.
"While patients with migraines often experience symptoms such as pain around the eye, sensitivity to light, blind spots and visual blurring, the mechanisms behind those symptoms have not been well understood," said the US-based University of California researchers.
The researchers used a non-invasive imaging technique, known as optical coherence tomography angiography, or OCTA, to visualise changes in the retinal blood vessels of migraine patients both during and between migraine attacks.
ALSO READ
Which exercises are effective for people with COPD?
HC directs Delhi govt to appoint ex-officio members to state mental health authority
Navjot Singh Sidhu says wife underwent cancer treatment along with strict diet
India’s ban on antibiotics in animal food products to help curb AMR: Report
'No single magic formula for cancer,' say oncologists slamming Sidhu's claims
The imaging was performed on 37 migraine patients with aura symptoms, 30 migraine patients without aura symptoms and 20 healthy patients for a control group, the study noted.
"Researchers found that blood flow decreases in the retina during migraine attacks for both migraine patients with and without aura symptoms. However, patients with aura symptoms were found to have lower blood flow in certain areas of the retina compared to patients without aura symptoms," the study mentioned.
Additionally, asymmetrical blood flow in the retinas was linked to which side of the head that migraine patients experienced pain.
The findings could explain why some patients have visual symptoms and could serve as a biomarker for migraine attacks, according to the study.
This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
