OPHTHALMOLOGICAL COMPLICATIONS OF MIGRAINE

The history of the ophthalmological complications of migraine is reviewed. Twelve patients are described who showed persisting visual field defects or ophthalmoplegia. The results and indications for angiography are discussed. Pathological studies and theories of possible mechanisms of these syndromes and of other forms of migraine are considered. It is concluded that vascular engorgement, cerebral oedema and infarction underlie persisting focal deficits. Arterial swelling producing neural compression may explain some cases of ophthalmoplegic migraine, although in many examples of complicated ophthalmic and ophthalmoplegic migraine there is no demonstrable basis in life or at autopsy. The possible role of abnormal serotonin metabolism in migraine patients is considered. © 1968.