An optical migraine, also known as a migraine with aura, is a medical condition comprising extremely painful, reoccurring, neurovascular headaches that usually affect only one side of the sufferer's head. Optical migraines are preceded by visual symptoms--the auras--including flashes of light, blind spots, zigzagging patterns and seeing stars. These symptoms sometimes occur without the accompanying headache. The causes of optical migraines aren't completely understood, but anecdotal evidence suggests several potential triggers.

Hormones

Female optical migraine suffers often begin to experience migraines after the start of their first menstrual period. Estrogen changes throughout their cycle can cause migraines to happen consistently either prior to their menstrual period or during the period itself.

Stress

Some migraine sufferers find themselves experiencing auras during time of intense stress. These migraines may begin with the tightness of neck generally associated with tension headaches, but continue to escalate in intensity with an accompanying light sensitivity that makes it hard to focus or perform normal activities.

Sleep deprivation

Some patients experience optical migraines as a side effect of insomnia. This can be a vicious cycle where the fatigue from a lack of sleep causes painful migraines. The pain of the migraines can then leave the sufferer unable to sleep.

Head Trauma

Migraines seem to have a genetic element, with the tendency toward migraines running in families. Some sufferers, however, do not experience migraines until after experiencing severe head trauma.

Secondary Symptom

The visual auras associated with optical migraines can be indicators of other medical conditions. Patients who begin to experience a sudden onset of optical migraines or a change in the occurrence or pattern of these migraines should seek medical attention.

Source:

MayoClinic: Migraine with Aura

OpticalMigraine.org

An Optical Migraine FAQ

More Information:

National Headache Foundation: Headache U