Migraines and Retinal Vein Occlusion: Understanding the Connection

Question
my boyfriend who is 30 has suffered with migraines since 1998, they go away for awhile then resurface. the migraines are first brought on by weird feeling above his right temple and in eye area. In 1998 he also lost his vision in that eye, which was diagnosed as retinal vein occlusion. the weird feeling usually lingers for 2 to 3 hours before the migraine sets in. Lately he has been getting just the weird feeling accompanied by nasuea and dizziness with no migraine setting in. We are trying to figure out what is causing this, if something serious could be wrong, and if there is any link to the headaches and his retinal vein occlusion. I read some information on cluster headaches and alot of symptoms seem to be consistent with this type of headache. He is currently seeing a nueorosurgeon, who at this time has offered no relief. Can you please make some suggestions on what course of action we should follow.  Thank you

Answer
hopefully, he is seeing a neurologist... not a neurosurgeon.  Sometimes we make assumptions when someone has a history of migraines... but if he has different symptoms, he needs a complete evaluation all over again, esp. if there are symptoms to suggest retinal vein problems.  As far as a course of action, the neurologist should direct him to treatment, which has 3 phases... one is prevention (meds like Topamax) then abortive (meds to stop a migraine when it first appears, like Imitrex) then full migraine treatment, basically pain and nausea meds when the headache is full blown.  But, he needs a full eval by a good neurologist and eye doctor due to the complicating factor of possible retinal vein problems..... good luck with it...