I have been getting these flashing lights and then I will see a part of something but not the whole picture, which I guess this is what's called blind spots, and then I will see zig zagging in front of my eyes. I have had this for years, they always last about 20 minutes. Sometimes I have gotten a headache as my eyes are clearing, and then sometimes I do not get a headache. I still get very nervous cause a Doctor told me years ago that if I noticed that it lasted longer then about 30 minutes to seek emergency cause it could be a stroke. Well everytime I get it now, I worry to death thinking that it might be a stroke. So should I worrry? or should I just say " it will pass"? I noticed that I get it a lot when a light flashes in my eyes, I don't understand why it does this. What is wrong with the blood vessels in my eyes? I have mention this to all the eyes specialist that I have been to and they don't seem to even pay attention to me. Thank you very much if you could please answer my question.
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Q: Question about the vision disturbance just before a migraine headache/
Maggie,
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What you describe sounds pretty typical for Migraine aura. You can find a description of aura symptoms in Anatomy of a Migraine.
Any type of Migraine can occur without the headache phase. When it does, it's described as "acephalgic" or "silent." So, if you have Migraine with aura, and an attack skips the headache phase, it's acephalgic Migraine with aura. You can read more about this in Acephalgic or Silent Migraine - The Basics.
Don't worry every time you get a Migraine, just notice how long the aura lasts. Statistically, the odds of a stroke are low, but it is possible. If you ever have the worst Migraine of your life, unusual or frightening symptoms, or if the aura lasts too long, do call your doctor or go to the ER to be checked out.
None of these symptoms necessarily mean there's anything wrong with the nerves in your eyes. It was good to ask your ophthalmologist though to be sure your eyes are healthy. Migraineurs are more likely to have a rare form of glaucoma called low-tension glaucoma, so be sure that they not only do the standard glaucoma test, but that they also do visual fields test to look for spots of lost vision. That's how this form of glaucoma is detected.
Hope this helps!
Teri
I just wanted to add something to the great info you got from Teri.
I get visual aura with about 15% of my migraines. It is actually really helpful because you can take an abortive right at the start of the migraine, which usually aborts the migraine faster.
I agree with Teri on keeping a record of how long your aura's last. The most important thing with migraines is determining what is normal for you. Then you have a better idea of what is just a normal migraine for you, versus what is abnormal and might need emergency care.
Good luck
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I have the same thing & just happened again yesterday. The only issue is that this only happens every few years, not weekly, or monthly. This first started in school in 1975 after a basketball head injury. This occurs after a light shines in my eyes. My dad had the same problem after a head injury during a wrestling match in school. All mine and his brain scans were clean. His doctor had an idea and prescribed dilantin & ever since he's had no more of these. They think it's was some form of epilepsy. After a codtor's visit a cuouple of years ago I had seen a poster on the wall in his exam room of migrain symtoms. These were one of them. I assumed that was what it was. My doctor in the past had no answer to what this might be. This may have been a recently discovered issue since the mid seventies, don't know for sure. Just thought I might add to this discussion of my problem with it. The flashing lights after about 20 min. move out of my field of vision slowly, & is gone. I also have tunnel vision with this as well. Regards.