very odd eye effects: possible nerve issue?

[mariospants]

Hi, I'm 41 and I've had this issue come once in every 5 years or so since I was about 12 years old. Basically what happens (and it sometimes manifests after a coughing fit, I have bronchitis) is that in the center of my visual field, a small half-moon prismatic effect occurs. There are often "sparky lines" that radiate downwards like half of a stylistically drawn sun. Actually, this effect takes a while because it essentially starts out small in one part of my field of view (usually to the left) and grows and fades until it disappears. There is no pain or discomfort, and I presume that it is something like having your foot fall asleep. If I close one eye after the other, the visual distortion does not change in location, which leads me to believe that it's manifesting somewhere in the nerves because either both eyes see it or it is visible even with one eye closed (i.e. it doesn't require light to manifest, it makes its own "light").

One time, when I was younger, it manifested with a slow feeling of numbness that moved from the top of my head down until it disappeared. Usually it lasts 30 minutes to an hour.

Like I said, it happens only about once every few years, so it's not really a big nuisance.

Any insight would be helpful, thanks.

[Sandy Feldman, MD, MS]

Dear mariospants,

I would recommend that you seke the care of an eyeMD to detmerine the cause of yoru symptoms.  The time frame and sparky lines may suggest a migraine; however, it is important to get checked.

Dr. Feldman

Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., M.S.
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center
San Diego, California

[doobie07]

I've had this exact same thing since I was 10 and I'm now 40. I can tell you precisely what it is, though I'm not a doctor. It's a textbook ocular migraine (you don't have to have the headache). I also get the numbness with some of them. It's originating in the visual cortex and has nothing to do with your eyes themselves. Hope that helps.

[mariospants]

Wow, thanks for that info. Weird that we both have had the exact same experience; is this a common thing? Also, do you know if it's something that might get worse with age or can cause permanent damage? It's a really weird phenomenon, isn't it?

I'll do some research on ocular migraine, thanks!

[doobie07]

You're welcome.

If you google "ocular migraine simulation", you'll probably find exactly what you are seeing.

I don't think it gets worse with age. In fact, mine have become way less frequent. As for permanent damage, the migraines themselves as far as I know don't cause anything like that, but it may mean we are more susceptible to TIA and strokes etc.

[doobie07]

oh, and the visual phenomenon you are describing in known as a "scintillating scotoma".

They are not at all uncommon.

[mariospants]

Yeah, I googled it soon after and got the low-down, however I didn't see much regarding a potentially increased propensity to TIA and strokes. Do you have a references?

Funny that - considering they are apparently so common - how come nobody ever talks about these things? I assume that a history of these things would definitely preclude one from flying a space shuttle, right?

[doobie07]

i've only had anecdotal evidence presented to me by doctors, that there is an increased risk of stroke. so, sorry, no references ....

they can be quite debilitating, though, as i'm sure you know ...

[KellyComfort]

I remember the first time I got an ocular migraine.  It scared the heck out of me!  Sounds just like you describe.  They only occur rarely but now when i get one i just sit back and watch the show. :-)