5

Interesting story: onset of a blurred point in a field of vision which gradually enlarges such that it forms an arc in the right side of the field of vision and then after a while that blurred arc fades away.

Afterwards, the visual disturbance will go away, vision will clear, but then a severe headache (usually unilateral) gradually comes up.

No other symptoms.

What can cause a visual disturbance followed by a headache?

1
  • Please do not answer in comments. Thanks. Commented Oct 21, 2015 at 18:36

1 Answer 1

6

What you're describing has been known since antiquity. What you first describe (an arc-like enlargening area of blurry vision) has been called a scintillating scotoma and artists and patients alike have tried to describe it with interesting results:

enter image description here enter image description here

It is important to note that this happens in both eyes simultaneously, so that the same part of the visual field is disturbed in both eyes. (If it in monoccular, it is different and more concerning, and should be reported to your doctor immediately.)

The headache that follows is a migraine. For this reason, this has variously been called ocular migraine, opthalmologic migraine, visual migraine, etc.

It is never a bad idea to talk to your doctor at least once about migraines, even if they are infrequent, though a significant number of migraine sufferers don't seek medical care.

What is an ocular migraine?
Visual Migraine
Migraine
Patterns of Diagnosis and Acute and Preventive Treatment for Migraine in the United States: Results from the American Migraine Prevalence and Prevention Study

2
  • Thanks very much, It is exactly what I'm suffering from. Could it be dangerous? something like tumor.
    – frogatto
    Commented Oct 21, 2015 at 19:26
  • 1
    Reading the sources provided should reassure you that in the majority of cases, this is a benign condition, but don't trust me: read and become informed! Commented Oct 21, 2015 at 19:35

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.