@californiazebra
Google this for interesting contrasts and links to research:
amaurosis fugax vs ocular migraine vs retinal migraine vs Cerebral Spreading Depression
My symptoms started about 15 years ago at 55. Colorful zigzag arcs affecting both eyes, taking 20-45 minutes to fan out & disappear, most clearly matching "migraine aura without headache" best described as CSD. Fascinating. No pain, no triggers yet identified. Sometimes several months without an episode, a few cases of up to three episodes over 24 hours. GP and eye specialists have not found medications or deep diagnostics warranted so far.
I keep watch for new findings from credible sources. Many any evidence-based, peer reviewed articles in my bookmarks. Google & AI can help find some. So can Google Scholar.
I'm lucky in that I really only have some trouble reading for the first 5 minutes or so. Not enough to impede other activities. Kind of a shame that the initial thrill/entertainment has faded.
@bob2025
Just read about CSD. Interesting that you call the light show entertaining. I find something I can’t control that’s blocking my vision a little scary. I hope your episodes subside.
As I mentioned, I discovered what we need mutually thought was an ocular migraine turned out to be a retinal TIA. That was further confirmed recently when I had a cognitive TIA (mini-stroke) after a long episode of afib. I suddenly had aphasia, unable to speak or type anything but gibberish. It was very confusing, scary, frustrating and I thought it was going to be a major stroke. Luckily, the blood clot was able to pass in a few minutes. I couldn’t call 911 myself but was able to get to neighbors for help and one knew gibberish was a sign of stroke. I’m on a blood thinner now so hopefully that’s the last time. Best of luck in your situation as well.
Hi @turley78
Having visual disturbances 8-10 times a day would definitely be distracting. Wow, sorry to hear that. Wish I had a solution for you.
MESSAGE TO ALL: Especially to those having temporary blind spots in just one eye. Be sure to get checked out and don't just assume visual disturbances are ocular migraines. Two years ago, I wasn't sure if I had an ocular migraine or TIA. Now after two more incidents, providers have determined I'm having TIAs (aka mini-strokes) connected to afib.
Good 5 min video on Amaurosis Fugax by neuro-opthalmologist
I've now had 3 TIAs in less than 2 years, all three times they happened at the end of about 30 hours in afib (atrial fibrillation - irregular and rapid heartbeat that can cause blood clots). Almost two years ago, vision in both eyes became totally pixelated and then a weird fall backwards 4 hours later. Last week, I suddenly lost a third of my vision in just one eye for 2 minutes, blurred out/cloudy, not pixelated this time, but couldn't see through it. 4 months ago, my left arm suddenly became heavy, numb, had strong pins and needles, hand became bright red and felt like it was swelling (all at once) then suddenly every symptom was gone in less than 30 seconds. I thought I was having a heart attack or stroke while just talking to a neighbor. Every time, the issue(s) both started and stopped in an instant and were of brief duration.
When my neurologist concluded it was an ocular migraine 2 years ago, I didn't make the afib connection and didn't bring that up. I also have a rare neuropathy with lots of neuro issues so that just seemed like one more. At the time, I went to see her because I was more worried that it might be my advanced breast cancer spreading to my brain, but luckily a brain MRI confirmed it wasn't.
Blessings to all hoping you all find solutions to your visual disturbances.
@californiazebra
Google this for interesting contrasts and links to research:
amaurosis fugax vs ocular migraine vs retinal migraine vs Cerebral Spreading Depression
My symptoms started about 15 years ago at 55. Colorful zigzag arcs affecting both eyes, taking 20-45 minutes to fan out & disappear, most clearly matching "migraine aura without headache" best described as CSD. Fascinating. No pain, no triggers yet identified. Sometimes several months without an episode, a few cases of up to three episodes over 24 hours. GP and eye specialists have not found medications or deep diagnostics warranted so far.
I keep watch for new findings from credible sources. Many any evidence-based, peer reviewed articles in my bookmarks. Google & AI can help find some. So can Google Scholar.
I'm lucky in that I really only have some trouble reading for the first 5 minutes or so. Not enough to impede other activities. Kind of a shame that the initial thrill/entertainment has faded.
@prein my aura’s last about 20 to 30 minutes as well. I take no medicine. They just go through a cycle all by themselves. The optometrist told me that the aura without headaches comes from a drop in blood pressure. What I’ve noticed over the years is that the day before I get them I’ve gotten really stressed out and angry. So I think it’s constricting blood vessels. Taught me to avoid stress and anger!
I have the Aura without headache. I used to have Migraines, but not anymore. I have had the Aura for years. I know when it’s beginning & I know what usually brings it on. If I am on the iPad & also watching TV at the same time, it will start. Also, bright flashing lights can bring it on. I take my med right away & within 20 min. or so, it has gone. I carry the med with me all the time, just in case. It has happened at other times out of the blue, but I am prepared. See your doc & maybe he can prescribe a med for you. My symptoms are not being able to focus or see & bright flashing & zigzag lights appear. I cannot read anything during this time. I usually just remain quiet til it all passes
I have the Aura without headache. I used to have Migraines, but not anymore. I have had the Aura for years. I know when it’s beginning & I know what usually brings it on. If I am on the iPad & also watching TV at the same time, it will start. Also, bright flashing lights can bring it on. I take my med right away & within 20 min. or so, it has gone. I carry the med with me all the time, just in case. It has happened at other times out of the blue, but I am prepared. See your doc & maybe he can prescribe a med for you. My symptoms are not being able to focus or see & bright flashing & zigzag lights appear. I cannot read anything during this time. I usually just remain quiet til it all passes
Very concerning and unexpected bad news. After a very encouraging only visit with my Neurologist that I would get some help. Unfortunately after completing an MRI of the brain yesterday and lab work related to inflammation I learned today that she was leaving the office in less than a week. It's been a long time and another long wait I'm afraid
@pfrjr78: Thank you for the reply. I have a new Neurlogist I have set up with Johns Hopkins in the Baltimore office. Dr. Hale and an associate met with me in Aug. '25. Very lengthy consult with a hopeful change in my Vestibular Migraine condition that consist of differing symptoms that the usual migraine. Wish you the best and a hug from me too
Paul
They are very difficult I have been dealing with them for 5 years but the colours and patterns after are getting worse ,I have been to my GP the hospital ,paid to see a Neaurologist as o just want to know what the colours and patterns are don't seen to be able to get an answer ,just given an auto epileptic drug to take for migraine which I must say o am very worried about taking ,but I do want this to stop.
Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | Oct 9 4:41pm
Hi all, I appreciate the passion you all bring to this discussion about ocular migraine with aura. I believe that everyone has their own way of dealing with auras, with lightheartedness or seriousness – likely some of both at different times – to try to manage something they would prefer not to experience at all. In 2023, I had a diagnosis of a neuroendocrine tumor in my rectum found in my first colonoscopy and had to undergo a ton of testing to see if any cancer remained in my body. During this time, sometimes I would be very scared and break out crying, and at other times I could go for a laugh to lighten the mood. My husband sensed when I was in the latter kind of mood and would lightly joke about my rear end [insert more crass street term here] cancer.
Here on Connect, we only have words to communicate without the benefit of enhancing our messages with tone of voice or body language, so our text can be open to a variety of interpretations and meanings. And sometimes we bring the bias of our own experiences when reading the post of another member.
I encourage you to review the guidelines and pay particular attention to guideline 2. Here's an excerpt.
2. Remain respectful at all times.
- Exercise tolerance and respect toward other participants whose views may differ from your own.
- Disagreements are fine, but mutual respect is a must.
Moderation of Connect also includes members helping out with reporting anything that needs a moderator's review.
How to report:
1. Click the 3 dots (...) in the lower right corner of the comment.
2. Select "Report comment"
3. Write the reason for the report and SUBMIT.
@roseann4z
You could have made your (valid) point without the undertone of snark...The writer's intention was clearly to reassure sufferers that these spells are often harmless.
@esikora I am surprised you would react with such hostility. I was not being “snarky” I was relaying a very real and frightening experience that can affect someone who has these types of migraines. It is not a condition most people take so lightly. Especially if they are frequent, it can make it difficult to get around independently and even if they are harmless medically. I was genuinely saying the writer was fortunate. Perhaps you should reconsider your own interpretation of others.
I guess you can close your eyes & enjoy the show if you are not driving when these occur-which has happened to me and I had to pull over until it was over. Luckily I was not on the highway. Once that happens to you it’s a little more difficult to take this symptom so lightly. You are fortunate.
@roseann4z
You could have made your (valid) point without the undertone of snark...The writer's intention was clearly to reassure sufferers that these spells are often harmless.
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@bob2025
Just read about CSD. Interesting that you call the light show entertaining. I find something I can’t control that’s blocking my vision a little scary. I hope your episodes subside.
As I mentioned, I discovered what we need mutually thought was an ocular migraine turned out to be a retinal TIA. That was further confirmed recently when I had a cognitive TIA (mini-stroke) after a long episode of afib. I suddenly had aphasia, unable to speak or type anything but gibberish. It was very confusing, scary, frustrating and I thought it was going to be a major stroke. Luckily, the blood clot was able to pass in a few minutes. I couldn’t call 911 myself but was able to get to neighbors for help and one knew gibberish was a sign of stroke. I’m on a blood thinner now so hopefully that’s the last time. Best of luck in your situation as well.
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Hug
1 Reaction@californiazebra
Google this for interesting contrasts and links to research:
amaurosis fugax vs ocular migraine vs retinal migraine vs Cerebral Spreading Depression
My symptoms started about 15 years ago at 55. Colorful zigzag arcs affecting both eyes, taking 20-45 minutes to fan out & disappear, most clearly matching "migraine aura without headache" best described as CSD. Fascinating. No pain, no triggers yet identified. Sometimes several months without an episode, a few cases of up to three episodes over 24 hours. GP and eye specialists have not found medications or deep diagnostics warranted so far.
I keep watch for new findings from credible sources. Many any evidence-based, peer reviewed articles in my bookmarks. Google & AI can help find some. So can Google Scholar.
I'm lucky in that I really only have some trouble reading for the first 5 minutes or so. Not enough to impede other activities. Kind of a shame that the initial thrill/entertainment has faded.
@prein my aura’s last about 20 to 30 minutes as well. I take no medicine. They just go through a cycle all by themselves. The optometrist told me that the aura without headaches comes from a drop in blood pressure. What I’ve noticed over the years is that the day before I get them I’ve gotten really stressed out and angry. So I think it’s constricting blood vessels. Taught me to avoid stress and anger!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionWhat is "your med" you take that cuts the aura to 20 minutes.
I have the Aura without headache. I used to have Migraines, but not anymore. I have had the Aura for years. I know when it’s beginning & I know what usually brings it on. If I am on the iPad & also watching TV at the same time, it will start. Also, bright flashing lights can bring it on. I take my med right away & within 20 min. or so, it has gone. I carry the med with me all the time, just in case. It has happened at other times out of the blue, but I am prepared. See your doc & maybe he can prescribe a med for you. My symptoms are not being able to focus or see & bright flashing & zigzag lights appear. I cannot read anything during this time. I usually just remain quiet til it all passes
@pfrjr78: Thank you for the reply. I have a new Neurlogist I have set up with Johns Hopkins in the Baltimore office. Dr. Hale and an associate met with me in Aug. '25. Very lengthy consult with a hopeful change in my Vestibular Migraine condition that consist of differing symptoms that the usual migraine. Wish you the best and a hug from me too
Paul
@honeysuckle4 - has the epileptic drug helped with your ocular migraines at all? Have you experienced any side effects of the medication?
Hi all, I appreciate the passion you all bring to this discussion about ocular migraine with aura. I believe that everyone has their own way of dealing with auras, with lightheartedness or seriousness – likely some of both at different times – to try to manage something they would prefer not to experience at all. In 2023, I had a diagnosis of a neuroendocrine tumor in my rectum found in my first colonoscopy and had to undergo a ton of testing to see if any cancer remained in my body. During this time, sometimes I would be very scared and break out crying, and at other times I could go for a laugh to lighten the mood. My husband sensed when I was in the latter kind of mood and would lightly joke about my rear end [insert more crass street term here] cancer.
Here on Connect, we only have words to communicate without the benefit of enhancing our messages with tone of voice or body language, so our text can be open to a variety of interpretations and meanings. And sometimes we bring the bias of our own experiences when reading the post of another member.
I'd like to insert a gentle reminder of the Community Guidelines (https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/about-connect/tab/community-guidelines/) that help keep the tone safe, supportive, inclusive, and, above all, respectful.
I encourage you to review the guidelines and pay particular attention to guideline 2. Here's an excerpt.
2. Remain respectful at all times.
- Exercise tolerance and respect toward other participants whose views may differ from your own.
- Disagreements are fine, but mutual respect is a must.
Moderation of Connect also includes members helping out with reporting anything that needs a moderator's review.
How to report:
1. Click the 3 dots (...) in the lower right corner of the comment.
2. Select "Report comment"
3. Write the reason for the report and SUBMIT.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@esikora I am surprised you would react with such hostility. I was not being “snarky” I was relaying a very real and frightening experience that can affect someone who has these types of migraines. It is not a condition most people take so lightly. Especially if they are frequent, it can make it difficult to get around independently and even if they are harmless medically. I was genuinely saying the writer was fortunate. Perhaps you should reconsider your own interpretation of others.
@roseann4z
You could have made your (valid) point without the undertone of snark...The writer's intention was clearly to reassure sufferers that these spells are often harmless.