Migraine & Optical Disk?

Posted by Patty on August 17, 1999 at 17:04:44
The folks at my health center in college diagnosed me as havig ocular migraines, but then became very concerned upon looking into my eye. As I remember the events (this was several years back), the doctor said my optical disk looked blurry, and that this could indicate a tumor or blood clot in my brain. They sent me to a ophthalmologist, who said I was fine -- the blurrinees was likely due to an old infection.
I'm going to a neurologist soon about my migraines, and I was wondering if anyone could fill me in on what the doctors were look at/for so that I can relate it correctly.
Thanks.

Posted by hfhs md - ni on August 18, 1999 at 21:21:01
Abnormal optic disks can be a sign of elevated pressure around the brain which could be related to a brain tumor (amongst other possibilities).  It is not uncommon for other causes to make the optic nerve look similar and it takes an experienced ophthalmologist to tell the difference.  It is reassuring that your ophthalmologist did not think this was the problem.  I would relate the situation just as you did here to your neurologist and see the ophthalmologist again since it has been several years to make sure nothing has changed with the optic nerve.  One may even consider taking a photo of the optic disc.