Vision changes when I cough?

[tjs86]

I noticed tonight that whenever I cough even if its just one little cough, my vision changes. Sometimes its bright spots sometimes its dark spots and sometimes its like my vision goes almost completely black. I was just wondering if this was something to be concerned about? I thought this was normal and happened to everyone but my mom said she didn't have any changes when she coughed so I thought I'd asked.

I am waiting on MRI results of the brain and cspine after having moderate to severe headaches nearly everyday for 3 months. The neurologist did say something about maybe referring me to an opthamalogist to have the pressure checked in my eyes so I didn't know if maybe I did have increased pressue and thats what could be causing these changes?  I hope I explained everything ok. I appreciate any help.

Thanks.

[Sandra M Brown, MD]

Headache and vision change that is triggered by a change in pressure in the chest from coughing (thoracic pressure) suggests that you definitely have a "problem".  However it would not be elevated pressure inside the eyes.  The possibilities are wide open.  I'm glad you had the MRI.  You may need a separate test of blood flow to the brain called an MRA.

[tjs86]

Oh and I don't know if its related but sometimes coughing triggers a headache. ? Just thought I'd add that.