Help could it be Optical neurosis

Hi,

Really hoping someone can help, three weeks ago I suddenly went blind in my left eye, it lasted for about 15 minutes but when the vision came back it was really blurry and I couldn't focus. The pain started after I went blind and was on the left side of my head and really bad around the eye, severe pain when I moved it. My pupils were different sizes and lights really affected the vision. Had some test at the hospital at first it was suggested it was an optical stroke and a ct scan all came back negative, the consultant was no help and said that the optical nerve showed no damage so must have been a migraine and not his department.

That was three weeks ago and although more vision has returned, my left eye has been left blurry, I cannot focus on things properly and there are colour difference with my eyes. Really concerned about this as I have suffered with migrains before and this was totaly different with the pain lasting longer and the on going effect to my eye.

I have been referred to neurology but will be waiting weeks and just need to know if this sounds similar to anyone else's experience or if I am worrying for nothing.

Thanks

M

[JulesL5S1]

I've had similar experiences.  My right eye goes blind for short periods - like yours - no longer than 5-10 minutes.  And all of the other stuff.  I've always recovered "fully".

1) If you can find a neuro-opthamologist you should get an appt soon.
2) If not a neuro-opthamologist, then get an appt with a good opthamologist.
3) Eventually see the neuro.  Be prepared for no solid answers.

You said they did the ct scan to rule out a stroke.  Good.  That is great to eliminate that.
That was essential and proper care.

Your doctor may order a brain MRI.  Make sure it is at a 1.5 T machine or higher and with contrast.  If you have a good PCP (primary care) in the States they can order an MRI so you may want to see your PCP and have the MRI done before you see the neuro.

Finally, in my case - with the clear MRI's, etc the neuro thinks it is an optical migraine.

I haven't seen the neuro-opthamologist yet.  I have a referral for a good one but it is a bit of a journey to the office location so I haven't made an appt yet.

Good luck, Jules

[Phoenix177]

I've had similar experiences too, I don't have a dx yet. My right eye hasn't been the same since. It started one day in Jan '09 while I was watching tv recovering from a very nasty flu. my side vision (right eye) went black for 45 minutes. I'm not sure if my pupils were the same size or not as I didn't look, but from time to time my kids tell me there not the same size. my left and right eyes do not agree what shade of color I'm looking at. White with my left while my right eye tells me its yellowish, it's been like this since my last eye doc app.3 weeks ago. bright red with left eye; washed out red with right eye. blurry, too bright, or too dark are some other problems with my right eye. I also get pain either on the backside or sides of my right eyeball, and increases with movement. sometimes my right eyeball jumps around. my eye did calm down for about a month along with my other sx, but there all back now.

julesl5s1 gave some good advice.

good luck

[Jenn0030]

Are you seeing an eye doctor for the vision loss.  It sounds as if you had a vein/artery occlusion (stroke) in your eye.  This can cause temporary vision loss that may return only slightly...but not at the level that it was prior to the damage.  It also sounds as if that was the information given to you at the hospital.  (This wouldn't show up on CT, need a more specialized test)  Didn't the hospital refer you to someone :(

These occlusions need to be evaluated by the proper doctor (ophthalmologist or preferably a retina specialist) as there is sometimes treatment that can help with some of the resulting vision loss.  

[emmajs]

Hi,  Thanks for your comments and advice, since someone mentioned it I do think it could be a retinal migraine. Also suffering with continuing headaches so am just awaiting the appointment from neurology to rule everything else out.

Thanks for taking the time to reply and feel a less anxious now. Hope it all works out for you all.

Regards

Emma

[LATW]

I can not dx the rest of you but I am dx'd and I have had ON and just last night I had an episode of about 30 minutes of severe eye problems.

My central vision went completely on me.  It came back but then I had problems with my side vision in my left eye.

I had been to my eye doctor two weeks ago because of eye pain in my left eye.

So anyway, the ER doctor checked me out and determined it was MS related.  I will call my eye doctor tomorrow and MS doctor also.

I am due for an MRI in two weeks.  

Like I said I can not say yes or no to your situations but my vision has been wacky ever since my first episode of ON over 2 years ago.