Any new, effective treatments for persistent migraine aura without headaches

[optimistdad]

Has anyone had any recent success with treatments for persistent migraine aura without headaches.  Our son, 21, has been seeing visual snow, lights, stars, and distortions apparently for some time.  He has had trouble reading beginning in elelmentary school.  We have had him tested multiple times for learning disorders by specialists while in elementary school and middle school, with the only finding that he didn't write well because of a motor deficit.  He graduated from an excellent private school with near a B average, but never liked to read.  He is a junior in college, and about a year ago he informed us with a question:  "Mom and Dad, what do you see when you look at this plain, white sheet of paper?"  We, of course, said "A plain, white sheet of paper."  He said, " I see stars and movements."  We asked what he saw when he looked at a written page, and he said "I see stars, lights, and words moving around."  We asked what he saw when he looks at objects and he said:  "I don't see the whole object only parts of it that I put together."  Well, we were floored.  Since that time, he has been examined by an opthalmologist, a neurological opthalmologist at the Kresgee Eye Institute (who said "some people just see more background noise than other" a lot of help this genius was), as well as an optician who makes colored lenses for glasses to reduce the distractions.  Our son has never had migraines as such and continues to have the visual snow, all the time.  He also has poor peripheral vision.  Because of he tires so easily from reading, we have read to him over the years, and he does quite well with this assistance.  He is anxious and depressed about his future since much of what one does involves reading.  I want him to be optimistic about his future, but I don't live with his condition.  I have sent a similar description to the Mayo Clinic asking for help, but it doesn't even acknowledge PMA without headaches on its website.  Any help would be appreciated.  Our son is an extremely bright, articulate, and talented in so many ways.  I would love to give him the gift and joy of being able to see and read normally.  Thanks.


This discussion is related to Persistent visual disturbances without headache.

[optimistdad]

Thanks for getting back to me.  We visited a neuro-ophthalmologist at the University of Michigan yesterday.  Tests were run and the Dr. could not find any "organic" or "medical" reason for my son's snow vision.  Thiks is the third medical doctor we have seen, and each concluded there is "no medical basis for the sight problems."  Yet, the visual snow continues along with the anxiety that accompanies it knowing it cannot be addressed medically.  Optimistdad

[Noelle77]

I have had visual snow since I was a small child.
This also seems to be a new phenomenon with doctors unable to explain it. I have had many dilated eye exams and I am told it is nothing. My next step is a neuro.

Anyway, I wish you the best and hope you son is well and that you find answers. You are doing all you can.

[Bedge]

Hi,

I have persistent aura with out infraction or headache for about 10 years. I got almost instant relief from Sandomigran (pizotifen). I am in Australia, I have a feeling Sandomigran isn't available in the US.

[lynnet]

My friend has this also with no treatment options. Good question. Keep this going and maybe someone will answer. Also he said depression sometimes follows the aura. Maybe a doc on here will see and answer. Keep trying!