I´m a 38-year-old
femaleCondoms
Female condoms
Female sexual dysfunction and have been suffering from strange
visualVisual acuity test disturbances since October 1999.These
visualsVisual acuity test are present 24/7 and occur in both eyes and in each eye when the other eye is covered as well as eyes closed. My
visualVisual acuity test symptoms seem to be worse in the morning, in the night
and when I´m tired.I have snow in my
visualVisual acuity test fields. Actually it looks like a snowstorm.My vision is vibrating and wavy all the time but especially at night. Carpet patterns and venetian blinds seem to vibrate too.I get strong negative (complementary
colorsColor blindness
Color blindness tests
Color vision test)afterimages of almost everything I look at in bright as well as in dim lighting.As I wake up there is a black quickly disappearing cobweb like image in the visual fields. I sometimes see this cobweb during the day but it is red or green and pulsating. Moving objects leave a trail behind them. My eyes are extremely sensitive to light and looking at light induces zillions of colored "sparkles" Bright lights have blue halos around them. I see flashes and splotches of colors.I see swirling neon colors in dark. They come and go and seem to pulsate. I´ve had a lot of medical testing including three MRIs of the brain and one of the neck, two EEGs (showed some sharp transients during the hyperventilation phase), three VEPs, SEP, SPECT, MEG, all normal. Three lumbar punctures were negative of Lyme but showed a slightly elevated CSF total protein, otherwise normal. My first MRI of the brain in1998 (because of tinnitus) showed some lesions in the white matter.The shape and the location of the lesions were not typical of MS.There has been no change in the later two MRIs. CADASIL and MELAS have been ruled out too. My eyes are dry but otherwise healthy. I use gel tears 5x/day. I´m a little myopic.My ERG was normal but "adaptation to darkness" test showed slight abnormality. There was a 10 % hyperperfusion of the occipital cortex found in PET but nothing conclusive. I´ve seen several specialists (neurologists, neuro-ophthalmologists, ophthalmologists) and they all seem to be stunned about my symptoms. I´ve got a diagnosis of "status migraine aura". I´ve had a migraine with aura since childhood (once or twice a month) but there is always a terrible headache following the visual and sensory symptoms in my "normal" migraine. These visuals are completely different from my usual migraine eye symptoms. I´m on antidepressant Zoloft 100mg for depression and Emconcor (Beta-blocker) 5mg to prevent migraine. I tried Lamictal (75mg) but it didn´t help. I take some vitamins and magnesium supplement. I´ve never done any illegal/recreational drugs. I´ve a degenerative disc disease but I´m otherwise healthy. I would really like to know what´s wrong with me. What do you think about all these symptoms? A Status migraine aura? What else could it be? Is this brain or eyes related? Could you please recommend me something to try? Any help would be much appreciated! Thank you so much!
I´m so sorry you have this light show going on too.
I´ve been searching for answers for over two years now and it has been a lonely quest. I still don´t have any firm answers and specialists seem to be stunned about my symptoms. I´ve been on Inderall and Emconcor and tried Lamictal which is an antiepileptic. They didn´t alleviate my visual disturbances. I´ve noticed that stress and tiredness make these symptoms even worse. Please e-mail me personally at ***@**** if you want to chat more.
I wish you well,
Lady
A Diagnosis by VAN. There you can see my whole story and the doctor had some great ideas, however I have not explored them. I too see snow like vision daily mine is worst in the morning and late evening. I too have seen two neuro-opthamologists and many neurologists. Beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, anti-depressants, epilepsy meds, steriod & regular anti-inflammatory meds, and herbals such as feverfew, magnesium, and B complex have all not helped. My snowy vision is like watching a tv station without an antena. I can see through it most of the time but during an episode with dizzyness, & tingling it gets hard to see through. I no longer get the headache that used to come with these visual problems. I have read articles about women who stop getting the migraine but have the other symptoms around menopause. Mine is very linked to my hormones(explained in last post). If you sense a certain time of your cycle when the vision gets worse then you may want to get your hormones checked.
I gave up on the neurologists because they have done about every test possible. I found an alternative/homeopathic internal medicine doctor. She is the one who had me do the saliva hormone test(see old post). This revealed my problem with strong estrogen fluctuations, even though my blood serum hormone tests revealed normal estrogen levels. The saliva test shows you levels every 2-3 days and gives you a graph instead of a one time level. The same lab who offers these kits, diagnosis techs. offers an adrenal test through saliva samples. Your adrenal glands go through a cycle daily and can disrupt your whole body if not right. Recently I took this test and realized I have a very diminished adrenal function which contributes to hormone problems. This may help Ladyofthelake because you abviously go through certain times of the day where you feel worse than others. Thyroid problems can also play a role in this. Try to find a doctor who can look at all the systems in you body and not just your brain, because steroid/hormone/gland problems really affect the brain.
I am taking hormone therapy and adrenal support meds now, but I don't know if they are helping yet. Please let me know of anything either of you find out. I would love to talk and I have learned a lot in my search for a solution. vanessa.***@****
I've had all the blood tests that you have talked about. All came out normal. I am only 32 and so menopause is not a factor with me. But I do take b/c pills, but have been taking this brand for 4 years. I did develop Vertigo 2 years and 4 months ago. Not a Dr. that can tell me why I have that either.
I have similar symptoms as you and Lady...I've yet to see a lot of color within the aura. It's just a constant, flashing, moving, shimery aura all around my visual field. But have taken the visual field test at my optomotrist office and that came out normal as well. As Lady has experienced, objects won't stay in pattern. Things like checkerboards, blinds, dishes stacked...seems to vibrate horribly when I look at them. I have "floaters", have had those since I was 22 and those are easy to deal with compared to this.
Not only are the physical symptoms difficult to deal with, the emotional stress that goes along with something like this is hard to cope with. Here's hoping that all of us who suffer from this will finally find something that will help. My email address is ***@**** if you would like to write to me.
God Bless,
Deen
I am a 45 year-old male and have had the snow-like symptoms continuously for at least 10 years. It covers my entire field of vision, I see it even with my eyes closed and shows only limited variation in intensity. I rarely have headaches and the intensity of the "snow" does not vary even when I have the headaches. I have used the bad TV reception analogy myself. I have tried pretty much every family of drugs used to treat migraines including neurotin, inderal, verapimil, magnesium, etc. without success (though some occasional bad side effects). I have had an MRI and the evoked visual response test that indicate no additional problems. A doctor at MCV (the state medical school) calls my problem visual migraine equivalent though without an effective treatment, a name is not too reassuring. It is sufficiently intense that I have given up driving a car. The only other health problems I have are color-blindness (blue-green), some astygmatism, and a chronic knee problem that has also been difficult to diagnose but is probably a chronic inflamation (inflammation) in the synovial lining of the knee.
Recently, I have noticed that my fingers and feet tingle. It is far more variable but is becoming more frequent and intense. I don't know that this is related to the visual problem but it appears that it is consistent with other migraine symptoms. At the moment I am not doing anything to treat the problem since I am tired of being a guinea pig and putting up with the drug reactions. I would put up with a lot, though, to get some relief.
I can really empathize with you all since I find this problem physically and emotionally draining and one that it is hard for my family and friends to understand. I am sure that some of them think I am a hypochondriac. (sorry no spell checking!)
I HAVE A HISTORY OF MIGRAINS THAT BEGAN IN MY EARLY TWENTIES AND GRADUALLY DECREASED AS I BECAME SIXTY. THE MIGRAINS NEVER INVOLVE HEADACHES ANY MORE BUT USED TO WITH TINGLNG FINGERTIPS AND MESSED UP SPEECH.
IN TOTAL DARKNESS, RAPID EYE MOVEMENTS CAUSE BRIGHT FLASHING AREAS APARENTLY IN THE RIGHT EYE. I HAVE INHERITED FUQUES SYNDROME.
ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS INCLUDE GLASSY HALF CIRCLES AT THE OPPOSITE EXTREAM OF EYE DIRECTIONAL MOVEMENT, RIGHT, LEFT, UP, DOWN. BLACK DOTS FOLLOW THE DIRECTION THE EYE MOVES AND ARE FOUND IN DIFFERENT AREAS EACH DAY. DURING THE PAST FEW WEEKS A MEMBRANE SEEMED TO COME LOOSE SOMEWHERE IN THE RIGHT EYE AND IS DRAPED ACROSS THE FLUID AREA AND ATTACHED TO A POINT AT THE UPPER RIGHT. WHERE IT IS ATTACHED I CAN AFFECT IT'S MOVEMENT BY SWITCHING THE EYE AND SEE A HAIRY COBWEB FLOATING EVERYWHERE.
SAW RETINAL EYE SURGEON WHO SENT ME FOR NECK ARTERY OBSERVATION FIRST (NORMAL) AND TO NEUROLOGIST WHO SAID I DON'T KNOW, MAYBE YOU HAD A BLOOD FLOW INTERUPTION. CALLING BACK TO THE RETINAL SPECIALIST HIS NURSE SAYS COME IN SOON.
SINCE THE EYE DOCTOR SEEMED TO BE SLOW ABOUT RECCOMEDING I AM CURIOUS ABOUT NEURO OPTHALMOLOGISTS IN NORTH CAROLINA, POSSIBLY AT DUKE U. I WANT THE BEST POSSIBLE CARE AS MY HEALTH INSURANCE IS GOING TO EXPIRE AT MY RETIREMANT AGE 65 NEXT DECEMBER.
CAN YOU RECCOMAND ANYONE DOWN HERE AND WOULD YOU SUGGEST LIFESTYLE OR DIETARY CHANGES TO HELP ANYTHING?
THANK YOU VERY MUCH!
FLAbound
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Also you can read about my new Self-treating for migraine.
Thank you
Best regards
Ali
Lady
MRI showed nothing... was checked for Arnold Chiari as it is in my family.. nothing there either. So I was diagnosed with "Migraine Aura without Headache"... lol, thanks I already knew that.
I think it just helps to know that others have this too.. thanks.
God Bless,
MzDeen
Some people call the visual disturbance "photons", but usually no cause is
found and it is benign - that is if the ophthalmologist passes the retina as
normal.Migraine is episodic , not continuous.
Anyway, I thought i was alone in this. I knew though that someone out there must be experiencing the same thing i was. It was a relief. It would have been a miracle though if there was a solution. It would be soooo wonderful to finally see normal again and to hear without this ringing again.
Dr. Who, do you happen to have ear ringing too? How did your tv static eye start, gradual or instantly? Once in a while ill experience tingling in hands and feet too, sometimes dizzyness, tired alot. Otherwise, I am very functional and these symptoms dont hinder my life, just a major nusance. Im just worried that as i get older they may get worse, i couldnt deal with that.
Anyone who would like to email me on this strange visual disturbance please do, ***@****
Alyssa
Hello All
I have experienced constant 24/7 visual disturbances since the
age of sixteen, I am now forty one. I have a constant
shimmer in my field of vision as well as "Halos" around
objects and flashing lights in the periphery. I also experience
severe motion sensitivity with occasional vertigo and nausea.
I did experience migraine as a child but the headaches stopped
at age twelve or thirteen. at age sixteen I complained of the
visual disturbances and movement and did see a neurologist
who promptly told me that there was nothing wrong with me
and I probably was doing this for attention. I was an Honor
Roll student who was now unable to read correctly and was
having a difficult time remembering text. I am now being
treated for migraine related vertigo. Unfortunately none of
the drugs appear to be helpful. If anyone has had a positive
response from meds. I would like to hear from them. I can be e-mailed directly at ***@**** Thank you !!!
FIND NEXT TO NOTHING ABOUT THIS SUBJECT. I HAVE BEEN SUFFERING BADLY FROM THESE EPISODES FOR 2 YEARS, AS MUCH AS 3,4,5, TIMES A WEEK AND LASTING AT ITS WORST FOR HOURS ON END.24\7 MY EYES AND HEAD ARE DODGY BUT SUDDEN BLASTS OF LIGHT IN THE SHAPE OF A DOUGHNUT GROWS IN MY FIELD OF VISION UNTIL IT COMPLETELY COVERS IT, THIS 'RING' SPARKLES AND PULSATES AND CAN BE ACCOMPANIED BY FEROCIOUS HEADACHES.HAD ALL THE SCANS ETC BUT AM TOLD I MUST LIVE WITH IT.I CAN NO LONGER WORK OR DRIVE AND AM TAKING ANTI-DEPRESSANTS,PAINKILLERS,SLEEPING PILLS.THE DOCTORS HERE CALLED THIS 'OCCIPITAL VISUAL CORTEX SYNDROME' THAT
RESULTS IN A VISUAL MIGRAINE AND IS CAUSED BY A COMBINATION OF
BLOODFLOW AND THE LEAKAGE OF 'VISION ASSOCIATED CHEMICALS' PASSING THROUGH THE BRAIN.I THINK THIS IS A EUPHAMISM FOR 'WE DON'T REALLY KNOW! I HAVE BEEN ADVISED THAT THERE IS NOTHING THAT CAN BE DONE FOR ME (HENCE THE DEPRESSION).THIS IS COMPOUNDED BY THE FACT THAT MY HOBBIES WERE DRAWING\PAINTING AND ASTRONOMY-MY TELESCOPE IS NOW THE MOST EXPENSIVE ORNAMENT IN THE HOUSE!
BEST WISHES TO YOU ALL-IF ANYONE KNOWS ANY DIFFERENT TO UK DOCTORS PLEASE LET ME KNOW.
RED DRAGON
I have been searching this site to see if I can find out what is happening to me. This forum is as close as I find. The history: Diagnosed with 'probable, but not conclusive' MS about 10 years ago. Had an MRI which showed two lesions. Refused a lumbar puncture out of fear, but added to that was a Neuro with the bedside manner of a mad dog. Had snowy-like vision accompanied by very minor blurriness, and it seemed like something was in my line of vision, but nothing could be found. Went to an Opthamologist who told me I was nuts and came just short of laughing at me. My GP sent me to a Neuro-Opthamologist who said it was optic neuritis. Because more than a month had passed since onset, no steroids were prescribed. This left a very, very small area of decreased field vision that I hardly notice. Also, once in a while, I would get a half-circle of bright light that would get bigger and bigger until it was no longer seen. This, I was told, was an optical migraine. There is never any pain with this. Lately (about 4 weeks or so) I have this constant (maybe every 60 seconds) flashing going on in what I *think* is my right eye. It lasts a split second and resembles an ink spot. If my eye is closed, it is a bright light, if my eye is open, it seems to be a dark spot. Again, no headache or pain. Other than annoying and frustrating, it is not causing problems, but I am still worried. Had an eye exam about 3 weeks ago, mentioned this him and was told it was 'tugging' and not to worry about it. Any ideas? Thanks so much for your thoughts.
EYESIGHT DISORDER.I GET SWIRLING AND WAVES OF WHAT APPEARS TO BE A COLOURED LIQUID AND I HAVE ALMOST TUNNEL VISION WHEN IT EFFECTS BOTH EYES AT THE SAME TIME. ALSO I GET GREY SPOTS WHICH PREVENTS ME USING THE COMPUTER AT WORK. MY MAIN CONCERN IS IF THIS HAPPENS WHILE I AM DRIVING AND I COULD KILL SOMEONE.ALSO I MAY HAVE TO GIVE UP WORK. HAD ALL TESTS AND WAS TOLD IT IS PAIN FREE MIGRAINE. BUT WHAT CAUSES
IT???????
Sometime the auras bring on a headache sometimes they don't .
I have taken as many as 20 Imatrex in a weeks time. They stop the headaches but at $23.00 a pill it sure is rough on the pocketbook.
I have gone through all kinds of tests and they are normal. Over the past 6 months my Neurologist has prescribed Verapamil and has slowly increased it to 360 mg. The last increase was about two weeks ago and I continue to have the auras.
I know that many of you that read this have the same problem and I really feel for you.
My auras seems to be getting more intense. When my aura starts I can only see half of objects, like half of a persons face, half of a television screen. Then the flashing lights and waves start. Sometime I have a tingling in my left arm sometimes I don't. ( Have had heart test done also, they are normal).
Say a prayer that a cure for this will be found.
Sometime the auras bring on a headache sometimes they don't .
I have taken as many as 20 Imatrex in a weeks time. They stop the headaches but at $23.00 a pill it sure is rough on the pocketbook.
I have gone through all kinds of tests and they are normal. Over the past 6 months my Neurologist has prescribed Verapamil and has slowly increased it to 360 mg. The last increase was about two weeks ago and I continue to have the auras.
I know that many of you that read this have the same problem and I really feel for you.
My auras seems to be getting more intense. When my aura starts I can only see half of objects, like half of a persons face, half of a television screen. Then the flashing lights and waves start. Sometime I have a tingling in my left arm sometimes I don't. ( Have had heart test done also, they are normal).
Say a prayer that a cure for this will be found.