ongoing visual aura, dimness, color vision problem

  Starting in Augu. 1995 I developed a lasting "scotoma" in the right eye along with recurring migraine type phenomenon, dimming of vision that cleared up in a few minutes. This condition continued wihtout stop (I was taking Danocrine at the time and had had a similar problem which cleared up years ago when I qauit the medication, but this time stopping it didn't help.) Anyway, the "heat waves" blue spots, flashes, dark spots, etc., continued unabated for the last three years. Last Aug. I had a "cotton wool spot" appear on the left retina and started having dark spots that came for about three or four days before resolving. Since July 1, I've had yellow and blue discoloration when I am reading--comes and goes--or the page looks "dirty"--this also comes and goes. And there is an odd discoloration to my vision and the most recent symptom: vision seems dim as if in areas of low light there's not enough light to expect anyone to see.
  These are the tests I have had and have scheduled which have essentially shown nothing but an arachnoid cyst (2 x 3 cm. at the vertext of myi head). THe neurologist says there is no way it could be causing my problems.
  I'd had an autoimmune work up twice, HIV test, anticardiolipin tests, echocardiogram, Holter monitor, endocrine tests for diabetes and pheochromocytoma (Sp.), checks for inflammation (white count, sediminetation rates, etc.), a hearing test (looking for something called susaac's syndrome) and two MRIs--only one showed the cyst but it was present onthe other one, when they reviewed it.
  I am scheduled for visual evoked responses in two weeks.
  I've been on Verapamil & hydrochlorothiazide (which I stopped when my vision became discolored)and Inderal for a brief time--the dimming of my vision started after the first dose of Inderal and has continued two weeks after stoping that drug, which made my Raynaud's phenomenon very bad--feet and hands ice cold and discolored.
  I am signed up to try acupuncture.
  This is a very frightening, disheartening situation. I thought the daily "aura" was bad but now fear that my vision is really in peril with the odd dimmness and discoloration.
  Thank you for any insights you might have.
Dear Karen,
The symptoms that you describe originally are suggestive of migraine (with or without associated headache). The other possibility is a stroke., however, since you have had 2 MRI scans (both negative for stroke) this is probably unlikely. An MRA would be helpful (if not already done) to ***** the vasculature in the brain.  Visual evoked potential is a good test; especially with the recent dimmness of vision.  This test helps pick up slowing along the nerve path and will help to rule out process such as demylination. If further testing remains negative for an etiology, another trial of a prophalactic medication for migraines may prove beneficial (eg, calcium channel blockers, tricyclics). Discuss these options with your doctor.  I doubt acupuncture will help with your problem, however, if it makes you feel better then go for it.  If you would like an evaluation at CCF, call 1-800-CCF-CARE.Good Luck.