Intermittant night time blindness

[Weffette]

I have posted this question twice with absolutely NO response. here is my issue
Whlie sleeping on my side at night, I will wake to use the restroom. because my apartment is very small, I don't turn on any lights to make my way. There is a tiny bit of light that illuminates my apartment, but, its still relatively DARK.
I reach the bathroom and notice that I am unable to see any center vision in the opposite eye of which my head layed when asleep.  This will switch over to the other eye when I sleep on my opposite side...the same thing.  Its as if something in my brain is shifting due to a pressure of blood flow to that portion of my brain. can ANYONE shed some light on this?  I have an appointment with an Ophthalmologist in a week, but this has been going on for over a year.  I worked for this clinic to where I will be going and know the MD, unfortunately, I am also familiar with the lack of in-depth research. I am a bit concerned.  Any suggestions or reasonable explanation would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you...

[Weffette]

hello,
I got my Cat Scan report of the vascular components in my brain yesterday.
I am a bit confused and concerned. It states I have congenital hypoplastic (narrowing?) of the basilar artery and narrowing of the P1 segment  of my left posterior cerebral artery. It also states I have a "near bovine origin" of the left common carotid artery, which means what?? AND...at the level of the right carotid bifurcation, no severe stenosis...is this meant to say there is SOME stenosis but not severe?? There is also variation of the Circle of Willis.
In '93 I had a TIA, then 10 years later I was told it was an ocular migraine..hmmm...why would they change their diagnosis like that? Now this is showing up. The TIA was affecting the right side of my brain, body, and vision. Are these findings any prelude to another TIA or full blown stroke???
The neuro-ophthalmologists office called me Friday to tell me I was fine...this report contradicts their statments to me.
Can I get some insight on these issues, please?
Thank you for any info you can give me.

[Weffette]

Well, got the call this morning.  Not urgent...just a very nice doctor.  My arteries are okay!!  YAY!!!  The blood tests will take a little over a week.  Back to the drawing board now!  Don't know what the next step is going to be. I must admit, I've learned MUCH patience since becoming disabled.

I will keep you posted!  Thank you for being so kind  :)
Weffette

[cwatt1]

Best of luck.  Please keep us posted.

[Weffette]

I went to see the neuro-ophthalmologist today. Regular Oph didn't/couldn't find anything so I was referred.
There is concern that my carotid arteries and/or the blood supply to the optic nerves may have issues. I had a CAT scan with iodine and about 10 tubes of blood drawn. Also had a Humphrey Visual done...my left pupil didn't react or dilate like the right. Also I am having trouble "tracking" and it's painful to look up without moving my head.  I have alot of risidual auras once lights are taken away from the eyes also.
Now I just have to wait til Monday for results, unless they call me tomorrow with urgent news.
Kinda scary....my aunt died at the age of 42 from a cerebral hemorrhage.

[Weffette]

Oh...okay!  Thanks Cwatt1 !!
Well, Dr Oyakawa advised me to wait for the ophthalmologist appt. Perhaps I shall  :)
Thank you!!   W

[cwatt1]

There's no charge for posting in the Expert eye care forum.

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

Wait to see your ophthalmologist.  I have no suggestions.

Dr. O.

[Weffette]

Oh thank you so much for your response!!!  No one has replied and this is the 4th forum I have posted this in. I, too thought it could be a blood flow issue.  My lack of vision lasts until I go back to bed. I have never timed it because its in the middle of the night and I just go back to bed. I'm sure if I turned on a light it would go back to normal rather quickly. I will try that the next time it happens. Its just strange that it will switch sides.
I tried to request advice in the expert forum, but there is a fee for doing so. I can wait and talk to my eyecare doc.  Of course, if one would like to advise me here, in this free forum, it would be extremely welcomed!
Thanks again for your reply! I really appreciate it.
Weffette

[cwatt1]

I am not an eyecare professional, but here are a couple of thoughts.

To me this sounds like it might be an issue with the macula.  Alternatively, it could possibly indicate a problem with blood flow to the optic nerve, possibly caused by pressure on one of the blood vessels leading to it.

How long does your loss of central vision last?  I had an episode of amaurosis fugax a few years ago -- temporary blindness in my right eye lasting only about 5 seconds or so, then gradually the sight returned as if a camera lens was opening up.  This condition can be caused by a piece of plaque that can temporarily restrict blood flow in a vessel leading to the optic nerve.

Hopefully one of the contributiing ophthalmologists will comment.  You also may wish to re-post in the Expert eyecare forum.