Bless you for finding out for the student.
Thanks for the input. I believe the migraine theory is probably correct. The student has a hx of migraines but, it had been over two years. I just wanted to be sure.
Sara127 is correct. Likely migraine but could be serious disease of eye, brain, heart or blood vessels.
JCH MD
It is probably a migrane headache and the flashes are due to the "aura" that is followed by the headache. Aura is when you can see sudden flashes in your eyes and can last for 15-20 min for some people. Go to an ophthalmologist to be rule out anything wrong with the retina. You should go to her primary doctor and possibly get a CT scan. Doesn't mean theres anything wrong. It's good to make sure though. :-)