permanent visual aura

[Kris189]

Hello, i have suffered from visual snow for 11 years now and all the doctors i have seen have told me i have depression and anxiety.i have had an MRI and CT which were clear. I am convined that the migraines i started getting at the age of 16 have caused this permanent change in my vision and this has caused me to become anxious and depressed. Everything has an unusal glow about it and appears too bright. i have trouble with flourescent lighting and focusing on reading black text on white paper. computer screens are an issue and lectures at uni are difficult as the white background on the screen makes it hard for me to see beyong the flickering it causes me. after i look at an object then look away i see after images. i have trouble focusing on people when i talk to them due to the visual static. the vision is similar to the auras i used to suffer from before getting a migraine but not as severe.
I would give anything just to have normal vision, it's been so long that i've forgotten what it is like. i avoid social situations in bright lighting due to my focusing problems and i'm sick of this vision thing making everything appear dreamlike!
Do you have any advice?

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hi Kris.

You are going through a difficult period.

From the description, it appears that you are suffering from 'persistent aura without infarction', which is associated with migraine. Have you tried Valproic Acid or Lamotrigine ? Also, there are reports suggesting the use of Verapamil. I would suggest you consult your Neurologist regarding these medicines.  

Please do not let this affect your social interactions. I know this is easier said than done. But you have to keep your spirits high.

Regards

DrAbhijeetMD

[Kris189]

Thankyou so much! i have another appointment in January to see my neurologist, hopefully he will be able to prescribe one of these drugs for me. i'm trying to improve my diet and exercise everyday which helps to lessen the aura in the mean time. I appreciate your help, it's so nice to have someone understand me for once!!!

[Geet]

Pls do let us know if u find something !!

[Kris189]

The neurologist told me he is 110 percent sure that it is not persistent aura without infarction and that this condition would not last for 11 years. He said to have this i would have to have a blind spot in my vision and he refused to prescribe me any of the drugs which may help as he believes they won't do anything and doesn't want to be responsible for any adverse symptoms they may cause. He told me that what i'm seeing is normal i'm just extra sensitive to it all but had no explanation as to why. i told him that if it was a symtom of anxiety then the psychiatrist would've been familiar with it as he would deal with many anxiety cases. The effexor has not helped my vision. the neurologist referred me to a neuro opthamologist. It seems slightly coincidental that my visual symptoms began after I suffered from terrible migraines with auras and the symptoms i now suffer are similar but not as severe to the the aura i get prior to a migraine.  what should i do if this doctor can't help me??

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

I think you may want to give a consult with the neuroophthalmologist a try. Migraine auras are usually reversible and you have mentioned that your symptoms lasted for like years.It is best to have a complete ophthalmologic examination done.Migraines are given as a diagnosis when there are no other underlying conditions.In your case, your vision needs to be assessed.

Keep us posted for anything.

[TaraLynner]

I also have this permanent aura and have had it since I was 23.  I have also had it for 11 years.  It tends to get worse as I get a migraine and will block out portions of my visual field.  I believe that this started when I was getting daily migrines and was taking Imitrex on a daily basis.  The auras would appear when I would get a migraine.  Since I was getting them everyday, the aura remained.  My neurologist thought it was because of the Imitrex and I stopped taking that.  But, the migraines did not stop, so I am currently using another triptan drug when I get a migraine.  I am on an anti-depressant but that is not curbing them at this time.  I have seen a neuro-optomologist.  I saw him about 8 years ago.  I had all of the visual tests performed and ,everything came out fine.  I was able to pass the visual field test although I always see white, floating lights in my visual field.  He told me that this is because of "crossed-wires" in my brain due to the daily migraines and Imitrex.  He had heard of only two other cases like mine, but there was no treatment or solution.  He said that I could try other meds to see if they help.  I was really tired of being on meds so I declined.  No one can seem to help me get a handle on these migraines, let alone the permanent visual disturbance.  It is frustrating and makes me feel quite out of control of my body!

[reggie82]

Hi,
I was just reading your symptoms and the likeness to what I have is identical - black writing on white paper, computer screens, lights etc. I've had it permanantly for about a year now with no improvement. I never really had migranes or headaches previously. Just wondering if you have made any headway in your search?
Cheers

[jasonbooke]

Hey Kris,
I can relate 100% to your symptoms. As i read your previous posts, it was as if I had posted them myself, our symptoms are very alike; black letters on white paper, computer screens, everything seems to have a glow around it. Whenever I would talk with someone at work I would continually look away for brief seconds as my eyes would glaze over and I would lose concentration. I would concentrate more on the aura instead of the content of our coversation, quite frustrating when you sell houses for a living and face to face communication is essential.
      My auras, first began at 16, usually after a game of football (soccer),
and were followed by a migraine generally lasting 2-3 days. The aura however would cease. I am now 19 and have since stopped playing sports, but now have a permanent aura which is much more mild then those which came before a migraine, but in my opinion are most annoying as they occur 24/7. With this condition comes a constant change in mood and intelligence level. This change in mood has caused a breakdown in relationships more then once.
      My neurologist suggested a drug known as 'sandomigran' which has helped my aura migraines but has failed to remove my mild permanent aura. I have another appointment with him in a week and am keen to solve this problem. I can't even remember what normal vision looked like.
Hope this helps but also maybe you can find comfort in that you are not alone.
Cheers Jason B.

[mitchm5]

I too have the symptoms you describe. I was told by a neurologist that I "couldn't possibly have what I was describing because it was too rare." Since I have depression and social anxiety he was basically labeling me a hypochondriac. I have had the eye exams and the MRI's. I've had symptoms for about 8 years, first noticing it as an all over snow or speckling in dim light, then realizing it was there all the time. I believe it developed at the same time as my tinnitus which I know was a side effect from Wellbutrin. My eye doctor said it sounded as though some "switch was turned on and couldn't be turned off." I am not certain if it is an aura (it does get worse and even pulse with a headache) or if I am actually seeing the viscous fluid in the eye. Whatever it is there appears to be no cure for it and little understanding of it by the medical community. I have come to accept that this is just something I have to live with and I'm grateful I can see when there are so many people who can't.

[avedis27]

Wow, I suffer from exactly the same symptoms - Have been to doctors, eye specialists, had the cat scans...and have basically been told there is nothing that can be done...I just have just accepted the fact I have to live with it.

I am also a migrane sufferer and have had the auras for about 4 years now. I just live with it although it really does effect quality of life. I find it hard to concentrate and focus because the auras always get in the way. My optometrist said I had to be careful of Glaucoma when I get older.

I'm glad I have found people that can actually relate to what I am going through.

[nyxbruxa]

This is quite interesting to read all of everyone's comments...I have had migraines w/auras since 1986 (not much headache or nausea, but always the aura & temporary blindness - usually lasts 20 mins. or so). The squiggly little flashing white lights in my vision are there 24/7 though. Both my mother & uncle experienced the same symptoms. For me, they are little "white worms" that move & dance all about, they sometimes vary in size, like small meteors passing by my eye, but never leave. I've had them for so long, that i function normally and barely notice them, unless i specifically focus on their presence. It's frustrating though, since my optometrist looked at me like i was crazy when i asked him about this. They don't seem to do much, just wiggle about. Good luck to all the others here w/this strange condition.

[headshot007]

I started  having migraine headaches with aura and numbness in body parts when I was 13.  I am 35 now. I went through a bad time in my life at around 15 to 19 years old as the migraines got worse--a really bad one every couple of days. I was unable to attend school very much for a couple of years. During this time I started having problems with anxiety/depression. When I reached around 20 I was able to get on a med combo that allowed me to live my life- I got married, started a career, etc. I did ok for several years then anxiety and migraines almost took over my life again. For the past 2 years, I have been trying to find meds that will help with the anxiety, migraines and constant aura.
For most of my life I have had symptoms like all of you. I have found some important things over the past 22 years, please listen if you have these problems like me;

1-if you have migraines with constant aura-YOU DO HAVE ANXIETY!!!!! Trust me, I have researched anxiety, and migrains extensively, never heard of constant aura without some level of anxiety. You may have lived with a slight amount of anxiety without knowing it. The past year I have tried several ssri s and older antidepressants that have helped me greatly with my aura, anxiety, and migraines. I am VERY far from normal, but I realize now how anxious I was, and how bad the aura was after trying antidepressants that worked. I have been on Amitryptiline, and now switching to Celexia, after Zoloft wore off and aura is worse.
I am not a doctor and could be wrong, but I have spoken with several folks with my problems and they have some level of anxiety with the constant aura. Serotonin is responsible for migraines and anxiety.
I know how tuff this is, but speak with your doctor, or read about anxiety/aura/derealization.

[lunaone]

Hi everyone, I've had all the symptoms since the end of Jan. 2010.  It freaked me out so bad that I took a week off of work in the beginning.  I've had migraine with aura since I was 13, (now I'm 32) and have been on celexa for about 8 years.  It seems like any research I've done on my own shows a connection to depression or anxiety with this 'phenomenom'. Anyway, I had the full workup (MRI, numerous eye tests, etc). Finally I was sent to a neuro-opthomologist and after a 3 hour appt, he told me I have persistant migraine aura and showed me about a half page blurb from one of his medical books about it. He said basically its the same thing happening in the brain that causes migraines but is still unknown why it happens.  He also said there is very little known about it by doctors (which I found quite apparent).
    Before I had seen the Neuro-opth. I had read somewhere that clonazepam has helped, so I tried some lorazepam that I had (which is in the same drug class) and it helped!  It's for anxiety or sleep and makes you drowsy so there's a drawback.  Also, it's a controlled substance because it can cause dependence so it can be touchy asking your doctor for it.  After a few months on it though, it just stopped working well.
    The Neuro-opth. prescribed topamax which I am very sensitive to and have been on for 6 weeks with no results but he said it may take a while.
     I think I got very lucky to meet this doctor. He basically told me what I'm seeing is real and there is a lot more people out there that have it than previously thought. Please don't give up. I have a good idea of what you're seeing and it's not ok to just put up with it.  It's a matter of finding a doctor that will help you with it. If I find any relief I'll repost. Good luck!

[krayon]

Same thing here, check my posts, 18 years for me, no one knows anything other then they acknowledge these problems are real, klonopin which I prescribed to myself 16 years ago, is the ONLY thing that has helped they thought I was crazy back then, now it's commen for these symptoms.  I'm on 3mg a day it's very potent but helps, it does not get rid of anything however...

Same exact symptoms, 24/7, it destroys lives and no doctor has a clue I've seen close to 35 over the years....  

[frustratedandaging28]

Than k you for the above posts. I have been experiencing exactly the same symptoms which is  equally disturbing and interferes with my life. The doctors tell me to get used to it and it will go away. I have read the above posts and may try a different medication as I am currently on Propananol but it is not producing any effects other than lethargy and weight gain. It has incurred depression and anxiety which is hard to shift. Please keep me updated with any progress that you make.

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How are you? Were you able to have this checked by your neuro-opthalmologist? If the medication you are taking is not working, check with your doctor for proper management. Aside from medications used for migraine, complementary and alternative medicine such as biofeedback and other relaxation techniques may be helpful. Take care always.

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How are you? I know it has been more than two years since your last post. As mentioned, there are plenty of members who are experiencing the same visual symptoms you have. Were you able to identify the underlying cause and have this symptom managed? Take care and do keep us posted.

[frustratedandaging28]

Hi
I have had the visual snow checkd by my neuro opthalmologist but he says its fine just need to control it. Its the other problems like tiredness and nipping at side of head. I am seeing a osteopath for ,my neck pain so hope this will help.
Thanks for help so far.

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
Thanks for the update. It is good that your neuro-opthalmologist cleared your visual symptoms. How are your osteopath sessions? I hope you are feeling better already. Take care always and hope to hear from you soon.

[Velise9]

Wow, am I glad I found this forum. I've been experiencing what I've been calling "weird vision" for nearly 10 years now. It's so hard to explain to people, but aura is the perfect word. I feel like there is an aura around everything I look at, 24 hours a day. It does flare up and get worse, but is constant. Does anyone else also notice that their eyes feel numb or dilated?

I do not have migraines, but have read that it is possible to have migraines without pain. Anyone else have the aura without pain? I went to a neuro-opth many years ago, but they were not able to offer any ideas as to what I was experiencing. I may look into trying another one soon.

Thanks for any input in advance. I hope everyone has found some relief!

[Jade196]

I have had visual snow as long as I can remember, which is since I was 4 years old.  It's always been especially easy to see the static in the dark, although I can see it all the time.  I also see halos and starbursts around lights.  Oddly, though, these starbursts tend to be two perpendicular lines or just one straight line...  

Also, on rare occasions, I see sparkles very briefly.  Usually for a few seconds.  They don't seem to be associated with anything in particular but are very pretty.

Also, on the couple of occasions where I've come near to passing out (or did), the static got more and more until it swallowed my whole field of vision.

I've never suffered from a migraine as far as I know nor seizures.  I am near sighted and have a slight astigmatism.  I'm also a vegetarian who might not keep up enough on the protein and vitamins.  I've never asked a medical professional to examine me for my symptoms.  My eye doctor has never commented on anything being out of the ordinary.

I'm not sure if my descriptions will be helpful, but I figured I'd throw my story out there.

[Jade196]

I forgot to mention that my mother and brother also have this.  My best supposition is that this is genetic and some sort of bad wiring between the eyes and the brain in my case.  

[anne2674]

I have had visual snow and palinopsia (afterimages) for over a year now.  It happened out of no where one night when I went to bed.  I have a history of depression and anxiety and at the time I was really sleep deprived.  I researched it on the Internet and my neuro-opthamologist diagnosed it.  He said he sees about 10 - 15 cases a year.  I've always had headaches, but thought they were sinus headaches but later figured out they were probably migraines.  

At the same time I also had other symptoms of numbness, tingling, burning in my hands and feet, painful stiff joints, and muscle twitching.  I was tested for all auto immune diseases, vitamin deficiencies, diabetes, HIV, got EMGs, MRIs, numerous eye exams, etc.

All they found was a Vitamin D deficiency (level of 17), some non-descrip brain lesions on my MRI (my Neuros say they don't think they're MS lesions) and my usual depression and anxiety.  

Very scared because no one can give me an answer and I never know which symptoms will pop up.  I"m taking Topamax which I think helps a little with the visual snow and afterimages, Nortriptilyne for depression and the nerve numbness/tingling pain in my extremeties, Klonopin occasionally when my extremety pain is particularly bad. Anyone else have these other symptoms too?

[Lexi1452]

Holy crap!  You have the extremity pain/paresthesia and muscle problems too??  

I'm 25 and I've had subtle visual disturbances for years, slowly growing more noticeable and pronounced since about 2003 when I went off Wellbutrin cold turkey for a while... I went back on it within a couple of months but the vibrating, glowing auras and snow have been getting worse ever since.  I've had depression and anxiety for as long as I can remember and been on a bunch of different antidepressants, etc.  It's eerie how accurately people in this forum have described the constant visual disturbance I've had that's growing much worse!  It's definitely the worst with black & white text and computer monitors!  I relate to that "glazed" and "numb" feeling I get in my eyes quite a bit.  It's like they just get exhausted fighting against the vibration of the auras all the time.  

I've been struggling with extreme fatigue and hypersomnia for years, but the pains and paresthesias in my extremities began this year in mid-February.  It started in my wrists as just a cramping sort of pain but since then spread to my hands as tingling cold/hot sensations and radiating burning. They thought I had bilateral carpal tunnel, so injected both carpal tunnels with a corticosteroid, which caused all the tingling to transform into shooting sharp and constant aching pains, which were suddenly also in my elbows as well as my wrists and hands.  Gradually it spread to my shoulders, with this always constant deadening aching and burning concentrating in my palms. EMG showed normal--no neuropathy, radiculopathy, etc. I began noticing similar sensations in my feet and calves.  Also, any pressure, even light pressure, applied to my arms (particularly upper) and shoulders/collar bone area and calves results in a delayed but extreme and lingering pain.

Couldn't find any help locally, so I went to the Mayo Clinic, hoping they could help me.  I've also been having problems with weight gain, exercise intolerance, temperature regulation (sweating a lot!) and migraine headaches (without aura, to my knowledge since my aura is ever-present).  After a thorough workup, including two brain MRI's, they couldn't find anything wrong--no brain tumors (thank God!) or lesions, no autoimmune disease, normal hormone levels, blood sugar's fine, cholesterol good (seriously, I'm apparently really friggin' healthy).  They pretty much told me I have "central sensitization syndrome", which is their fancy umbrella term for things like "fibromyalgia" or "chronic fatigue syndrome".  As for the visual disturbance... it's like I see an image with the afterimage at the same time... edges of it glow and vibrate along with constant but more subtle snow.  It's gotten worse this year as everything's been gradually progressing.  I'm pretty fed up with doctors--I honestly am not holding out much hope of finding one that can help me--but if it's fibromyalgia, I suppose a heightening of visual perception would go along with heightened pain perception.  It could be a problem with visual processing.  Maybe what we're seeing is completely normal and everyone sees it, we just can't filter out the "noise"?

I have a similar thing with my ears in crowded rooms--particularly restaurants--where if I'm with a group of people at a table and someone's talking, everyone else can hear them it seems, but I can't make out a word against the background noise, as if I can't isolate a single voice.  

All well and good of course to speculate, but it sure would be nice to know if anything helps.  I've had increasing anxiety levels with all this going on such that I've had hives for 6 weeks now with no sign of them quitting despite multiple antihistamines!  Maybe the increase in my anxiety level is responsible for the increase in these visual disturbances as well... in which case, I suppose the only solution would be stress management techniques.... any of those actually work?  lol

I've grown pretty cynical but I don't want to be discouraging.  I'm continuing my quest for relief from eye problems (which of course I have perfectly good eyeballs aside from a slight stigmatism in one eye according to opthamologist at Mayo in Jacksonville) as well as muscle + extremity pain.  I'll be sure to post again if I find out anything more.