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.
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.
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.
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
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!
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.