Visual disturbances without a headache

[KAD]

I am a 32 year old female.  I have been having these weird visual disturbances that last 30-40 minutes in duration.  They only happen about 3-4 times per year and have been going on for about 3 years.  When they happen it is quite disabling and a little scary.  The best way to describe it is like after someone takes your photo with a flash and then you get those spots from the bright lights.  I'm really quite healthy and active.  I do have a single chamber atrial pacemaker for a sinus node ablation gone bad.  Recently had the pacer checked and everything is fine with it.  I guess I'm worried I'm having TIA's or something.  Although it doesn't really make sense for me to be having TIA's.  I have excellent cholesterol also.  Do you think it is a silent migraine?  Should I be evaluated by a neurologist?  Obviously an MRI is out of the question with a pacemaker.  Thanks for your time.

[Abhijeet Ghosh]

Dear KAD,
Well if the episodes happen 3-4 times in a year, then we should go for an expert opinion. The good thing is that- since 3 years the duration or intensity has not increases, so we should not be scared due to this.
It can be due to -
1) Stress,
2) Very rare possibility of TIA.
3) Also a rare possibility of Migraine.
4) Slight evidence of Ambylopia.

SO i would recommend you to consult a good Neurologist for the opinion.
You have  mentioned correctly that MRI can't be taken . But we can do MD-CT scan which gives fairly good idea about the things happening inside the head and brain.

Feel free to discuss further.
Regards

[KAD]

I also forgot to add, I have a small PFO which they recommended no medical intervention for.