persistent migraine aura without infarction

[cheryb]

My neurologist says VS and Persistent Migraine Aura (PMA) are manifestations of the same condition.  I have had PMA (shimmering, swirling white light) constantly  for 12 years and have seen all the docs, read all of the websites.  Cause is unknown and it never shows up on scans.  Lamictol is the first drug recommended.  Research being done in Germany and Sweden, but not much progress made.  Go to the Persistent Migraine Aura website for more info and blogs. I had learned to live with this until I had to have cataract surgery, which made the symptoms much worse.  Now at its worst I see 7 dime-sized galls of shimmering light in addition to small jagged "lightening" shapes.  The only thing that calms it down to a dull roar is being in bright light.  I have had overhead lights installed in my home and they help. In the evening, I feel like I'm living in an all-night diner!  Find a KIND neurologist (almost a contradiction in terms) who wants to help you to the extent he will research all known data and try different meds with you. Mine says that IF there is help for me, he is determined to find it. I do have to accept the fact that there may not be help.  This is a baffling condition.  He said the type that NEVER stops for months or years is rarer than rare.  Perhaps 2000 people in the world have it.  Now don't you feel special!


This discussion is related to Visual Snow.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

I don't discuss visual snow because I know nothing about it.

JCH III MD

[AnnaE]

I think she also needs an answer from you?

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

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[AnnaE]

Lots of us here are special, unfortunately. Sorry about the diner feeling and all the oxymorons involved with being "speciall," and needing care.

I am not a doctor. I am very experienced with helping eye patients, including myself.

The doctor will answer you with more information.
Write back if you need to.