In addition to migraine, causes of scintillating scotomas range from benign to serious, including:
- Stress
- Hormonal changes
- High blood pressure
- Inflammation of the optic nerve
- Head injury
- Transient ischemic attack (TIA or “mini-stroke”)
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Do Scintillating scotomas go away?
Scintillating scotomas are typically benign, meaning that they aren’t a cause for concern and they go away without treatment. Recurring scintillating scotomas can indicate other health conditions, such as migraine, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, and preeclampsia.
What is a scintillating scotoma in the eye?
Relax and ignore it: A scintillating scotoma is a benign visual disturbance that can be the start of a classic migraine headache, or occur alone as an ophthalmic migraine ... Read More What is a scintillating scotoma and what does it indicate?
Is scintillating scotoma the same as migraine?
Scintillating scotoma. Scintillating scotoma, also called visual migraine, is a common visual aura preceding migraine and was first described by 19th-century physician Hubert Airy (1838–1903). It may precede a migraine headache, but can also occur acephalgically (without headache).
What are the risk factors for scintillating scotoma 2?
The following are risk factors for migraine that may promote scintillating scotoma 2: In most females, changes in estrogen hormones can cause headaches. In some women with migraine history, headaches can occur before or during menstrual periods after a large drop in estrogen hormone level.
How serious is scotoma?
Some other symptoms of scotoma include trouble seeing certain colors or feeling as though you can't see clearly in dim light. Usually a scotoma isn't serious, but it can be a sign of a bigger problem with your vision or your health.
Can scotoma cause blindness?
Retinal migraine may result in the same type of visual deficit (negative aura); however, positive scotoma or blindness is also possible. Note that retinal migraines are often, but not always, associated with headache on the same side as the visual deficit within an hour.
Can anxiety cause scintillating scotoma?
A scintillating scotoma is usually temporary and can last for either a few seconds or a few hours, depending on the severity of your headache. Other than migraines, scintillating scotomas can also be caused by: Stress.
What does a scintillating scotoma look like?
But scintillating scotoma can occur without head pain as well. Scintillating scotomas usually are arc- or ring-shaped, and may have wavy or jagged borders. They may be multi-colored or alternate between light and dark shades of gray.
Why do I keep getting scintillating scotoma?
Causes. Scintillating scotomas are most commonly caused by cortical spreading depression, a pattern of changes in the behavior of nerves in the brain during a migraine.
Can eye doctors see scotomas?
An eye doctor can help you find out where the scotomas are. Then you will know if they are central or peripheral. If you have central scotomas, it may help to make things bigger.
What triggers scotoma?
Common causes of scotomas include demyelinating disease such as multiple sclerosis (retrobulbar neuritis), damage to nerve fiber layer in the retina (seen as cotton wool spots) due to hypertension, toxic substances such as methyl alcohol, ethambutol and quinine, nutritional deficiencies, vascular blockages either in ...
Can you drive with scotoma?
Central visual field loss, a scotoma or blind area in central vision, is found most commonly in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Patients with AMD may drive provided their visual acuity at least meets the requirements for a restricted license.
Do Ocular Migraines lead to stroke?
The bottom line. Ocular migraine, or migraine with aura, and stroke are two different conditions. Having an attack doesn't mean you're having a stroke or are about to have one. However, research has shown that people with migraine with aura are at an increased risk of stroke.
How long can a scotoma last?
The visual symptoms typically last approximately 20-30 minutes and then completely resolve. The area where vision is disrupted is known as a 'scotoma' and the whole episode is often referred to as an 'aura.
Can you drive with scotoma?
Central visual field loss, a scotoma or blind area in central vision, is found most commonly in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Patients with AMD may drive provided their visual acuity at least meets the requirements for a restricted license.
What triggers scotoma?
Scintillating scotomas are typically caused by what's known as cortical spreading depression. Basically, this is abnormal electrical activity moving through your brain. These electrical impulses may be related to high blood pressure, inflammation, or hormonal fluctuations, among other things.
Does everyone have a scotoma?
You may not realize it, but both your eyes have a natural blind spot, or scotoma. Everyone has them. They're normal and you probably don't notice them.
What is a scintillating scotoma?
Migraine: A scintillating scotoma occurs with some migraines. It is a distortion of the side vision with a shimmering or wavy effect. The vision in the area o... Read More
Can a scintillating scotoma cause migraines?
Relax and ignore it: A scintillating scotoma is a benign visual disturbance that can be the start of a classic migraine headache, or occur alone as an ophthalmic migraine ... Read More
Has anyone ever treated a scintillating scotoma?
Classical Migraine: Scintillating scotoma usually represents ocular component of migraine. If it occurs preceding a one-sided headache this is classical migraine. Scint... Read More
What is a scintillating scotoma?
Scintillating scotoma. Scintillating scotoma is a common visual aura that was first described by 19th-century physician Hubert Airy (1838–1903). Originating from the brain, it may precede a migraine headache, but can also occur acephalgically (without headache). It is often confused with retinal migraine, which originates in the eyeball or socket.
How long does a scintillating scotoma last?
Symptoms typically appear gradually over 5 to 20 minutes and generally last less than 60 minutes, leading to the headache in classic migraine with aura, or resolving without consequence in acephalgic migraine. For many sufferers, scintillating scotoma is first experienced as a prodrome to migraine, then without migraine later in life.
What is scotoma in medical terms?
Prognosis. Self-limiting. Scintillating scotoma is a common visual aura that was first described by 19th-century physician Hubert Airy (1838–1903). Originating from the brain, it may precede a migraine headache, but can also occur acephalgically (without headache).
How does scintillating scotoma affect vision?
Many variations occur, but scintillating scotoma usually begins as a spot of flickering light near or in the center of the visual field, which prevents vision within the scotoma area. It typically affects both eyes, as it is not a problem specific to one eye. The affected area flickers but is not dark. It then gradually expands outward from the initial spot. Vision remains normal beyond the borders of the expanding scotoma (s), with objects melting into the scotoma area background similarly to the physiological blind spot, which means that objects may be seen better by not looking directly at them in the early stages when the spot is in or near the center. The scotoma area may expand to occupy one half of the visual area, or it may also be bilateral. It may occur as an isolated symptom without headache in acephalgic migraine .
What does it mean to see a scotoma?
As the scotoma area expands, some people perceive only a bright flickering area that obstructs normal vision, while others describe seeing various patterns. Some describe seeing one or more shimmering arcs of white or colored flashing lights. An arc of light may gradually enlarge, become more obvious, and may take the form of a definite zigzag pattern, sometimes called a fortification spectrum (i.e. teichopsia, from Greek τεῖχος, town wall), because of its resemblance to the fortifications of a castle or fort seen from above. It also can resemble the dazzle camouflage patterns used on ships in World War I. Others describe patterns within the arc as resembling herringbone or Widmanstätten patterns .
Can a scotoma be bilateral?
The scotoma area may expand to occupy one half of the visual area, or it may also be bilateral. It may occur as an isolated symptom without headache in acephalgic migraine . In teichopsia, migraine sufferers see patterns in the shape of the walls of a star fort.
Can you drive a car with a scotoma?
It may be difficult to read and dangerous to drive a vehicle while the scotoma is present. Normal central vision may return several minutes before the scotoma disappears from peripheral vision .
Why does scintillating scotoma appear?
However, scintillating scotoma could appear because of possible ischemia (restriction of blood supply to tissues) of the calcarine cortex (primary visual cortex in the brain). Metastatic cancer. The American Academy of Optometry published an article where a young, 38-year-old woman experienced a scintillating scotoma.
What does it mean when you have a scotoma?
You could also have a scintillating or paracentral scotoma. When you have a scotoma, it means you are experiencing a blind spot in your field of vision. This condition may be temporary or permanent. It could also stay within the same area or shift elsewhere in your vision. There are different kinds of scotomas.
Who is Prone to Scotomas?
People with the following risk factors can be more likely to develop a scotoma, including:
What does it mean when you have a paracentral scotoma?
Paracentral Scotomas. If you have a paracentral scotoma, it means you are experiencing a relative or total vision loss within 10 degrees of fixation. A paracentral scotoma will not be directly in the line of sight. Paracentral scotomas accompanied by peripheral vision loss may cause tunnel vision.
What are some examples of scotomas?
There are different kinds of scotomas. For example, you could have a central scotoma that is directly in your line of sight. You could also have a scintillating or paracentral scotoma. The scotoma type, as well as its duration, will depend on the underlying cause.
How many different types of scotomas are there?
There are three different types of scotomas, including:
Can a central scotoma make you look at the side of your eyes?
You may also not be able to read regular size print well. People with a central scotoma may look from the side of their eyes to compensate for the defect.
What Is Scintillating Scotoma?
Scotoma is a blind spot in your field of vision. Scintillating scotoma is one of the forms of scotoma. It refers to the confined areas of blindness within your field of vision that appears before the start of migraine.
What is scotoma associated with?
Scintillating scotoma is also associated with aura migraines. Aura occurs when you are disturbed with visual things such as flickering light. In some cases, aura can also happen as touching, movement or oral disturbances. In this case, you feel as if you are touched.
Can migraines cause scintillating scotoma?
Although the exact causes of scintillating scotoma are unknown, migraine triggers can also cause this condition. The following are risk factors for migraine that may promote scintillating scotoma 2:
Can multiple sclerosis cause scotoma?
As a result, your nerves are damaged which disrupts communication around your body. Multiple sclerosis can cause scintillating scotoma as it interferes with vision. It can cause total or partial blindness in your eyes.
Which type of disease is at higher risk for multiple sclerosis?
People suffering from other autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes, thyroid diseases or inflammatory bowel disease are at higher risk of developing multiple sclerosis.
Can scintillating scotoma cause headaches?
It starts as small spots of flickering light and increases in size to form zigzag pattern of light. It can then proceed in to headache with aura or resolve on its own if a person has no headache. Some people with scintillating scotoma complain of fatigue, nausea and feeling dizzy.
What are the symptoms of scintillating scotoma?
If you have Scintillating Scotoma and experiencing symptoms like muscle weakness, sudden and severe headache, dizziness or nausea, difficulty speaking or having slurred speech, numbness in the face or arms and legs, or confusion and disorientation, then you should consult with your doctor.
How to treat scotoma?
In most cases of the scotomas, the blind spots resolve on their own within an hour. Lying down to rest by closing your eyes, drinking enough water, and taking an OTC pain reliever like Ibuprofen or acetaminophen, might help in relieving mild symptoms of scotomas.
What is a scotoma in the eye?
Scintillating Scotoma generally begins as a spot of flickering light in or near the center of the visual field that prevents vision within the Scotoma area. Typically Scintillating scotoma affects both eyes since it is not a problem specific to one eye. The affected area in the eye flickers but is not dark. Gradually, it expands outward from the initial spot. The vision of the eyes remains normal beyond the borders of the expanding Scotomas.
Why do scotomas look like blind spots?
Scotomas are related to the neurological signals, which are being sent from our eye to the brain. Anomalies in such neurological messages to the brain can result in something that looks like “blind spots” when we look at the world around us.
What is a blind spot in the dark?
A blind spot or an Aura that obstructs part of our vision is a Scotoma. Blind spots that flicker and waver between the light and dark are known as Scintillating Scotomas.
What are the risk factors for scotoma?
Some Lifestyle-related Risk Factors: Certain lifestyle-related risk factors like stress, high blood pressure, and anxiety, might also be linked with the development of the condition of Scintillating Scotoma.
Can you have a scotoma while pregnant?
If You Are Pregnant: You should not ignore the symptoms of scotoma if you are pregnant. Scintillating scotomas can be triggered by some hormonal changes, like those that happen during pregnancy. Migraine might occur in you for the first and also only time during your pregnancy because of the same reason.
Overview
Signs and symptoms
Many variations occur, but scintillating scotoma usually begins as a spot of flickering light near or in the center of the visual field, which prevents vision within the scotoma area. It typically affects both eyes, as it is not a problem specific to one eye. The affected area flickers but is not dark. It then gradually expands outward from the initial spot. Vision remains normal beyond the bord…
Causes
Scintillating scotomas are most commonly caused by cortical spreading depression, a pattern of changes in the behavior of nerves in the brain during a migraine. Migraines, in turn, may be caused by genetic influences and hormones. People with migraines often self-report triggers for migraines involving stress or foods, or bright lights. While monosodium glutamate (MSG) is frequently reported as a dietary trigger, scientific studies do not support this claim.
Prognosis
Symptoms typically appear gradually over 5 to 20 minutes and generally last less than 60 minutes, leading to the headache in classic migraine with aura, or resolving without consequence in acephalgic migraine. For many sufferers, scintillating scotoma is first experienced as a prodrome to migraine, then without migraine later in life. Typically the scotoma resolves spontaneously within the stated time frame, leaving no subsequent symptoms, though some report fatigue, nau…
Names and etymology
The British physician John Fothergill described the condition in the 18th century and called it fortification spectrum. The British physician Hubert Airy coined the term scintillating scotoma for it by 1870; he derived it from the Latin scintilla "spark" and the Ancient Greek skotos "darkness". Other terms for the condition include flittering scotoma, fortification figure, fortification of Vauban, geometrical spectrum, herringbone, Norman arch, teichopsia, and teleopsia.
See also
• Anomalous experiences
• Phosphene – Visual illusion