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Weired Vision Attack

Posted , 18 users are following.

diana21296
diana21296

A very strange thing happened to me last evening which was quite frightening.  At 9pm I was watching the tv when suddenly the picture blurred slightly and there were like bright white hoola hoops to the left, right and in the middle of the picture.  I got up to go into the kitchen and it still persisted and I felt strangely disorientated.  However, after about 20 minutes, it all disappeared and sight came back to normal.  I was in bed later on reading my book without a problem.

Today I felt perfectly ok and drove 40 miles for lunch with my son and back and to observe a private pilates class on machines.   Felt absolutely ok.

Should I go and see the GP as can't help feeling she won't have a clue about this. It made me feel a bit panicky inside.

Has anyone else had something similar?

I am on 8mg for the last 4 weeks quite successfully and I don't have pain and I am fairly active.   Grateful for any comments please.

0 likes, 16 replies

16 Replies

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  • diana21296
    diana21296

    Posted

    I meant to add that I am due for my blood tests (which are never raised) and blood pressure test (on low side usually) on Monday with the nurse, so will mention it then.
  • floramac
    floramac diana21296

    Posted

    I have had similar attacks. Mine is a bit like looking through the old fashioned kaleidoscope, very disorienting. I find if I lie still with eyes closed for 20 - 30 mins it all calms down. As I have had one detached retina which has left me with double vision, it did panic me. My gp diagnosed a type of migraine and as I have regular eye tests, my optician agreed. But, do not take any risks, see an optician and your doc asap.
    • BJeanJellyBean
      BJeanJellyBean floramac

      Posted

      Yes, it's an optic migraine.  I've had these since I was in my 20's, I'm 66 now.  They can be accompanied by a headache, but not always, or at all. I don't think they have anything to do with PMR or GCA as I didn't develop PMR until my early 50s. They can be scary if you don't know what they are. 

    • diana21296
      diana21296 BJeanJellyBean

      Posted

      Yes, had eyes tested and all totally normal.  Optician said they are harmless and I may never get another one so not going to think about it any more!  Thanks.
    • Anhaga
      Anhaga diana21296

      Posted

      Just continue to be aware of the possibility of GCA.  Ordinary eye tests will not reveal any damage to optic nerve or problems with blood supply to back of eye.  Personally I think your description exactly matches up with migraine, and you are aware of the possibility of GCA, so things are all right just now.  All the best.
  • vicki41648
    vicki41648 diana21296

    Posted

    I believe you should definitely see your doctor as soon as possible.  Not to alarm but that should be checked.  Do you have PMR and have you been checked for GCA?

    the GCA could be the culprit but needs to be dealt with quickly.  I’ve read that 15-30% of PMR patients can developer GCA as well with great risk to eyesight.  Good luck.

  • Anhaga
    Anhaga diana21296

    Posted

    Sounds like a kind of migraine aura, but with PMR and possibly GCA in the picture you must be checked.  If you have any further visual symptoms, go to emergency department.
    • diana21296
      diana21296 Anhaga

      Posted

      Yes, I think you are right.   

      Yes, I know all about GCA from the forum and also my cousin has it albeit she has got down to 7mg in 10 months easily so very lucky.  I have no headaches, tender scalp or jaw discomfort and feel perfectly ok now.    But will see the doc on Monday when I have my regular bloods and bp tested and see what she says. Will also pop into Specsavers who are my opticians.

      I don't drink but had a taste of my husband's red wine last night and wonder if that upset me!

  • audrey80537
    audrey80537 diana21296

    Posted

    The only thing I can think of is an optholmic migraine.  I have had them without pain and they have lasted about a half hour and then everything went back to normal .

    Also maybe a broken blood vessel behind the eye.

    I would see a doctor anyway so in case it happens again you will know what it is. 

  • AlVB
    AlVB diana21296

    Posted

    Hi Diane. It sounds very much, from your description, that it's an optical migraine. I've had several over my life, but ultimately they are harmless, though quite unsettling. As Anhaga says, given that you are are PMR/GCA territory, have a word with your Doctor. I usually go and lie down if I can and have a kip for 2 hours and hey presto, sorted! smile

  • judy93591
    judy93591 diana21296

    Posted

    Hi Diana, this happened to me several years ago, and scared me to death. The Optometrist said it is ocular migraine and nothing serious. I had them very seldom. I have had PMR joined but GCA, with subsequent cataracts and glaucoma. I have laid it in part to Pred, but I now have the ‘flashing backward C’ as I term it, always there at night when turning my head side to side. The ophthalmologist says not to worry, and that it is probably there in the daytime, too. Good luck on this very unwanted journey we are on, Judy 
    • diana21296
      diana21296 judy93591

      Posted

      Thanks Judy.  Glad you have them rarely and hoping I don't get another one in a hurry! Will look it up on Dr Google.

  • Bethune
    Bethune diana21296

    Posted

    I had a similar experience, less severely.  Optic migraine was not mentioned .  It was something to do with retinal fluid.  It went away but I do have more floaters and very occasionally flashes in the corner of my eye.  I’d definitely go to the optometrist.

    Good luck !

  • amkoffee
    amkoffee diana21296

    Posted

    I have had the same thing happened to me once and since I'd previously had a stroke I was quite concerned. So my sister takes me to the ER and the doctor determines that I had a optical migraine. And they don't necessarily come with any pain. Mine had no pain whatsoever and like you I was good within a few hours.

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