I am writing on behalf of my Mum who is experiencing quite frightening 'funny turns'.
These 'funny turns' start suddenly and go on for about 30minutes. Her symptoms are seeing zig-zag lines in her vision in both eyes which progress to make her not able to focus this is the primary symptom, feeling faint, difficulty in communication in which she finds it hard to find the words she means though she is able to talk, blood pressure spiking with a wide pulse pressure and shaking from head to foot this is not every time however. Due to these symptoms and the severity she has had an ambulance out multiple times with trips to A&E. The paramedics have picked up on heart rhythm abnormalities at the time, but no clear diagnosis has been made and she is sent home the same day.
I will give you a little bit of backstory that might help, she is in her sixties currently awaiting mitral valve surgery for a severely leaking mitral valve with severe regurgitation. She started these funny turns in September 2015 and normally has a couple within two-three weeks and then it goes away for a while. In September 2018 she visited a stroke clinic which said that her right carotid artery was blocked up to 50%, the consultant put her on Clopidogrel (for carotid artery), Atorvastatin (to lower cholesterol, it was about 5) and Losartan (due to raised blood pressure). The consultant said that it was not of a stroke system and diagnosed Ocular migraine. After she was put on these drugs she has had one funny turn in September 2019. Recently due to her upcoming heart op she was advised to stop Clopidogrel on the 24th June 2020, since 1st July 2020 to today she has had 4 funny turns.
She has also been to a neurologist a while back in February 2019 who did a very brief assessment of following his finger and promptly diagnosed her with Ocular Migraine.
Has anyone here had similar symptoms and if so what kind of diagnosis have they had?
I have been suffering optical migraines for many years now. I get the zig zag flashing lights which start small in one side of my eye and gradually get bigger, move across to cover the whole eye and then gradually disappear. They make me feel a bit sick and dizzy with a slight headache but no other symptoms. My optician diagnosed it and said ‘nothing to worry about’.
I had an aortic valve replacement 5 months ago and since then I have experienced a decided increase in the migraines.
When they occur I simply sit or lie down, close my eyes and relax until they pass.
Not sure this helps but I can sympathise with your mother. They are disturbing and it sounds as if she has them quite badly.
I suffer from these optical migraines ( sometimes called ‘auras’). So does my optician! He says his can be triggered by low blood sugar so he always carries a chocolate bar in his pocket!
Mine are particularly triggered by the cheap ‘modern’ lighting that is now used in supermarkets/shopping centres (and hospitals!) Apparently it isn’t the light but the rate of their pulsing which is the problem. I changed all my indoor light bulbs to the ones which most mimic the ‘old’ light bulbs which are now banned and I sit near the windows (daylight) whenever I can ( cafes etc).
When I began to have auras I was frightened as I become lightheaded and ‘holes‘ develop in my field of vision - but now I ‘observe’ them. The crackling zig zags gradually fade and usually disappear within 20 minutes. They can leave me with a slight headache. I rarely suffer from them these days (I’m 69) as I avoid the places which trigger them!
Thanks for the reply. That is a interesting point regarding pulsating lights. We only have the old style light bulbs however she is using a mobile for about 3hrs a day. I believe there is a link between the white light that these devices use and sleep (recently she has had sleep problems) maybe this could also trigger migraine symptoms.
These devices ( mobiles, computers, tv’s, tablets) also emit ‘pulses’ which we are unaware of.
Also check that mum is drinking enough fluid. My brother has experienced auras a couple of times when he was dehydrated. He was checked out (brain scan) and was absolutely fine.
If mum can rest/listen to a relaxing meditation tape when she is having an ‘episode’ it may distract her from feeling fearful of the symptoms which, though unpleasant, are not damaging.
Your comment about lighting is so interesting! I don't get them often and they are not followed by a headache or the distressing symptoms the OP's mother experiences, but it wasn't till I joined this website that I first heard of anyone else that had optical migraines - or even what they were called! Mine tend to be swirling grey clouds with pinpoint lights that gradually fill almost all of my vision and then slowly recede. I usually sit quietly looking into the middle-distance till they go away. I experienced my first when I was a teenager with a Saturday job in a cafe. It was quiet and I was sitting by the till, under strip lighting, gazing out of the window at the street outside, and I've since noticed that they usually (but not always) occur in similar circumstances, ie when I'm indoors under artificial light looking out at natural light. I also find it uncomfortable to work under strip lighting - I prefer to switch it off and use an Anglepoise lamp - and used to suffer from traditional migraines till I was in my fifties. BTW, my carotid arteries are 90% blocked, so I have regular check-ups at a vascular clinic. On a recent one, when we got to the usual "Have you had any new symptoms since last time?", I mentioned I'd had an optical migraine and asked if it was connected to my condition. To my surprise, the vascular consultant had never heard of them and was pretty dismissive after I explained!
I have had ocular migraine since my 20’s. Now in my 60’s, so not related to my heart disease. Stress is definitely a factor also red wine and dark chocolate for me but some episodes come out of the blue.
I have similar symptoms to your mums with zig zag auras and blurred central vision, also shuttering which is like a rolling TV picture. I occasionally get facial or finger numbness but no headache. Episodes last 30- 45 mins. I do occasionally have cluster episodes with symptoms off and on over several days.
The nitroglycerin IV given at the time of the angiogram caused a migraine that lasted 2 hours but have not had any problems with the NTG spray.
I haven’t had an episode in the past year or but now take beta blockers following 2 stents which may be helping reduce the frequency.
Thanks for you reply. Mum is understandably stressed due to her upcoming heart surgery, it is very interesting to hear that you have had a migraine after a angiogram. Mum had a angiogram in November 2019 as part of her pre-operative assessment where they gave her a mild sedative during the procedure, after the angiogram she had a very long funny turn lasting about two hours.
I have ocular migraine, which I was told was linked to menopause/hormone fluctuations. I had my first aura when pregnant in my 30s. They became more frequent post valve surgery, but have been inconvenient rather than worrying. Never managed to match that up with 'hormone fluctuations'! I attend Moorfields for ocular hypertension (about to be discharged, it has stayed stable for over 6 years) and spoke to them about the auras and they looked for detached retinas and said there was nothing to worry about. They are a type of migraine.
Like others when I get one it is hard to focus, but they go and although the taste in my mouth alters slightly for a while afterwards and I may have a slight headache, they really are an inconvenience rather than anything else. I think there is a link between the auras and a type of angina that I have, but the expert on this is Milkfairy - she is really knowledgeable on the subject.
Your poor mum is under a lot of pressure at the moment and faces open heart surgery. It does sound as if her symptoms are worrying and distressing,
Let us know how her surgery goes, and hope that next time we hear from you she will be recovering safely.
I haven’t had one for a while, but have the same symptoms. As I was in my forties when they started I was thoroughly tested to see if mini strokes caused them. They are disconcerting, but I found it I lay down and closed my eyes they’re would pass within an hour.
I too have suffered from these episodes for quite a few years now and have also been told they are nothing to worry about.
Occurrences increased to about 1 a week immediately prior to surgery (AVR and double bypass, Feb 2020).
I may be untypical but since then I have had just the one bout, so it didn’t “cure” me of this, as I was initially beginning to hope.
That said, one episode in nearly in nearly 5 months is a vast improvement, which may, or of course may not, be related to the surgery, or the drugs regime following it.
Hi there that's what my migraines where like, 1st time I experienced one I was extremely scared. Over time they improved. I would only get one when very stressed or hormonal.
But then 4 and half yrs ago I started having them every other day, I was exhausted. Then 5yrs ago I had a Stroke. But because I didn't have the typical symptoms they wasn't sure. But they Blue lighted me to hospital. My speech started to deteriorate, right side weakness, memory loss, right eye blurred and tinnitus in both ears. I had CT scans, then MRI found the damage on the left side of my brain. I had to learn to speak again and do everyday things. I have a lot of other health problems, but my point is my migraines where the cause of my stroke. So I always urge anyone to not dismiss them and keep on at the Dr for help.
I started suffering with ocular migraines in my early 40's (I am now 57) and until recently they always followed the same pattern; I could go for a month or 6 weeks and not have one then I will get a cluster of 3 or 4 over the course of a couple of weeks. They always started the same way with a swirling cloudiness in my vision which slowly developed into a bright spot then a string of bright zig-zags which reduced and after 20 minutes my vision slowly returned to normal. Over time I became used to them and to some degree learnt to ignore them.
Things changed for me 12 months ago when I experienced a heart attack. I am pleased to report that I have recovered from that well but interestingly, since that moment I haven't experienced a single ocular migraine, which makes me wonder if they were linked to blood pressure and/or elevated heart rate through stress which are now kept stable with the medicines I take.
My Dad used to suffer from them as well. He was treated for high blood pressure but despite taking a daily tablet for that also started with ocular migraines in his 40's but seemed suffer far worse ill effects than I did throughout the rest of his life, experiencing dizziness and disorientation.
My daughter in law suffered exactly the same when she went on holiday to Spain with her sister. She had an 'episode' when she got off the plane in Spain and was terrified. She couldn't communicate and showed stroke like symptoms.
Long story short, she had every test in the book in Spain and was confined to hospital for 4 days. They couldn't find anything wrong with her.
She made the decision to fly back home and was fine. When she landed, my son picked her up at the airport and she went to hospital here where she was diagnosed with ocular migraine.
Nothing to worry about they said but if she had an episode again, to just take a couple of paracetamol and rest. They said that stress could be a factor.
Hope all goes well for your mum and keep us posted.
I have had opthalmic migraines for years. They see to come in clusters. I can be free for months and months and they get one or two a day for a while. They are extremely alarming the first time you experience them, but now I just sit quietly for 15-20 minutes and wait it out. I get the blind spot, then lots of zigzag lights and then a very mild headache. My GP and Optician both said they are nothing to worry about but it is worth keeping an eye on your blood pressure.
I have migraine symptoms when I have severe episodes of angina.
I get an ice pick head ache behind my left eye, difficulty focusing and the left side of my face and left hand feel numb.
My Neurologist and Cardiologist believe this is due to a vasomotion disorder of my blood vessels.
I have vasospasms in the small and large blood vessels of heart causing vasospastic angina, in my brain causing the migraine and Raynauds Phenomenon which makes the blood vessels in my hands and feet constrict.
The cause is thought to be the lining of my blood vessels not working properly, endothelial dysfunction.
I have had this since the menopause 30 years ago. I was really scared once about 9 years ago when I had one which made me speechless. Had a thorough test with neurologist who said it was just a migraine. I think being on my iPad too long can bring on the zitther. Strangely I never had one in hospital - when I was in for two months with a bypass and lots of stress. I cannot say that it’s food related. Sometimes after a migraine I feel terrific. I get headache sometimes now but no zitther. Maybe it’s because I take aspirin. The neurologist , who was in his thirties said he had them for years. A real mystery.
Am sorry to hear about your mother and do hope things improve for her soon.
I had never heard of anyone having ocular migraines before. I started with them in my early sixties and found it very frightening. Was told by optician it was a pain free migraine and nothing to worry about. Had various ones over the years since, am now in late 70s, but never could explain what set them off. They are zigzag lines, I refer to them as barbed wire, and come without warning and usually last up to about 20 minutes.
I don't want to be a panic merchant but I suffered similar and dropped dead froma cardiac arrest. What I was suffering was VT. Get to a doctor please, just in case.
Hi, pretty much similar to what everyone else has replied. Been having ocular migraines for around 20 years now, currently 52 and awaiting aortic valve replacement. Diagnosed by optician. First time was really scary so I can sympathise completely.
I get the zigzags in my vision, blind spots, occasionally I will get a headache afterwards, but I also find that for a time afterwards I can forget things that I know. For example, one time I couldn’t for the life of me remember my sister in law’s name or mother in law’s name. They can last anywhere from a few seconds to around 45 minutes but after effects can last for a few hours.
Triggers seem to be lighting in certain places, watching tv etc, some clothing patterns, stress, hunger.
Since my heart severe aortic stenosis diagnosis I have wondered if there is a link and I see there are quite a few others who have similar experiences. I have been getting them more frequently recently, but again a bit stressful waiting for an op.
I do hope your mother gets on ok, it sounds like she is suffering with them really badly at the moment.
Like many others I also suffer with these. I have been having ocular migraines for about 35 years now, long before my heart diagnosis. I try and lay down in a dark room, and find after about 30-45 minutes I am able to carry on as normal. They can be very scary especially if you have not had them before. Best wishes to you and your Mum. x
Hi Geranium, your poor mum. I think as people have said this type of migraine is more common than most of us know. I have had them since I was 13 and I’m now 60. Until I discovered clopidogrel from taking part in a drug trial at the age of 50, I also had crushing headaches, facial numbness, limb numbness, brain fog and occasionally could hear people talk but could not process the meaning at all. Sometimes these would be every few days, but in all those years never less than once a month. It was a struggle to keep things normal at times.
Since the clopidogrel I only have the visual symptoms and very rarely have the headache to go with it. I’m incredibly grateful .
On Wednesday I’m due to have an aortic valve replacement have have had to stop the clopidogrel beforehand. I had a migraine today but only the visual disturbances.
I hope your mum finds all these replies reassuring. My mum had migraine too so I knew what to expect.
Good luck to your mum for her surgery and please send her my good wishes and heaps of empathy for her situation. Kind regards
I have had these zig zag lines, they appear triangular and prism like and move across my vision. First one I ever had was after a visit to the gym. Then mine really took off aftet repair to mitral valve surgery and I was told whilst in hospital it was not unusual and was related to the cocktail of drugs I was on. My GP referred me to an optician who diagnosed migraine corona and confirmed the hospitals findings. I would ask for your Mum tof be referred to an eye specialist who will look at her whole history. It's not pleasant. I found sitting in a dark room and closing my eyes until it passed helpful. One good thing, my vision was clearer afterwards. Please pass on my good wishes to your Mum
I have suffered migraine for 60 years. Until I had a stroke, when they stopped.
After stroke I took clopidogrel and that is a major reason for migraines ceasing. So when I was waiting for an AVR, I stopped clopidogrel and I got a migraine every day. As I knew exactly what was going on I just rested and let the migraines take their course.
I have found that aspirin rather than paracetomol eases a migraine.
Another tip is that a glass of lager will help to clear the pain after a migraine. Any fizzy drink may work.
Hi. I have something similar though mine has been called amaurosis fugal. I had aortic valve replacement with metal valve 15 years ago. The valve chews up blood cells which then get stuck in eye blood vessels causing eyesight distortion. Aspirin can stop it happening but as I take warfarin that’s off limits as it has caused me to bleed internally. I hope your Mum gets an animal not a metal valve. And I hope she finds better health after the operation.
I have had a couple of of these optical migraines. With me they are a curved zig-zag line coloured like a rainbow. They are very intrusive. One trick to confirm that it is not the eye is to close one eye and then the other. If the disturbance is the same in each eye then the cause is in the optical nerve or head and not the eye. If it is in one eye only go straight to A & E as it is possibly a detached retina.
Mine was caused from looking at a very bright white computer screen. I now change the background colour to a light grey and this helps a lot.
Sorry late to the party here. Get her to the optician. I am 4 months post op and having eyesight issues which are very similar to what you are describing. With the equipment they have they can check the back of the eyes easily. And push to get her op done. Good luck x
My grandaughter ( 18 yrs old ) has just come back from local hospital after having one of these, she gets them quite often and was put on aspirin. They cause her to lose sight in one eye and after a while the sight returns. She did go up to Moorfields but they just said to take aspirin and go to local hospital if needed.
She does use her mobile all the time and perhaps this triggers it ?
Her father suffers with Migraines so this could be another factor. Anyway these attacks are very worrying for anyone and their family members.
I have had a heart condition for 6 years (heart attack, stenting, two seperate valve operations and pacemaker) I have had ocular auras on and off for the last 2-3 years.
My doctor knew immediately what they were and wasn't worried.
Recently I have had attacks with blurred vision accompanied by a real sick feeling. The doctor thought this possibly caused by an inner ear infection. A course of antibiotics helped but then a visit to the dentist discovered an infected tooth beginning to decay. Because of lockdown it came out.
Suffice it to say I think ocular migraine, inner ear and tooth were perhaps all affecting each other.
I now feel fine, taking my normal meds and looking forward to getting back to life after lockdown.
These 'turns' are disconcerting but fairly normal. Being on one's own though it pays to be careful.
I have also had these optical incidents termed by some "headache-free migraine" occasionally over many years since in my early 40s (am now in late 60s and also with hypertension well controlled with 0.25mg amlodipine daily).
As you say these normally start with a small flashing kaleidoscope-like apparition somewhere in the visual fields which does not alter whether eyes open or closed.
Initially I used to take "migrilieve" tablets as soon as I sensed an onset and this prevented the problem developing further. Left without any intervention other than a lie down and rest these disturbing attacks can last up to an hour and I have ended up with my entire vision distorted and, in effect, blind. I have found by trial and error that the tablets taken at first onset rapidly lead to the disturbance resolving. Migrielieve is now however no longer available - But its active constituents (paracetamol and codeine) are available in relatively low dosage as CO CODAMOL 15/30 - available over the counter without prescription. I now take these and I have found these work just as well leading to early return to normal vision.
I don't think this problem is necessarily related or part of any heart or hypertension problems etc. but you might wish to get your Mum to check this intervention with her GP.
You should certainly be reassured your Mum is NOT having a stroke.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
migraine after stopping aspirin 
Statins and blurred vision Migraine
Severe arrhythmia but only minor symptoms 
Carotid endarterectomy
Bisoprolol 2.5 for high BP & to prevent migraine
