Scintillating scotoma

Scintillating scotoma
Other namesVisual migraine[1]
Teichopsia[2]
Example of a scintillating scotoma, as may be caused by cortical spreading depression
SpecialtyNeurology, Neuro-ophthalmology
SymptomsAura in vision, nausea, dizziness, brain fog
ComplicationsMigraine onset
DurationLess than 60 minutes[3]
CausesCortical spreading depression
Risk factorsMigraine sufferer
Differential diagnosisPersistent aura without infarction, Retinal migraine
PreventionAvoiding migraine triggers
PrognosisSelf-limiting
Artist's depiction of a Scintillating scotoma, exhibiting a flashing visual pattern similar to Dazzle camouflage used during WWI.
Artist's depiction of a scintillating scotoma, exhibiting a flashing visual pattern similar to dazzle camouflage used during WWI.

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), also known as visual migraine or migraine aura.[4] It is often confused with retinal migraine, which originates in the eyeball or socket.

  1. ^ Prasad, Sashank. "Visual Migraine" (PDF). Brigham and Women's Hospital. Harvard Medical School. Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 March 2015. Retrieved 4 October 2016.
  2. ^ "teichopsia". Concise Medical Dictionary (8th ed.). Oxford University Press. 2010. doi:10.1093/acref/9780199557141.001.0001. ISBN 9780199557141. Retrieved 15 December 2020 – via oxfordreference.com.
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference imigraine was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ Lee, Ann (11 July 2022). "'It starts as a line of light, then works its way across my vision': the disorienting mystery of migraine auras". The Guardian.