What Causes Intermittent Episodes Of Visual Flashes?

Posted on Sat, 5 Dec 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 5 Dec 2015 Answered on

Mon, 4 Jan 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : i have has a few nights in the last 2 year where I see tiny stumbles/things cross through my eyes, they flash though my eyes, this can last for a short period of time, I know it is happening, I can't stop it or slow it down, i still see it if I close my eyes or open them, it is like it is going in fast forward, I have gotten out of bed to see if it will stop but it doesn't. I don't think I have any other symptoms with this, it has only happened once during the day. Would you consider this some sort of seizure?

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Get investigated and follow up here

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.
Intermittent episodes of visual flashes may be associated with Occipital involvement of brain which is the area that controls the vision.
In these circumstances you may get an EEG of brain (ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAM) to get an idea about the electrical activity of the brain and an MRI brain for diagnosis.
You should also visit a neurologist for detailed physical examination and investigation as required.
I would like to know if you have any other medical illness or similar episodes in the past?
Hope you found the answer helpful. Please get back to me with your reply
Regards
Dr Neeraj Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina