Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Peripheral Vision Loss, Severe Headache, Slurred Speech And Confusion?
Question: About 3 weeks ago I had peripheral vision loss in my right eye, followed by confusion and then a severe headache on the left side. There was no slurring of words or numbness though. The confusion and vision loss lasted less than an hour, but the headache that followed lasted several hours. Today, the same vision issue started but this time in my left eye. I did not have any confusion with this episode. After the vision issue subsided, I got a severe headache on my right side. It has been present for over an hour now. I have also had an on/off cold for months that will seem to be gone one day and then will be back the next day. I am also Type 1 diabetic.
Brief Answer:
Transient ischemic attack.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for choosing this forum.
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) happens when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or reduced , often by a blood clot. After a short time, blood flows again and the symptoms go away. With a stroke, the blood flow stays blocked, and the brain has permanent damage. Some people call a TIA a mini-stroke, because the symptoms are those of a stroke but don't last long.Most likely the area of your brain affected is the area which controls vision.
A TIA is a warning it means you are likely to have a stroke in the future.
A clot can block blood flow to part of the brain. Brain cells are affected within seconds of the blockage. That causes symptoms in the parts of the body controlled by those cells. After the clot dissolves, blood flow returns, and the symptoms go away.Headache and loss of vision can be a indicator of this.
Test advice-
Tests that show pictures of your brain and blood vessels, such as a CT scan, an MRI, a magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA), or an angiogram.
A test that uses sound to check your blood flow (Doppler ultrasound).
An echocardiogram (echo) to check your heart's shape and its blood flow.
An electrocardiogram (EKG, ECG) to measure your heart rhythm.
Blood tests, including a complete blood count and a fasting blood test to check for problems that could be causing your symptoms.
A detailed investigation should be done to rule out the cause of problem.
Thanks.
Transient ischemic attack.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for choosing this forum.
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) happens when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or reduced , often by a blood clot. After a short time, blood flows again and the symptoms go away. With a stroke, the blood flow stays blocked, and the brain has permanent damage. Some people call a TIA a mini-stroke, because the symptoms are those of a stroke but don't last long.Most likely the area of your brain affected is the area which controls vision.
A TIA is a warning it means you are likely to have a stroke in the future.
A clot can block blood flow to part of the brain. Brain cells are affected within seconds of the blockage. That causes symptoms in the parts of the body controlled by those cells. After the clot dissolves, blood flow returns, and the symptoms go away.Headache and loss of vision can be a indicator of this.
Test advice-
Tests that show pictures of your brain and blood vessels, such as a CT scan, an MRI, a magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA), or an angiogram.
A test that uses sound to check your blood flow (Doppler ultrasound).
An echocardiogram (echo) to check your heart's shape and its blood flow.
An electrocardiogram (EKG, ECG) to measure your heart rhythm.
Blood tests, including a complete blood count and a fasting blood test to check for problems that could be causing your symptoms.
A detailed investigation should be done to rule out the cause of problem.
Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
