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What Causes Transient Loss Of Vision Along With Headache?

Posted on Tue, 25 Oct 2016

Question: My 37 year old son, who has excellent health, has just had an episode of partial loss of the right side of his field of vision. He described it as if he had just looked into a bright light. The loss of vision was not dark, but bright and multi-colored. Other than the loss of vision, he feels a small headache coming on on the left side of his brain. The vision is slowing returning. Its been about 10 minutes since the onset of this episode.Any suggestions ??

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (31 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
explained

Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome

I appreciate your concern

As the loss of vision was not associated with a corresponding red and painful eye, so the likely causes that precipitate painless visual loss suddenly should be looked for.

Ischemic optic neuropathy associated with temporal arteritis can be a possibility as it also causes a headache associated with visual loss.

Occlusion of either central retinal vein and artery, vitreous hemorrhage and retinal detachment can also be the cause.

Fundoscopy and slit lamp examination should be performed to determine the cause and treat accordingly. Urgent ophthalmology referral is required.

Wishing you best of health

Thanks

Let me know if you have any query

Please consult your doctor before deciding on any further course of action.

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http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=68107

Dr. M.S. Khalil

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (5 minutes later)

You don't mention the possibility of TIA. Is that ruled out ??

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Explained

Detailed Answer:
TIA involves focal neurological deficit that usually reverses or resolves within 24 hours time. The duration of the visual loss and age of your son indicates against the possibility of TIA as being more likely than the above conditions.

Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (2 minutes later)

Do you think I should make him go to the emergency room ??? He is resisting me.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (15 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
explained

Detailed Answer:
Yes, you should most definitely take him to the ER. The benefits outweigh the risk of an elevation in the BP.

Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (4 minutes later)

Thank you for your help.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (1 minute later)

Brief Answer:
Welcome

Detailed Answer:
you are most welcome

let me know if you have any other queries

Thanks

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar