Experiences of visual disturbances
Hi, hoping someone can help. I haven’t been diagnosed but have been having some odd visual disturbances for the last week. My vision has had a rippling water effect, bright flicking circle, flashes appearing right in the corner and like a glitter effect over half my eye. I’ve been to the optician and there’s no retinal detachment and they’re saying likely a migraine aura. However I’ve never had a migraine before and everything I’ve read says they shouldn’t last more than an hour or so. Has anyone else experienced similar long lasting visit symptoms?
As an additional I had something similar happen 2 years ago. This was followed up in the eye clinic where no explanation was given for the flashes but they did see thickened blood vessels? But weren’t concerned with these. 3 years ago I had an episode of facial numbness and drooping with some pins and needles in hands and feet. I had a ct scab and mri but no explanation really given for these. I have regularly struggled with dizziness (although I do have low ferritin) and have been on and off having trouble properly emptying my bladder for a few years now to the point where I currently have a uti.
I’m waiting on an eye clinic referral at the moment so gp won’t see me, but eye clinic haven’t got my down as urgent as nothing was seen at the optician.
Sorry it’s so long! Just not sure if I’m reading too much into my symptoms or if I should be insisting on a go appointment
Hi,
!
First, I am so sorry you are dealing with all these issues. It definitely seems like something is going on with your eyes and vision and I am glad you are being proactive about getting some answers.
I hope that referral comes through quickly!
There are a number of conditions that share symptoms with MS, and a doctor will want to rule those out when trying to diagnose you -- https://multiplesclerosis.net/diagnosis/ruling-out-other-health-conditions.
I do think you should get an appointment with an eye specialist as soon as possible. A good ophthalmologist will be able to let you know if he/she suspects MS or another condition.
I hope you get a clear diagnosis very soon!
Best, Erin, MultipleSclerosis.net Team Member.Thanks so much for replying. I’ve actually just got back from the gp and I think she could see why I was concerned about ms and is organising an mri. However she’s also a little concerned about a bleed on the brain so wants me to go to a&e for a ct scan to rule that out. She doesn’t think my symptoms are typical of a migraine though. Hopefully should get some answers soon.
, I am glad your GP is on top of things and is getting you scheduled for further testing! I hope you are able to get that CT scan done very soon and that the MRI test isn't far behind.
May you get some clear answers very soon!
Best, Erin, MultipleSclerosis.net Team Member.
I had an issue sort of like this twice. Had the rippling effect the 2nd time. Turned out to be optic neuritis. The first time I went pinpoint blind in my left eye, 2nd was what they call the graying of vision so it was like a color blind thing. Luckily I live in philadelphia where jefferson university has the wills eye center so I went to that ED both times. Hope things work out for u.
Thanks for replies. Got to a&e and they didn’t know why I was there and told me I was having a migraine and didn’t need a ct scan. So no further answers really, eye is still being weird 10 days in now. Luckily they’ve said they’ll refer me to neurology within the week so am hoping they’ll do an mri.
It does sound like you are being given the runaround by medical people who should be trying to help you, and I'm very sorry for the problem. I'm going with Erin's advice that you see a neuro-ophthalmologist, but I'm also including a few links to articles about getting doctors to listen to you. Here's a good one from Devin Garlit: https://multiplesclerosis.net/living-with-ms/how-doctors-listen Anita Williams has a great story aabout being a an advocate for yourself: https://multiplesclerosis.net/living-with-ms/self-advocacy And Tamara Sellman reviews a very good book about learning to live with MS here: https://multiplesclerosis.net/living-with-ms/book-review-toolbox
The diagnostic process is universally horrible for all of us living with MS, let me extend a warm hug and a "Hang in there!". You've found a supportive forum, with plenty of articles about just about everything you may be feeling and experiencing, so as you make your way through to a resolution, know that we're with you.
All the best,
Therry, a Team Member
