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Is Blackout In Left Eye Followed By Squiggly Lines A Symptom Of Stroke?

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Posted on Mon, 16 May 2016
Question: Hi, my left eye went black and then i had squigley lines and was wondering if that is a stroke or XXXXXXX stroke
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dariush Saghafi (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
The squiggly line makes this likely an AURA rather than TIA

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for your question and what you describe is much more likely to be an AURA that may or may not precede a bad headache (migraine) as opposed to an actual stroke or TIA.

If it's the first time this has ever happened then, you should be seen by a Neurology/HEADACHE SPECIALIST to make sure that the aura is not pointing to something other than the obvious.

If not the first time then, you already know it's a benign process but it should still be understood and treated as necessary lest it become chronic.

I hope this addresses your concerns and that you'll keep me in mind for future questions regarding these or other neurological/medical issues. Feel free to upload images if you'd like.

Otherwise, I'd appreciate your rating this interaction with a HIGH STAR SCORE and look forward to a few words of feedback. In addition, I'd appreciate your CLOSING THIS QUERY if you're satisfied with my response.

Write to me any time at: bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi for additional comments, concerns, or to provide status updates if you'd like which I would love to receive from you to see just what has been discovered.

Many thanks for using this service to ask your questions. Be well.

This consult request has taken a total of 30 minutes of time to read, research, and respond.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Dariush Saghafi (17 hours later)
Yes I did have this once before about 10 or 13 years ago. I have had the silver squigley lines off and on for years. seems like I have been eating more sweets lately and i got the silver lines only that last about 15 min. this is the first time i got headache with it and still have it today. thank you very much for your answer
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dariush Saghafi (12 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Most likely a migraine attack with aura

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for confirming the fact that this happened in the past. Your description of your events both past and present is most consistent with the VISUAL AURA of migraine except in the attack of 10 years ago it would seem as if you had what we'd call an "aborted" headache whereas, unfortunately now you got the headache along with it...and that was a much more painful experience I'm sure.

One thing that's been recognized in the past several years about migraine attacks and especially those with aura that in a number of people who suffer there seems to be a correlation of some type of heart disease. Therefore, I would recommend that you have your doctor specifically work you up for heart disease of some sort...even if you don't have symptoms. It's unlikely that this represents an actually stroke, XXXXXXX TIA or otherwise. Nevertheless, it would still be a good idea as well to have a neurologist take a look at you for an examination as well since headaches at your age should be taken very seriously.

Strokes can occur as a consequence to migraines (especially with aura) and so both auras as well as auras plus headaches should be TREATED with specific anti-migraine medication...but only if heart disease has been ruled out first.

I hope this addresses your concerns and that you'll keep me in mind for future questions regarding these or other neurological/medical issues. Feel free to upload images if you'd like.

Otherwise, I'd appreciate your rating this interaction with a HIGH STAR SCORE and look forward to a few words of feedback. In addition, I'd appreciate your CLOSING THIS QUERY if you're satisfied with my response.

Write to me any time at: bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi for additional comments, concerns, or to provide status updates if you'd like which I would love to receive from you to see just what has been discovered.

Many thanks for using this service to ask your questions. Be well.

This consult request has taken a total of 38 minutes of time to read, research, and respond.


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

Neurologist

Practicing since :1988

Answered : 2473 Questions

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Is Blackout In Left Eye Followed By Squiggly Lines A Symptom Of Stroke?

Brief Answer: The squiggly line makes this likely an AURA rather than TIA Detailed Answer: Thank you for your question and what you describe is much more likely to be an AURA that may or may not precede a bad headache (migraine) as opposed to an actual stroke or TIA. If it's the first time this has ever happened then, you should be seen by a Neurology/HEADACHE SPECIALIST to make sure that the aura is not pointing to something other than the obvious. If not the first time then, you already know it's a benign process but it should still be understood and treated as necessary lest it become chronic. I hope this addresses your concerns and that you'll keep me in mind for future questions regarding these or other neurological/medical issues. Feel free to upload images if you'd like. Otherwise, I'd appreciate your rating this interaction with a HIGH STAR SCORE and look forward to a few words of feedback. In addition, I'd appreciate your CLOSING THIS QUERY if you're satisfied with my response. Write to me any time at: bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi for additional comments, concerns, or to provide status updates if you'd like which I would love to receive from you to see just what has been discovered. Many thanks for using this service to ask your questions. Be well. This consult request has taken a total of 30 minutes of time to read, research, and respond.