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What Causes Auras And Blurred Vision?

Posted on Tue, 15 Apr 2014

Question: I've been having auras off and on now for a while, we scheduled an eeg and it came out normal. I've been having the same feeling/aura practically everytime. But the other day something new happened, I was on my computer, looked away and all of a sudden I felt like my eyes were going crossed and I couldn't see straight. my eye sight was blurry and it felt like I had to tip my head back to breathe. Is this another form of an aura, of what happen?

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Karanwal (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: Additional information is required Detailed Answer: Hi Young Lady, Thanks for posting your query on this forum. Firstly, information- as given below- will be of invaluable help in shortlisting the possible causes of your problems :- 1. Since when have you been having auras? 2. Describe the auras in great detail? 3. Do you take any psychotropic drugs/smack? 4. Do you have constant mental stress/anxiety? 5. Do you get frequent headaches with, or without vomiting? 6. Did you ever get 'double vision' in the past? 7. Any other associated symptoms? There are several possible causes, but I will attempt at short-listing them after analyzing the additional information as asked for. However, from the sketchy information available, it can be due to a brain lesion, an aneurysm (localized ballooning of a brain artery or near the junction of the spinal cord and the brain). So, as a first step, with a normal EEG, you should get an MRI of brain done to detect/rule out a lesion. You may also require an Angio-MRI brain, to look for an aneurysm. Consult your doctor and apprise him of my opinion. I am certain that he will agree with me; order required tests, and- based on the reports- will arrive at a certain diagnosis and prescribe suitable treatment as advised. Hope I have addressed your concerns to your complete satisfaction and you find my response helpful and informative. I will be happy to answer further queries, if any. God Bless you, Col (Dr.) Rakesh Karanwal

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

Follow up: Dr. Rakesh Karanwal (17 minutes later)

I had brain surgery when I was 10 (2004) to reduce the amount of seizures I had, since then I haven't had any. Except a grand mal a few-five years a part. The past year has been extremely stressful so the auras have started up again. When I have them it feels like the room is narrowing or the objects are eatting futher away from me, sometimes I feel like I'm not here, looking in from somewhere else. I do have constant stress, I have headaches every once in a while. I'm also on migraine medicine. I've never experienced double vision before.

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Karanwal (36 minutes later)

Brief Answer: You apparently have Temporal Lobe seizures Detailed Answer: Well dear, You have answered the question yourself. The remnant scar of brain surgery is apparently the origin of auras, which fall short of precipitating epileptic attacks. At the same time, there is a strong possibility of these auras being Simple Partial Seizures (also called Temporal Seizures) which are not associated with either, loss of consciousness or shaking of limbs. Further, possibility of increased pressure in the skull cannot be ruled out. Also, mental stress/migraines tend to trigger seizures, including Temporal Lobe seizures. So, you certainly need a repeat MRI of the brain, as well as, another EEG. Consult a Neurologist at the earliest and apprise him of the entire history of events. He will examine you, get the required tests conducted and, if required, will put you on anti-epileptic drugs. God Bless, young lady.

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

Follow up: Dr. Rakesh Karanwal (2 hours later)

Last time I saw my neurologist late December/beginning January. I told him the auras I was feeling (at the time it wasn't the eyes crossed thing) just the distancing feeling. He offered to increase the anti seizure medicine I'm already on and of things want on to order another eeg.

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Karanwal (6 hours later)

Brief Answer: Get an MRI done Detailed Answer: OK. So, you should go in for a fresh EEG (if not already done so far) as well as, MRI brain, as the eye problems indicate the possibility of another lesion in the brain. You may ask your neurologist to order for MRI. Continue with the anti-seizure drugs, as modified by your neurologist. You may contact me again, if you wish to, along with fresh EEG and MRI reports. Take care & God Bless

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