recently had visual changes in my left eye wa this a migaine ot symptoms of possible Tia

	Asked by Unregistered (Female; 54; Htn dx'd last year. Lbbb that appears as rate related-echo and persantine treadmill were all normal. Cholestral and blood glucose normal. All labs normal-just need to lose weight and exercise more. VSS. I am over due for my 6 month check up and over due for eye exam-always normal.Pap and breast exam normal; Relevant drugs:Benicar 20mg/12.5mghctz ) on Sat 14, Jun 2008 10:50am
	Last Wednesday I was at a funeral and cried alot.At the get-together after I was feeling fine. While eating I began to see prisms of light in my left eye around the periphery. Ofcourse I thought my glasses were dirty so I removed them-no change.Then the wavy lines started-almost like looking through watery glass. I thought am I having a stroke? Is this a migaine? I've had migraines in the past with photophobia so I decided it may be a Migaine. I took 600mg of Motrin asap excused myself and went to the restroom.I threw cold water on my eyes and face, turn off the lights and stayed there for 5 minutes. When I turned on the light my vision was clear. I had no other symptoms.I've been fine since.My hx is HTN (on Benicar) well controlled-very over weight-recently gained 10 lbs-But I am very healthy and active otherwise.Weight gain is due to stress of caring for elder parent and very ill spouse. I am hoping this is stress related-only asking for advise because I am an RN and we tend to diagnose ourselves sometimes to our detriment.I am joining weight watchers today but I need some input regarding this spell. Thanks
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	Answer by VanessaMD (doctor) on Sun 15, Jun 2008 05:16am: Hi I do understand your concern. Your medical history of a migraine headache may likely suggest that what you have experienced is a migraine aura . Migraine auras are usually followed by a headache. However, not all migraine auras are followed by headaches and yet they may still be classified as a migraine . Migraine headaches are diagnosed based on a specific criteria. Other conditions which may be contributory to the headache should have been ruled out first before a diagnosis of migraine is made. In your case, the visual symptoms appeared as a wavy line and this disappeared and never recurred again. Other differentials like a retinal detachment or macular degeneration may present similarly . However, at this point, I do not think this is your case. As for a transient ischemic attack or a stroke , this may be ruled out with a cranial CT scan. Your blood pressure is well maintained and you never mentioned of any weakness in the extremities, slurring of speech or loss of balance. It is important that a baseline scan may be done to exclude involvement of underlying structures. Continue with your medications and give yourself time to rest and relax. I can see that you have been under a lot of stress lately. When the visual symptoms recur , it is best to consult an ophthalmologist. Here is a url with good definitions regarding migraine auras: http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/migraine_headache/hic_the_magical_mystery_of_migraines.aspx
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