I get flashy tunnel vision followed by an extremely painful migraine?

Question

This has been happening to me for the last 4 years. It starts off with me getting real bad tunnel vision. I have almost no vision when this happens. My perifials are "flashy" like what you see when someone takes a picture and I can only see straight ahead. When this subdues I get a headache that gets progressively worse until it is an extremely painful and debilitating migraine. It's so debilitating that I can't do anything, I can't even sleep because it hurts so bad. It goes away after about 3 hours.

Fortunately this doesn't happen very often. Maybe once every few months. I just was wondering if it is the sign of a serious problem or not.

Answer 1

This the hallmark for classic migraine.  The ocular phenomenon is not harmful, just annoying.  We are not sure exactly what causes it  but it is a vascular or neurological shift that causes these hallucinatory images.  There is nothing physically wrong with the eye.

There are some known triggers to migraine such as cheese, chocolate, red wine, caffeine and more.  If you haven't been already, you should be evaluated by a neurologist who may be able to prescribe some medication to help.

Answer 2

You should probably see anophthalmologist specializing in the retina for a dilated exam.  He/she will dilate your retina and make sure there is no retinal detachment starting or any other abnormalities.  Otherwise, it could be a visual migraine with an aura.  Do you have high blood pressure and did the flashing occur when getting up too fast?  Get checked. Good luck