visual disturbance in a child -- seeing flashing lights?

[cookiemonster80]

Could be a torn retina- I'd it checked asap

Oh nm- saw the update

[Simon]

If you feel comfortable, then you can wait and see if it happens again. I think it would be good to follow up with neuro as it could be a partial seizure in the occipital region of the brain. That said, it is uncommon to have seizure activity in that part of the brain (all per our ped. neuro since my Ds is at risk).

[flashy09]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scintillating_scotoma

I have gotten the 3rd one down a few times now. No headache and lasts about 20 minutes.

[magnoliaparadise]

I had that and saw an opthamologist immediately. It turned out that it was a condition (luckily passing) that I was having in my retina. I can't remember what it was called. Can be dangerous, though mine wasn't.
I'd take him to a pediatric opthamologist just in case. I have no idea if it is common in children, though.

[azzeps]

It sounds most like a migraine... but he didn't get the headache? I don't always, either. I get flashing lights, or "electricity" and start to lose some vision (temporarily) before the headache.

FWIW, when I had a detached retina, I had a very obvious "blind spot" or what I think they called a "curtain" where I had no vision. Thankfully, they fixed it!

I hope you get it figured out... or maybe it just won't come back!!!

[lmh2402]

yikes - scary! my first thought was migraine too

so what is pedi suggesting...just wait and see if it happens again?

[hillview]

thanks all summary is
ER doc consulted with DS2's neurosurgeon who was not concerned and so sent to
pediatric ophthalmologist
pediatric ophthalmologist said it was an ocular migraine
took DS2 to pedi who said he will treat it as a one off but to consult with psych
Psych said likely a migraine.

So we are holding for now. I am ok with that. Saw a BUNCH of docs.

[Globetrotter]

DD has had a few ocular migraines. That's what I was thinking. It was frightening the first time it happened as she couldn't see all the words on a page.. Now she knows when it's coming and takes extra strength Tylenol and, so far, has been able to prevent them.

[infocrazy]

I had something semi similar and was diagnosed with an ocular migraine. Although not as bad as the first one, I've had it happen a few times since and I realize that it happens after I am reading a tablet in the dark. The first time I was finishing a book while DH was sleeping and read longer than I intended. I had a black cloud in front of one eye.

Glad the docs think all is ok!