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HELP. SUDDEN FLASHES AND ZIG ZAGS IN VISION

151 replies

Sellingsunsets · 12/01/2026 19:07

Just that reallyz just put my son to bed and came down stairs, and suddenly my eyes went funny, flashing lights, blurred vision and now it's almost like a multicoloured zig zag pattern. Even in the dark or with my eyes closed. I've started to get a bit of a headache too. I am having a very stressful time, and I've cried a lot today, not eaten much etc. I'm terrified I'm having a stroke or something. Any one experienced this

OP posts:
Sellingsunsets · 12/01/2026 19:26

I've had no food today and was planning on getting a nice takeaway tonight but I think I'll pass now 😂 thanks everyone. It was bloody terrifying.

OP posts:
WearyAuldWumman · 12/01/2026 19:30

I had this two years ago and it was an ocular migraine plus floaters apparently triggered at the same time. However, NHS 24 told me that I had to get it checked out.

I was sent to the local A&E. They just kept me overnight [ETA I live alone] and told me to see my own optometrist.

Allseeingallknowing · 12/01/2026 19:30

See your ophthalmologist - it sounds like vitreous detachment p, which is common , but possible retinal detachment has to be ruled out , along with other conditions .

Nicflowers82 · 12/01/2026 19:31

I get exactly this with a migraine - zig zags / kaleidoscope and then a monster headache. Sometimes slurred speech and tingly fingers too. And then once it’s subsided I feel really exhausted / washed out for the rest of the day . You might feel like that too this evening. So try and rest for the next few hours and hopefully get a good sleep tonight x

Sellingsunsets · 12/01/2026 19:34

Nicflowers82 · 12/01/2026 19:31

I get exactly this with a migraine - zig zags / kaleidoscope and then a monster headache. Sometimes slurred speech and tingly fingers too. And then once it’s subsided I feel really exhausted / washed out for the rest of the day . You might feel like that too this evening. So try and rest for the next few hours and hopefully get a good sleep tonight x

I haven't been sleeping well for a few weeks now and neglecting myself with eating right and feeling very anxious and stressed. I can only assume this is what's triggered it. I'm going to have some food and try and lie down and go to sleep. My head is killing, like my whole head, even my eyeballs. 😂

OP posts:
Treebaubles · 12/01/2026 19:43

Sellingsunsets · 12/01/2026 19:21

I don't take the pill. I can't see a reason that will have triggered it. I take no medications x

The pill probably won’t cause it, it’s just that women can’t be on the pill if they have migraines as it ups their chance of a stroke.

Chexton · 12/01/2026 19:47

Just be careful with food OP as I get exactly this: zig zag lines and flashes…that fades and then comes the headache like no other…then I start vomiting and that can last a couple of hours

I then usually sleep and the next day feel like someone’s whacked me over the head!

I think your assumption about what’s caused it is spot on. Sleep is a trigger for me!

Make sure you have some migraleve to hand just in case it happens again.

Hope you feel better soon

Lafawnda · 12/01/2026 19:49

Occular migrane.

I have normal migranes and cluster headaches.

But ive had this once. Only once, about 5 years ago. I thought I was having an aneurism or something, it was so scary/confusing.

Wedontdothatroundhere · 12/01/2026 19:50

Treebaubles · 12/01/2026 19:43

The pill probably won’t cause it, it’s just that women can’t be on the pill if they have migraines as it ups their chance of a stroke.

What....I suffer regularly with migraine and am on the pill (Progesterone Only). My GP and prescribing nurse never mentioned this despite discussing taking the pill to stop hormonal headaches/migraines during the appointment!

Sorry to derail but now I am concerned and thinking I need a check up

Sellingsunsets · 12/01/2026 19:53

Lafawnda · 12/01/2026 19:49

Occular migrane.

I have normal migranes and cluster headaches.

But ive had this once. Only once, about 5 years ago. I thought I was having an aneurism or something, it was so scary/confusing.

It was terrifying. I am panicking about it big time. But I feel reassured from this thread and everyone's replies.

OP posts:
IndigoBabble · 12/01/2026 19:57

Wedontdothatroundhere · 12/01/2026 19:50

What....I suffer regularly with migraine and am on the pill (Progesterone Only). My GP and prescribing nurse never mentioned this despite discussing taking the pill to stop hormonal headaches/migraines during the appointment!

Sorry to derail but now I am concerned and thinking I need a check up

It’s the combined pill that’s unsafe if you get migraines (I had to come off it yeas back).

fucketyfucketyfuckerty · 12/01/2026 20:11

Migraine with aura. I get them occasionally and as I get older i've noticed a link to exhaustion,but my main trigger is estrogen drops. Perimenopause has been a delight. I rarely get a headaches as long as I take a painkiller as soon as it starts. Very disorienting experience, once had one start when I was seconds off a motorway

Theroadt · 12/01/2026 20:12

Thestormishere · 12/01/2026 19:11

Sorry but I was told by my optalmologist (sp?) to go to A&E with the symptoms you describe as my cornea was detaching. Please make sure it's only’ migraines

Agree - go to opth just to be sure

BoredReceptionist · 12/01/2026 20:16

I had my first aural migraine aged about 50, it was terrifying! Apparently ibuprofen is good to take because they’re caused by inflammation. A cool dark room and low level white or brown noise help with the actual headache, for me.

Justmadesourkraut · 12/01/2026 20:32

Yes, exactly like my migraines. Lack of sleep, stress, low blood sugar, time of month all triggers for them. If you have one again, the sooner you get under the duvet, with 2 paracetamol. If you are outside, sunglasses help.

Best of luck

letshavetea · 12/01/2026 20:32

I have these visual migraines with an aura too.

I’ve learned to recognise my triggers (we all vary on these, but some are very common). You will learn yours too, so you can take as much preventative action as possible and act promptly as soon as an aura starts.

For me triggers are - bright lights or flickering lights (especially fluorescent) and bright sunshine. Helped by good quality sunglasses and a sunhat. I never go anywhere without sunglasses - even in winter. I’ll even put them in indoors if artificial lightings too bright.

Dehydration - I always drink a lot of water and if I have a hot drink I’ll have a glass of water too.

Being stressed or overtired. Or if I’m ill with something else.

Not eating regularly. Carry an emergency banana or some nuts for a snack. Make sure you have regular meals.

Changes in atmospheric pressure - flying is a trigger so I load up on lots of water and wear an eye mask.

Treatment for me is always taking preventative action - everyday! If the aura comes on sit down, drink water and take two paracetamol (I always carry these with me at all times). Keep eyes closed until the visual changes (holograms or kaleidoscope changes to vision) pass. Usually takes around half an hour.

Have had vocal changes twice. That does pass - scary when it happens though. I don’t always get a headache but always feel utterly drained so I do lie down for a rest if at all possible. Obviously tell your family and friends so they are aware. Sometimes it happens when I’m out - if so I try to get at least somewhere I can sit until it passes.

Go and see your GP to get it recorded that this has happened. Get your eyes tested.

Sorry you’ve had this - it’s scary at first but you’ll learn how to manage it.

Sellingsunsets · 12/01/2026 20:36

letshavetea · 12/01/2026 20:32

I have these visual migraines with an aura too.

I’ve learned to recognise my triggers (we all vary on these, but some are very common). You will learn yours too, so you can take as much preventative action as possible and act promptly as soon as an aura starts.

For me triggers are - bright lights or flickering lights (especially fluorescent) and bright sunshine. Helped by good quality sunglasses and a sunhat. I never go anywhere without sunglasses - even in winter. I’ll even put them in indoors if artificial lightings too bright.

Dehydration - I always drink a lot of water and if I have a hot drink I’ll have a glass of water too.

Being stressed or overtired. Or if I’m ill with something else.

Not eating regularly. Carry an emergency banana or some nuts for a snack. Make sure you have regular meals.

Changes in atmospheric pressure - flying is a trigger so I load up on lots of water and wear an eye mask.

Treatment for me is always taking preventative action - everyday! If the aura comes on sit down, drink water and take two paracetamol (I always carry these with me at all times). Keep eyes closed until the visual changes (holograms or kaleidoscope changes to vision) pass. Usually takes around half an hour.

Have had vocal changes twice. That does pass - scary when it happens though. I don’t always get a headache but always feel utterly drained so I do lie down for a rest if at all possible. Obviously tell your family and friends so they are aware. Sometimes it happens when I’m out - if so I try to get at least somewhere I can sit until it passes.

Go and see your GP to get it recorded that this has happened. Get your eyes tested.

Sorry you’ve had this - it’s scary at first but you’ll learn how to manage it.

Thank you. The head ache that's came with it is something else. Unlike anything ive had before. I feel dreadful.

OP posts:
ArseInTheCoOpWindow · 12/01/2026 20:37

I get these, but no headaches.

Once l got used to them l found them quite interesting.

Even the name scintillating socoma is kind of quirky.

letshavetea · 12/01/2026 20:39

@Sellingsunsets you’re welcome. I hope
you feel better soon. Have lots
of water and come of the screens now!

Andthatrightsoon · 12/01/2026 20:42

Low blood sugar is one of my triggers. I had my first migraine at 18 - I thought I was having a stroke. 30 years later I still have them.

ChapmanFarm · 12/01/2026 20:53

Visual migraine. I had one that lasted more than a week.

Specsavers were excellent and gave me an appointment at short notice and checked back of my eyes etc as well.

It may be a good idea to get checked for peace of mind.

HappyTalkingAndLaughing · 12/01/2026 20:55

Thestormishere · 12/01/2026 19:11

Sorry but I was told by my optalmologist (sp?) to go to A&E with the symptoms you describe as my cornea was detaching. Please make sure it's only’ migraines

Was just going to write this too. This would be emergency surgery to save your sight

fluffiphlox · 12/01/2026 20:56

Ocular migraine. I get it every so often and have done for 50years or so.

netflixfan · 12/01/2026 20:59

Migraine, terrifying the first time you have it! Don’t worry.😉

CoralOP · 12/01/2026 21:02

I get them every couple of weeks but thankfully no pain. I feel pretty lucky to not have the pain but do get the instant slump as soon as its over.