flittering scotoma
Noun: A localized area of diminished or lost vision in the visual field, characterized by a shimmering, flickering, or sparkling border, often described as seeing zigzag lines or colored lights. This visual disturbance is frequently a neurological symptom signaling the onset of a migraine headache, specifically a migraine with aura.
This is a medical term used to describe a specific type of visual aura. It is typically used in clinical, neurological, or patient-descriptive contexts. - The term is often used by healthcare professionals when diagnosing or discussing migraine disorders. - Patients may use or encounter this term when describing their symptoms to a doctor.
- The patient reported experiencing a flittering scotoma for about 20 minutes before the headache pain began.
- A classic sign of an ocular migraine is the presence of a flittering scotoma.
- She described the flittering scotoma as a shimmering crescent of light that obstructed part of her vision.
- The phenomenon is also commonly referred to as a scintillating scotoma, with "scintillating" emphasizing the sparkling or shimmering quality.
- It is a form of positive scotoma (where something is added to the vision, like light) as opposed to a negative scotoma (a simple blind spot).
- Scintillating Scotoma: A nearly synonymous term.
- Scotoma (general): A general term for an area of partial or complete loss of visual acuity surrounded by an area of normal vision.
- Migraine Aura: A broader term for the neurological symptoms (visual, sensory, or speech disturbances) that can precede a migraine, which includes the flittering scotoma.
- Teichopsia: Another less common term for the fortification spectrum (zigzag pattern) often seen in these scotomas.
- Scintillating scotoma
- Visual aura (specific to the migraine context)
- Ocular migraine (when referring to the episode itself, though this is a related but not exact synonym)
This is a precise medical term; it is not used in idiomatic expressions. However, it is part of common descriptive phrases: - To have a flittering scotoma: To experience this symptom. - Flittering scotoma as a precursor/warning sign: Often describes its role in heralding a migraine attack.
- a localized area of diminished vision edged by shimmering colored lights; in many people it indicates the onset of migraine