In modern ophthalmology, there are several hundred different pathologies and ailments. All of them differ in the causes, the clinical picture and treatment methods. Among the variety of diseases, scintillating scotoma deserves special attention. It is about her that will be discussed in today's article.
Disease Description
Atrial scotoma is commonly understood as an ophthalmic disease that is accompanied by visual impairment. It may be preceded by various pathologies of the main vessels of the visual centers. The clinical picture in many ways resembles a simple migraine: a visual aura in the form of glare, “flies” in front of the eyes, and “blind” spots. Therefore, in medical directories you can find another name for the pathology - "ocular migraine."
The visual symptoms that usually precede an attack create physical and emotional discomfort. In this state, the patient cannot drive, work in production or move around without assistance. Eye migraine (ciliary scotoma) is painless, but requires qualified medical help. However, before prescribing therapy, a specialist should determine the causes that provoked the development of the disease.
The main causes of the disorder
Atrial scotoma is a neurological disease, the development of which is due to a malfunction of the cerebral cortex. This is where the visual analyzer is located.
Symptoms of the disease have been known to doctors since ancient times, but the causes of such a disorder have not been completely studied to this day. Based on research and the features of the clinical picture, doctors identified 5 main factors contributing to the development of the disease. Among them:
- Frequent emotional stress.
- Constant mental strain.
- Prolonged, periodic exposure to flickering light.
- Systematic violation of the regime of work and rest.
- Disorders of the hormonal background.
Also among the causes of the disease, a genetic predisposition is distinguished. About 70% of patients inherited the disease from their immediate family.
Quite often, in adolescents 14-16 years of age, atrial scotoma is detected. The causes of the disorder are associated with the rapid growth of the body and the active development of the circulatory system. Also, for adolescence, excessive stress on the central nervous system is characteristic.
Clinical picture
At each person, atrial scotoma may have different symptoms. There is a whole group of common signs with which you can timely recognize the disorder.
The first symptom is the appearance of a blind spot in the field of vision. It can move or change in size. In some, the disease is accompanied by the appearance of bizarre blurry objects. It can be colored or black-and-white figures and other fantasy forms. Such manifestations, as a rule, occur simultaneously in both eyes. An attack of ocular migraine can last up to 30 minutes. Some patients feel nauseous at this time.
Varieties of ailment
There are several varieties of the pathological process, each of which has its own clinical picture.
- Retinal form. She is characterized by the formation of a paracentral or central scotoma at the beginning of the attack. However, its shape and size may vary. Blindness on one or both eyes is not excluded. The visual aura persists for several minutes.
- Ophthalmoplegic form. With this kind of ailment, the so-called oculomotor nerve is disrupted . The whole process is accompanied by drooping eyelids and mydriasis. Sometimes the disease is complicated by the development of paralytic strabismus.
- Associated Basilar Migraine The pathological process is characterized by bilateral vision disorder and ophthalmoparesis, which signals a brain lesion.
Determining the form of the disease allows you to choose the most effective therapy.
Diagnostic Methods
Many people themselves are diagnosed with atrial scotoma. Photos of the symptoms of this pathology can be found in medical guides or on the World Wide Web. In fact, this approach is incorrect, and the lack of timely treatment often leads to sad consequences.
If the attack happened once and is caused by a change in climate or overwork, it is enough to take an anti-inflammatory and give the body a rest. If the malaise occurs periodically, you should seek the help of a doctor.
To identify the cause of the disorder, the ophthalmologist must conduct an examination. During this procedure, a specialist can measure the size of the patient’s field of view, evaluate the movements of the pupil and the functions of the ocular apparatus. Additionally, MRI or CT, as well as angiography, are prescribed. If the preliminary diagnosis is confirmed, the patient is referred to a neurologist. It is this specialist who treats ocular migraines.
Recommended Therapy
What should be the treatment for atrial scotoma? Therapy is selected taking into account the causes of the pathological process.
If it is based on nervous disorders, it is indicated to take sedatives (Novopassit, tincture of valerian). Medications that improve cerebral circulation (Piracetam, Emoxipin) have a positive effect. All patients, without exception, are prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Ibuprofen, Solpadein).
Recently, doctors often include triptans in the course of therapy. The action of these drugs is aimed at narrowing the blood vessels. Despite the many positive properties, they have a number of contraindications. For example, their use is not recommended for patients with cardiac pathologies, arterial hypertension.
Traditional medicine for migraine attacks recommends rubbing peppermint essential oil into the temple area. Raspberry tea helps reduce pain discomfort.
Features of the disease in pregnant women
Atrial scotoma does not bypass even women in position. Most often, the symptoms of the disorder are observed in the first trimester. This contributes to an unhealthy diet, a change in the usual schedule, insomnia against a background of hormone imbalance. By the beginning of the second trimester, the ailment usually disappears.
Self-treatment of the disease is not recommended, since during pregnancy many drugs are prohibited. Without prior consultation with a doctor, you should not use traditional medicine recipes.
Significantly reduce the frequency of atrial scotoma attacks during pregnancy if you adhere to the following recommendations:
- completely eliminate physical labor;
- spend more and more time outdoors;
- avoid stressful situations;
- include more fruits and vegetables in your diet.
If you follow these tips, for some women, atrial scotoma disappears forever.
Prevention Methods
When a person has already experienced several attacks of ocular migraine, he knows the reasons for their appearance. Therefore, the prevention of the disease consists in preventing such conditions when the risk of a disorder increases. Prophylaxis suggested by doctors can look different. It is enough for some patients to abandon addictions, others need to rest more, and still others to stop taking hormonal drugs. Doctors advise all patients, without exception, to normalize the regime of work and rest, and to avoid excessive loads and stresses.