In modern ophthalmology, there are several hundred different pathologies and ailments. All of them differ in causes, clinical picture and methods of treatment. Among the variety of diseases, ciliated scotoma deserves special attention. It is about her that will be discussed in today's article.
Description of the disease
Atrial scotoma is commonly understood as an ophthalmic disease, which is accompanied by visual impairment. It may be preceded by various pathologies of the main vessels of the visual centers. The clinical picture is in many ways reminiscent of a simple migraine: a visual aura in the form of glare, "flies" before the eyes and "blind" spots. Therefore, in medical reference books you can find another name for the pathology - “eye migraine”.
The visual symptoms that usually precede an attack create physical and emotional discomfort. In this state, the patient cannot drive a car, work in a factory, or move around without assistance. Eye migraine (atrial scotoma) is painless, but requiresqualified medical assistance. However, before prescribing therapy, the specialist must determine the causes that provoked the development of the disease.
Main causes of disorder
Atrial scotoma is a neurological disease, the development of which is caused by impaired functioning of the cerebral cortex. This is where the visual analyzer is located.
Symptoms of the disease have been known to doctors for a long time, but the causes of such a disorder have not been fully studied to this day. Based on research and the characteristics of the clinical picture, doctors have identified 5 main factors contributing to the development of the disease. Among them:
- Frequent emotional stress.
- Permanent mental strain.
- Long, intermittent exposure to flickering light.
- Systematic violation of the regime of work and rest.
- Hormonal disorders.
Also, among the causes of the disease, there is a genetic predisposition. Approximately 70% of patients inherited the disease from their next of kin.
Quite often, atrial scotoma is detected in adolescents aged 14-16. The causes of the disorder are associated with the rapid growth of the body and the active development of the circulatory system. Also, the transitional age is characterized by excessive stress on the central nervous system.
Clinical picture
Each person has different symptoms of atrial scotoma. There is a whole group of common features with whichdisorder can be recognized in a timely manner.
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 ocular migraine attack can last up to 30 minutes. Some patients experience nausea during this time.
Varieties of disease
There are several varieties of the pathological process, each of which has its own clinical picture.
- Retinal shape. It is characterized by the formation of a paracentral or central scotoma at the beginning of an attack. However, its shape and size may vary. Blindness in one or both eyes is not excluded. The visual aura persists for several minutes.
- Ophthalmoplegic form. With this type of disease, the work of the so-called oculomotor nerve is disrupted. The whole process is accompanied by drooping of the eyelid and mydriasis. Sometimes the disease is complicated by the development of paralytic strabismus.
- Associated basilar migraine. The pathological process is characterized by bilateral visual impairment and ophthalmoparesis, which signals brain damage.
Determination of the form of the disease allows you to choose the most effective therapy.
Diagnostic Methods
Manyself-diagnose "atrial scotoma". Photos of the symptoms of this pathology can be found in medical reference books or on the World Wide Web. In fact, this approach is wrong, and the lack of timely treatment often leads to sad consequences.
If the attack happened once and was caused by climate change or overwork, it is enough to take an anti-inflammatory drug and let the body rest. If the malaise occurs periodically, you should seek help from a doctor.
To identify the cause of the disorder, the ophthalmologist must conduct an examination. During this procedure, the specialist can measure the dimensions of the patient's field of view, evaluate pupil movements and the functions of the eye apparatus. Additionally, an MRI or CT scan is prescribed, as well as angiography. 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 the diagnosis of "atrial scotoma"? Therapy is selected taking into account the cause of the pathological process.
If it is based on nervous disorders, the use of sedatives ("Novopassit", valerian tincture) is indicated. A positive effect is exerted by medicines that improve cerebral circulation (Piracetam, Emoxipin). All patients, without exception, are prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Ibuprofen, Solpadein).
Recently, doctors often include triptans in the course of therapy. The effect of thesedrugs aimed at vasoconstriction. Despite the numerous 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 to reduce pain discomfort.
Features of the disease in pregnant women
Flickering scotoma does not bypass even women in position. Most often, the symptoms of the disorder are observed in the first trimester. This is facilitated by an unhe althy diet, a change in the usual schedule, insomnia against the background of an imbalance of hormones. By the beginning of the second trimester, the discomfort usually disappears.
Self-treatment of the disease is not recommended, since many drugs are prohibited during pregnancy. Without prior consultation with a doctor, you should not use traditional medicine recipes.
It is possible to significantly reduce the frequency of attacks of atrial scotoma during pregnancy if you adhere to the following recommendations:
- completely eliminate physical labor;
- spend more time outdoors;
- avoid stressful situations;
- include more fruits and vegetables in your diet.
If these tips are followed, in some women, atrial scotoma disappears forever.
Prevention Methods
When a person is alreadyhas experienced several attacks of ocular migraine, he knows the reasons for their occurrence. Therefore, the prevention of the disease consists in the prevention of such conditions when the risk of the disorder increases. Preventive measures suggested by doctors may look different. It is enough for some patients to give up addictions, others need to rest more, and the third - to stop taking hormonal drugs. Doctors advise all patients, without exception, to normalize the regime of work and rest, to avoid excessive workload and stress.
