Ophthalmic Assistant

Answer: D - scintillating scotoma.

Patients suffering from a scintillating scotoma will report seeing an aura consisting of flashing lines in a zigzag pattern extending from the central area to the periphery. Accompanied by a severe headache, scintillating scotomas generally last approximately 20 minutes. A scintillating scotoma is not to be confused with a retinal or ocular migraine, which involve temporary periods of diminished vision or blindness in one eye.