Ophthalmic Technician

Category - History Taking

A patient who reports seeing an aura consisting of flashing lines in a zigzag pattern may be suffering from
  1. myasthenia gravis.
  2. A blocked tear duct.
  3. iritis.
  4. scintillating scotoma.
Explanation
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.
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