Other Persistent Visual Symptoms
Type: Persistent aura symptom — may last weeks, months, or years. Often bilateral (affecting both sides of vision or both ears). Rare but well-documented.
What is it?
This file covers less common persistent visual symptoms, each reported by only 1 to 5 subjects in the persistent aura population. While individually rare, collectively they represent the wide diversity of visual experiences that can persist after migraine aura begins.
What it feels like
These symptoms vary widely. Autokinesis is the unsettling experience of stationary objects appearing to move or shift when you are not moving your eyes. Diplopia (double vision) is seeing two images instead of one—in monocular diplopia, the double image appears in one eye; in binocular diplopia, double vision occurs when both eyes are open but not when either eye is closed separately. Corona phenomenon is seeing an extra glow or halo surrounding objects. Visual hallucinations may take geometric forms (lines, lattice patterns, kaleidoscope shapes, curves) that appear spontaneously. Pelopsia and teleopsia are distortions of distance perception—objects appear closer or farther away than they actually are. Polyopia is seeing multiple copies of the same object. Cinematographic vision is the disturbing experience of perceiving motion as a series of still frames rather than smooth, continuous movement. Closed-eye hallucinations are visual experiences that occur only when your eyes are closed.
How patients describe it
“Yep I get them - yuk: Lots of visual disturbances with coloured zig-zags that flash with tunnel vision. For me, the first sign of an impending migraine is an inability to recognise faces.” — P.J.
“Aura can vary soooo much from person to person… Sometimes my surrounding take on an odd orange/yellow color before a migraine strikes.” — M.
“When I was looking at the cover of a clothbound book, with a decorative border and the title in the center. When I looked at the title, it disappeared… The texture and appearance of the fabric extended across the blind spot.” — D.P.B.S.
Subtypes
Autokinesis
Stationary objects appear to move or shift (5 subjects). Objects you know are still seem to drift, rotate, or vibrate.
Monocular Diplopia
Double vision within one eye (4 subjects). Closing one eye does not eliminate the double image.
Binocular Diplopia
Double vision using both eyes (2 subjects). Closing either eye eliminates the double image.
Corona Phenomenon
Extra glow or halo surrounding objects (2 subjects). Objects appear to have a luminous border or aura around them.
Visual Hallucinations - Line Form
Persistent visual hallucinations of lines (2 subjects). You see linear patterns that are not present in the environment.
Visual Hallucinations - Lattice Form
Persistent visual hallucinations of lattice or grid patterns (2 subjects). Geometric, interlocking patterns appear in your visual field.
Visual Hallucinations - Kaleidoscope Form
Persistent visual hallucinations of kaleidoscope or symmetrical patterns (2 subjects). Complex, symmetrical designs appear spontaneously.
Visual Hallucinations - Curve Form
Persistent visual hallucinations of curved forms (1 subject). Curved lines, waves, or undulating shapes appear in the visual field.
Closed-Eye Hallucinations
Visual hallucinations that occur only when eyes are closed (1 subject). Opening eyes makes the hallucinations disappear.
Pelopsia and Teleopsia
Objects appearing nearer (pelopsia) or farther away (teleopsia) than they actually are (1 subject each). Depth perception is distorted.
Polyopia
Seeing multiple copies of the same object (1 subject). Objects appear to be replicated in the visual field.
Cinematographic Vision
Motion appears as a series of still frames rather than smooth, continuous movement (1 subject). Moving scenes look like stop-motion or a film run too slowly.
What makes it worse
These symptoms often worsen during or shortly after migraine attacks. Visual stimuli, bright light, high-contrast environments, and patterns can intensify symptoms. Stress, fatigue, and lack of sleep may exacerbate persistent visual symptoms. Some patients report worsening when focusing intently on visual tasks or when moving the eyes rapidly.
What may help
Visual rest and reducing exposure to bright or high-contrast environments may provide relief. Dark glasses and tinted lenses can help manage light sensitivity associated with these symptoms. Stress reduction and adequate sleep support visual function. Mindfulness and distraction techniques may help patients manage the distress associated with visual hallucinations. Cognitive behavioural therapy can help patients understand and adapt to persistent visual changes.
Related symptoms
- Visual snow or static vision
- Visual perseveration (afterimages and trails)
- Photophobia (light sensitivity)
- Visual loss or reduced acuity
Clinical note
Each of these symptoms is rare individually, but collectively they highlight the wide range of possible visual aura manifestations that can persist. Neurological and neuro-ophthalmological evaluation is important to document these symptoms and rule out other causes. A normal brain MRI and eye examination help confirm persistent aura without infarction. These symptoms, while visually distressing, do not indicate progressive eye disease or neurodegeneration.
If this is the first time you experience these symptoms, or they feel different from previous episodes, seek medical evaluation to rule out other causes.