I'm getting zigzags in my vision - could this be a kind of migraine? DR ELLIE ... trends now
I keep experiencing an alarming problem where I get a zigzag wavy line before my eye which obscures my sight. While I don't get a headache when it occurs, I wonder if this could be some sort of migraine?
Dr Ellie replies: Strange lines within your field of vision alongside a change in sight absolutely warrants a review with an optician.
They will be able to examine the retina – the back of the eye – as well as the blood vessels and the optic nerve, which could all be connected to this problem. They will also check for glaucoma, where the optic nerve has been damaged by a build up of fluid.
It is true that strange visual effects could be part of a migraine condition. There is a very specific – and rare – type called a retinal migraine. This may only affect the eyes and not cause a headache. It is thought to be related to the blood vessels in the eye narrowing.
A retinal migraine comes on suddenly and can cause sight loss for up to an hour, or it may cause a missing patch of sight.
Other symptoms can include blurry vision and seeing flashing lights, wavy lines or even coloured spots.
However, it is important not to self-diagnose this – a thorough examination is needed.
As with all migraines, there may be certain triggers for each individual such as stress, caffeine and dehydration. It may be worse for people with high blood pressure, so it is worth getting your blood pressure checked at a pharmacy.
A GP can prescribe migraine medications, but paracetamol or ibuprofen are reasonable to use if they work.
I've recently started getting strange sinus problems, along with pins and needles in my face. My ears become blocked like I'm on a plane, which causes me to feel dizzy, and my eyesight is affected. Could this be related to my underactive thyroid medicine, thyroxine, which I take every day?
Dr Ellie replies: This is not the first time that I've been asked about thyroxine and sinus issues, and yet these problems are not listed as an official side effect of the drug.
We do know that people with thyroid conditions can experience sinus issues, hearing problems and nasal congestion. However, this would be more likely if the condition wasn't well controlled.
There are also other reasons you might be experiencing sinus problems. Sleeping can put pressure on the sinuses, which is why many people experience nasal congestion in the morning.
Going from lying to standing, as we do in the morning, causes fluid to move within the ears and sinuses, and can trigger minor swelling. It also happens that most of those on thyroxine take the tablet in the morning, which might explain why people connect it with sinus problems.
It might be worth changing the time you take the drug, just as a trial, to see if the time the symptoms arise also moves.
Any symptom that you believe is directly related to a medicine you take should be reported to the medical safety regulator, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency. The agency runs a Yellow Card scheme where side effects can be logged. You can do this online or by asking a GP or pharmacist.
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