Differential Diagnosis for Bright Visual Flashes
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Migraine with aura: Bright visual flashes, also known as photopsia, are a common symptom of migraine auras, which are neurological symptoms that occur before a migraine headache.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD): As people age, the vitreous gel in the eye can shrink and pull away from the retina, causing bright flashes of light.
- Retinal detachment: A retinal detachment can cause sudden, bright flashes of light, especially if it is related to a retinal tear.
- Ocular migraine: Ocular migraines can cause bright, flashing lights, often without a subsequent headache.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Retinal vein occlusion: Although less common, retinal vein occlusion can cause sudden, bright flashes of light and is a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment.
- Central retinal artery occlusion: This is another medical emergency that can cause sudden, painless loss of vision, sometimes accompanied by bright flashes of light.
- Rare diagnoses
- Occipital lobe seizures: In rare cases, seizures originating in the occipital lobe can cause visual disturbances, including bright flashes of light.
- Charles Bonnet syndrome: This is a rare condition that causes visual hallucinations, including bright flashes of light, in people with significant vision loss.
- Vitamin B12 deficiency: A severe deficiency in vitamin B12 can cause a range of neurological symptoms, including visual disturbances such as bright flashes of light.