Differential Diagnosis for Brief Binocular Vision Loss
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Migraine: This is often the most common cause of transient, brief binocular vision loss, especially if accompanied by headache, nausea, or other migraine symptoms. The visual disturbance can be part of a migraine aura.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Dry eyes or eye strain: Prolonged use of computers, reading, or other activities that reduce blink rate can cause temporary vision blurriness or loss.
- Vasovagal syncope or presyncope: A temporary decrease in blood flow to the brain can cause brief episodes of binocular vision loss, often accompanied by dizziness or fainting.
- Papilledema: Increased intracranial pressure can cause transient visual obscurations, which are brief episodes of vision loss in one or both eyes.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Although less common, a stroke or TIA can cause sudden, brief vision loss in one or both eyes and is a medical emergency.
- Giant Cell Arteritis: This condition can cause sudden, transient vision loss, especially in older adults, and requires immediate medical attention to prevent permanent vision loss.
- Retinal detachment: Symptoms can include sudden flashes of light and floaters, followed by a shadow or curtain descending over the field of vision, which is a medical emergency.
- Rare diagnoses
- Multiple Sclerosis: Optic neuritis, which can cause vision loss, is a common presenting symptom of multiple sclerosis, but brief binocular vision loss is less typical.
- Pituitary apoplexy: A rare condition where a pituitary tumor suddenly hemorrhages or infarcts, leading to acute symptoms including vision loss.
- Occipital lobe seizures: These can cause transient visual disturbances, including binocular vision loss, but are relatively rare.