Differential Diagnosis for Black Vision

• Single most likely diagnosis
  • Migraine: This condition can cause transient visual disturbances, including black vision, due to its effects on the brain's blood vessels and neurological pathways.
• Other Likely diagnoses
  • Vitreous detachment: This condition, where the vitreous gel separates from the retina, can cause floaters and flashes of light, potentially leading to temporary black vision.
  • Retinal vein occlusion: A blockage of the veins that carry blood away from the retina, which can cause sudden vision loss, including black vision.
  • Optic neuritis: Inflammation of the optic nerve, which can cause pain and vision loss, including black spots or blindness.
• Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
  • Stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA): Sudden vision loss, including black vision, can be a symptom of a stroke or TIA, which requires immediate medical attention.
  • Giant cell arteritis: Inflammation of the blood vessels, particularly those supplying the eyes, which can cause sudden and severe vision loss if not treated promptly.
  • Retinal detachment: A medical emergency where the retina separates from the back of the eye, causing vision loss, including black vision.
• Rare diagnoses
  • Occipital lobe seizures: Seizures that affect the part of the brain responsible for processing visual information, which can cause transient visual disturbances, including black vision.
  • Choroidal melanoma: A rare type of eye cancer that can cause vision loss, including black spots or blindness, although this would typically be a more gradual process.