Differential Diagnosis for Seeing Spots after Coughing
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Subconjunctival hemorrhage: This condition is characterized by the appearance of spots or blood in the white part of the eye due to a rupture of small blood vessels, which can be caused by increased pressure from coughing.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Valsalva retinopathy: This condition occurs when there is a sudden increase in pressure in the chest, such as during coughing, which can cause blood vessels in the retina to rupture, leading to the appearance of spots or floaters.
- Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD): Although more common in older adults, PVD can be precipitated by activities that increase intraocular pressure, such as coughing, leading to the sensation of seeing spots or floaters.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Retinal detachment: Although less likely, retinal detachment is a medical emergency that can be precipitated by trauma, including the increased intraocular pressure from severe coughing. It presents with sudden onset of floaters, flashes of light, and a curtain or shadow descending over the field of vision.
- Central retinal artery occlusion: This is a rare but serious condition that can present with sudden, painless loss of vision in one eye, sometimes preceded by transient visual disturbances such as seeing spots.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Migraine aura: Some individuals may experience visual auras, including seeing spots or zigzag patterns, as part of a migraine episode, which could potentially be triggered by coughing in susceptible individuals.
- Ocular migraine: Similar to migraine aura, ocular migraines can cause temporary visual disturbances, including seeing spots, but are typically not directly related to coughing unless the coughing triggers a migraine episode.