A migraine with scotoma is a type of ocular migraine that involves a complete or partial loss of vision, usually affecting one eye.

Some people may have scintillations around a scotoma, which may look like a semicircle of white, gray, or kaleidoscope-like colors surrounding the area of vision loss.

People may notice a migraine headache alongside or within 60 minutesTrusted Source of these visual symptoms. However, some research suggests older adults may be more likely to not experience a headache after visual migraine symptoms.

According to a 2019 reviewTrusted Source, scotoma is one of the most common visual aura symptoms that people with migraine report.

Migraine aura symptoms, which are neurological symptoms that occur before or during a migraine, may last up to 60 minutesTrusted Source. When they resolve, a person tends to regain their lost vision before other symptoms ease.

Partial or complete loss of vision during a migraine episode can be concerning. Anyone who experiences a sudden change in vision needs prompt medical attention, as this could indicate serious underlying issues, including:

If a doctor rules out other causes and diagnoses the person with visual aura, symptoms will typically resolve by themselves. People may not needTrusted Source treatment if these episodes occur infrequently, such as around once per month.

If people experience frequent migraine symptoms, they may benefit from speaking with a healthcare professional. Initially, they may work with a person to identify potential triggers of their migraine symptoms.

Individuals always need to consult with a healthcare professional if they experience visual symptoms, including scotoma, as these can indicate a serious brain or eye issue.

The triggers for any migraine can cause a migraine with scotoma. CommonTrusted Source potential triggers for migraine include:

Keeping a symptom diary may help people identify triggers of their migraine symptoms so they can avoid them and reduce the risk of a future migraine.

Other strategies to prevent migraine include:

If avoiding triggers does not prevent migraine symptoms, a healthcare professional may prescribe medications. The most suitable medications may depend on the type of migraine a person has.

Doctors commonly recommend medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). They may also be able to suggest preventive treatment if someone has frequent or disruptive migraine episodes. Examples include:

A doctor will need to rule out other potential causes of a person’s visual symptoms during their diagnosis.

They will consider underlying medical conditions, other medications a person takes, and any medication contraindications. These are medications a person should not take due to another health issue.