Kaleidoscope vision is a symptom of migraine. The brain creates a visual illusion of fractured or bright colors, similar to those a person might see through a kaleidoscope. Migraine can affect vision in many ways. Some people see sparkling lights or blind spots, while others experience kaleidoscope vision. Sensory disturbances, or auras, affect around 20% of people with migraine. These disturbances usually last around 20 minutes, but they can last from as little as 5 minutes up to 1 hour. People may also experience kaleidoscope vision due to brain damage or a stroke. This article discusses the causes of kaleidoscope vision, how to get rid of it, and when to see a doctor.

What is kaleidoscope vision? Share on Pinterest Kaleidoscope vision may occur in one or both eyes. When a person has kaleidoscope vision, their brain creates fractured or brightly colored images similar to those a person might see when they look through a kaleidoscope. This visual symptom can occur in one or both eyes but might affect only a small portion of the visual field. Kaleidoscope vision is just one type of aura. Auras occur in response to a sudden increase in neuronal activity. In most cases, auras are due to migraine. Visual auras can occur with or without headache pain and can affect one or both eyes. Auras can also affect a person’s sense of smell, touch, and hearing. There are three types of visual aura: Positive aura : This occurs when a person sees something that is not actually there. This will usually be dark zig-zag lines, dots, or flashing bulbs.

: This occurs when a person sees something that is not actually there. This will usually be dark zig-zag lines, dots, or flashing bulbs. Negative aura : This occurs when a person experiences partial or total vision loss. They may have blind spots, tunnel vision, or total loss of vision in one or both eyes.

: This occurs when a person experiences partial or total vision loss. They may have blind spots, tunnel vision, or total loss of vision in one or both eyes. Altered aura: This neither adds nor subtracts from a person’s vision. Instead, it changes the way a person views the world around them. People who have altered auras might see things move in waves, or objects might appear to them as abnormally large or small. Kaleidoscope vision is a type of altered visual aura.

Causes Most often, migraine causes kaleidoscope vision. However, more serious causes can also bring on this symptom, such as retinal migraine or a stroke, as the following sections discuss. Ocular migraine Migraine episodes with visual symptoms are called visual, or ocular, migraines. Migraine and severe headaches affect approximately 1 in 6 adults in the United States. Around 20% of people with migraine experience some type of aura. Current scientific evidence suggests that ocular migraine occurs due to structural abnormalities in the visual cortex. A 2015 study examined the MRI data of people who have one-sided ocular migraine. According to the authors, the affected and unaffected sides of the brain showed noticeable differences in the thickness of certain areas of the cortex, or gray matter. The authors suggest that this structural difference may make the visual cortex on the affected side significantly more sensitive to neuronal activity. Retinal migraine Retinal migraine may produce symptoms similar to those of ocular migraine, but these are two distinct conditions. Unlike ocular migraine, retinal migraine occurs in response to reduced blood flow to the eye. Retinal migraine causes visual aura symptoms in one eye only. Visual aura symptoms associated with retinal migraine include: a blind spot that may increase in size

flashing lights

temporary blindness in one eye Auras can last 5–60 minutes, after which people may experience throbbing headache pain. Transient ischemic attack or stroke Stroke occurs when something interrupts or blocks the blood supply to the brain. Potential causes of stroke include: blood clots

plaque or fatty deposits

damaged or ruptured blood vessels A transient ischemic attack (TIA), or “mini-stroke,” results from a temporary blockage. This type of stroke lasts only a few minutes, and the symptoms usually disappear within an hour. That said, they can last up to 24 hours. A TIA can indicate a high chance of having a stroke in the future, so it is important that people inform their doctors if they experience any of the following TIA symptoms: numbness or tingling on one side of the body

confusion

difficulty speaking

loss of balance

dizziness If a person suspects a stroke, they should call the emergency services or visit the hospital right away. Learn more about the signs of a stroke and the signs of a TIA here.

Can I get rid of kaleidoscope vision? Currently, no cure exists for migraine. Kaleidoscope vision, along with any other migraine symptoms, will typically go away on their own within an hour. People can take medications that relieve painful symptoms and prevent migraine episodes from developing in the first place. People who experience aura often find relief from sitting or lying down in a dark, quiet room. A drug called erenumab (Aimovig) targets calcitonin receptors to effectively prevent migraine episodes. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have approved its use in adults only. People can discuss treatment options with their doctor. Medications that help treat migraine include: over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, such as ibuprofen

beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers Massaging the scalp and applying a damp cloth to the forehead may help alleviate migraine pain. Having kaleidoscope vision can be frightening, but this symptom will typically pass in a few minutes. People should relax and wait for their vision to return to normal before moving around, driving, or operating machinery.