Understanding Unpredictable Episodes of Vision Disturbance
Greetings! To provide some context, I'm a 21-year-old female who contracted COVID in 2021, experiencing significant symptoms for a brief period. I recognize that the realm of ‘long COVID’ is still under extensive investigation, but it was several months to a year post-infection before I began to encounter health issues. By 2022, I had received a diagnosis of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), alongside chronic sinusitis. Over the past couple of years, I have intermittently experienced peculiar episodes during which my vision feels as if it’s fluctuating rapidly. These occurrences are devoid of dizziness, light-headedness, or disorientation; rather, they present as a sensation of shaking, occurring even when my eyes are closed, occasionally coupled with head pressure. Each episode lasts from around 10 seconds to a minute and seems to occur at unpredictable intervals—sometimes several months apart or just a week between instances. Typically, these episodes arise after my workday ends or while I’m relaxing in bed. I often find myself looking at my phone, watching television, reading, or simply lying down with my eyes shut. My family has a history of migraines, including ocular migraines, though my optometrist has ruled out any ocular issues, and my ENT confirmed there are no inner ear problems. My life is notably hectic—I work full-time in a high-pressure environment, attend school full-time, engage in volunteer work, and maintain a relationship, all of which contribute to significant stress. Additionally, I struggle with a chaotic sleep pattern and often neglect my hydration, a challenge I've faced throughout my life. I also endure frequent, debilitating headaches that are usually localized behind my eyes and at the base of my skull, likely influenced by the aforementioned stressors. In the coming weeks, I have an appointment with a neurologist and am attempting to create a clear list of my symptoms to ensure I communicate effectively without being interrupted. My goal is to gain a better understanding of these episodes rather than simply seeking a remedy. If you require any further details or clarification, please feel free to ask! Thank you for your assistance! - Additionally, I would like to clarify that I believe these experiences are unrelated to smoking or alcohol consumption, as I very rarely indulge and didn’t start until I was 19.
Answers (1)
2/12/2026, 6:30:44 AM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your detailed situation. Understanding your episodes of vision disturbance is important, especially given your medical history and the significant stressors in your life.
Summary of Key Points
- You experience unpredictable episodes of vision fluctuations lasting 10 seconds to a minute, often accompanied by head pressure.
- These episodes follow a hectic lifestyle and coincide with stress, disrupted sleep, and dehydration.
- Your family has a history of migraines, but other medical evaluations have ruled out ocular or inner ear issues.
Explanation
The symptoms you describe could be related to a range of factors, such as stress, sleep disturbances, and hydration levels, especially given your diagnosis of POTS and migraines in your family history. Vision disturbances can sometimes occur due to migraine-related phenomena (like ocular migraines) or stress-induced visual symptoms, even if a formal migraine process is not triggered. POTS can further complicate symptom presentation, as changes in blood flow and autonomic function may contribute to your experience.
Actionable Next Steps
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Keep a Symptoms Journal: Continue documenting each episode in detail. Note when they happen, what you were doing, and any preceding factors (stress levels, hydration, sleep quality). This record will be valuable during your neurologist appointment.
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Hydration: Make hydration a priority. Aim for at least 8-10 cups of water daily, adjusting based on your activity level and climate. Consider setting reminders to ensure you drink regularly, especially during a busy day.
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Sleep Hygiene: Focus on establishing a consistent sleep routine. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, and create a relaxing pre-sleep routine to help signal your body to wind down.
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Stress Management: Incorporate stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness, deep-breathing exercises, or short breaks during your work and study sessions. Regular physical activity, even light exercise, can also help manage stress levels.
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Follow-Up with the Neurologist: Prepare your list of symptoms and concerns for your appointment. Discuss your vision episodes comprehensively along with your history of headaches, POTS, and relevant lifestyle factors.
Your upcoming neurologist visit is a crucial step in further understanding your symptoms. Keep advocating for your health, and remember that lifestyle changes can significantly impact your overall well-being. If you have further questions or need more guidance, feel free to ask!
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