Scintillating Scotoma

A scintillating scotoma is also known as a visual migraine and sometimes precedes a migraine headache but can also occur without a headache (acephalically). It is often confused with an ocular migraine, which originates in the eyeball or socket. It appears as a pattern of flashing and shimmering lights in the center of the visual field although it doesn't affect vision outside the scotomal area. Also known known as a visual aura, it can indicate that a migraine headache is about to occur.