Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Practice Exam

What might cause temporary vision disturbances associated with migraines?

1. Increased intracranial pressure

2. Vascular changes in the retina

3. Spasms in the blood vessels of the brain

4. Defective photoreceptors

The correct answer is: Spasms in the blood vessels of the brain

Temporary vision disturbances associated with migraines are primarily attributed to spasms in the blood vessels of the brain. These spasms can lead to a reduction in blood flow to parts of the brain responsible for processing visual information, resulting in symptoms such as visual aura, blurred vision, or even temporary loss of vision during a migraine attack. Spasms can occur in the arteries and veins, and during a migraine, this vascular change affects the way blood circulates throughout the brain, particularly in areas related to vision. As these blood vessels constrict and then dilate, various neurological symptoms, including those affecting sight, can manifest. Other options, while related to vision or neurological conditions, do not directly connect to the specific mechanism by which temporary vision disturbances occur in the context of a migraine. For example, increased intracranial pressure can lead to different kinds of vision problems but is not a typical cause of the transient visual symptoms seen in migraines. Vascular changes in the retina would affect visual perception but are not usually linked to migraine-associated disturbances. Similarly, defective photoreceptors primarily cause stability issues in vision and are not responsible for the changes experienced during a migraine episode. Understanding the role of blood vessel spasms in the context of migraines is crucial in recognizing