‘Kaleidoscope vision’ may be migraine aura
DEAR DR. ROACH: Periodically, I suffer from kaleidoscope vision where my peripheral vision in the extreme right or left eye appears that I am looking through broken glass. It started about five years ago, when I was 65. After about 10-15 minutes it disappears. I never get headaches. It does not hinder my eyesight other than being very annoying. I spoke with two internists, and both suggested I see an eye specialist. The eye doctor said it’s nothing to worry about
— F.M.
ANSWER: Sudden changes in vision in a 70-year-old man should raise the concern about a blockage in the arteries to the eye; however, the pattern you are describing sounds most likely to me to be a migraine aura. Some people can develop migraine aura without headache. Many people will describe a “jagged” or “shimmering” appearance, making the diagnosis of migraine aura more likely. Perhaps that is similar to what you are calling “kaleidoscope vision.”
If the eye doctor has done a complete exam and found nothing, that’s a good sign. As an internist, I would take the opportunity to make sure your risk for developing blockages in the arteries is as low as it can be, including a review of blood pressure, smoking, cholesterol, diet, exercise and stress.
DEAR DR. ROACH: My cousin was in
To Your Good Health
his mid-40s when he died of a brain tumor, over 10 years ago. After having similar symptoms, my other cousin, his older sister, who is in her mid-60s, just had surgery to remove a cancerous brain tumor. Is it possible this could be hereditary? Neither of them had any kids, but they have an older brother. Should he get tested? Is this even something you can get tested for?
— J.A.M. ANSWER: Many cancers run in families, some more so than others. Primary brain cancers are uncommon, and there are different types. A primary brain cancer is one that starts in the brain, as opposed to when cancer in a different area of the body spreads to the brain, which is much more common. Many cancers that can metastasize to the brain run in families.
Two of the more common types of primary brain cancers are astrocytomas and glioblastomas. A recent review found that there is a familial component to astrocytomas but not to glioblastomas. People with a family history of astrocytomas are four times more likely to develop one; however, it would still be unusual to develop a brain cancer even with a family history.
The biggest risk for brain cancer is ionizing radiation, such as a person would get from radiation treatment of a childhood cancer. However, back in the 1950s, radiation was used to treat skin infections on the head, which has led to an increased risk of brain cancer in those so treated. Your cousins are not old enough for this kind of exposure, however.
There are some unusual genetic conditions that increase risk for brain tumors, including neurofibromatosis type 2 and multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1.
Since the likelihood of developing a brain tumor is small, even with the family history, I don’t think I would advise screening for their brother. I did look for any studies that might be ongoing to test whether there might be a benefit to screening; unfortunately, I did not find any at clinicaltrials.gov.
What kind of day will today
be? To find out what the stars say, read the forecast given for your birth sign. For Friday, Feb. 19, 2021 ARIES
(March 21 to April 19)
Today you feel energetic and flirtatious! Who knows? A friend might become a lover. (Saucy you.) Be careful and don't do anything you will regret later.
TAURUS
(April 20 to May 20)
Today you feel confident in a jaunty, cavalier way. Because of this, you might impress a boss or someone in authority. (This could develop into a romance or, at least, a flirtation.)
GEMINI
(May 21 to June 20)
Today you are attracted to someone who is "different." In fact, it is this very difference that attracts you! (Geminis are curious and they like variety.)
CANCER
(June 21 to July 22)
Some kind of group attention or perhaps attention from a friend might surprise you today. There's a lot of high energy floating around, and it's hard to know what's happening.
LEO
(July 23 to Aug. 22)
You might be jealous of a partner or close friend today because of their relationship with a boss. Or, perhaps, they are jealous of your relationship with a boss.
VIRGO
(Aug. 23 to Sept. 22)
Work-related flirtations might occur today. Others might feel an attraction for someone as they pursue health interests or something to do with a pet.
LIBRA
(Sept. 23 to Oct. 22)
This is a fun-loving, romantic day! It's an exciting day for a date or a day where you might explore meeting someone new. However, existing relationships will also sizzle!
SCORPIO
(Oct. 23 to Nov. 21)
You have strong feelings about what you want at home, especially regarding redecorating or how you spend money on your home. You intend to assert your desires.
SAGITTARIUS
(Nov. 22 to Dec. 21)
This is a flirtatious day, and you like it. Even if your relations with others are just warm and friendly, it still feels good. Enjoy your day!
CAPRICORN
(Dec. 22 to Jan. 19)
You are ambitious to make money today because you see ways that you can do this. Please be aware that you can attract money to you as well. Oh yes.
AQUARIUS
(Jan. 20 to Feb. 18)
You have a lot of energy right now to put into a relationship. It could be flirtatious. It might even boomerang into an argument. You feel quite assertive!
PISCES
(Feb. 19 to March 20)
Secret romances and behindthe-scenes meetings might take place today. Something secretive is going on, and it might be related to romance. Or perhaps it's just a guilty pleasure.
YOU BORN TODAY: You are hard-working and committed to what you do. Personally, you are a private person. Wonderful news! This is your time of harvest, when you will start to reap the benefits of the seeds that you planted in the past decade. You deserve this time of success! As a result, you might enjoy increased influence and leadership in all your relationships. BIRTHDATE OF: Millie Bobby Brown, actress; Laurell K. Hamilton, author; Smokey Robinson, singer-songwriter.