How do I deal with a sudden episode yesterday of double vision and noticing my left eye was higher than the right one? Totally fine after 20 minutes, and no other symptoms at all.

Hello Scomar,

Thank-you for reaching out to Ask a Health Professional  (AAHP) at the Stroke Foundation of Australia.

Given the symptoms you have reported, we would recommend that you seek medical attention as soon as possible today.

• Can someone take you to your nearest emergency hospital today for a Review?

or

• Are you able to call 000 for an ambulance . They will be able to assess you and decide if you need to go to hospital for further investigations or GP follow up.

 Facial weakness, arm weakness and difficulty with speech are the most common symptoms or signs of stroke, but they are not the only signs. 

The following signs of stroke may occur alone or in combination:

• Weakness or numbness or paralysis of the face, arm or leg on either or both sides of the body
• Difficulty speaking or understanding.
• Dizziness, loss of balance or an unexplained fall
• Loss of vision, sudden blurring or decreased vision in one or both eyes
• Headache, usually severe and abrupt onset or unexplained change in the pattern of headaches
• Difficulty swallowing.

I hope this information helps. Please do not hesitate to contact us on StrokeLine 1800 787 653 or email strokeline@strokefoundation.org.au if you need any further assistance after you have followed up with our recommendation to seek urgent medical assistance. We are available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm AEST. 

Kind regards,

Jo (Strokeline)

Doible vision, blurred, eyes different heights… exactly my symptoms. Ophthalmologist examined me, immediately sent me to a retina specialist who told me i had a stroke… in my eyes! Arterial plaque blocked blood to eyes, was informed if blockage was to my brain I may not have survived.

Only (?) ! my eyes but I have no vision in one eye and limited in the other. I can read with magnification but cannot drive safely.. SEEK CARE NOW!

Oh, boy. Very scary. I hope you can get better.

I've seen two eye doctors and my regular doctor twice, including for a physical.

For me, my blood pressure has since gone way down, and I haven't had any more episodes.

Thanks Texas and Scomar for your comments and advice. As mentioned above,  facial weakness, arm weakness and difficulty with speech are the most common symptoms or signs of stroke, but they are not the only signs. 

The following signs of stroke may occur alone or in combination:

• Weakness or numbness or paralysis of the face, arm or leg on either or both sides of the body
• Difficulty speaking or understanding.
• Dizziness, loss of balance or an unexplained fall
• Loss of vision, sudden blurring or decreased vision in one or both eyes
• Headache, usually severe and abrupt onset or unexplained change in the pattern of headaches
• Difficulty swallowing

Therefore, given the symptoms you describe, we recommend urgent medical review with a medical practitioner to discuss the need for a CT/MRI to assess for Stroke.

Kind Regards,

Jo (Strokeline)

We did discuss...they didn't recommend a CT/MRI at this point.