Fortification spectra

Teichopsia

• visual aura in migraine that is described as
  • the fortification spectra, or teichopsia
    • this phenomenon -so characteristic that it may be considered almost as pathognomonic of migraine
      • is characterized by a series of complex interlacing angulated black-and-white (less frequently colorful) flickering and scintillating lines and bars that start as a small greyish spot in the visual field, more often paracentrally, less frequently at the center, growing over time from near the center towards the periphery, leaving a scotoma behind (1)
      • also known as "fortification spectra" because of its resemblance to the fortifications of a castle or fort seen from above
        
        
    • term, Greek for "town-wall vision" based on a series of descriptions of the positive phenomena of aura being angular, like those of fortifications, dating back to a 1778 paper by the physician John Fothergill (2)

Contributor:

Dr Mukesh Mistry, GP with Specialist Interest in Diabetes and Lipids (March 14th 2023)

Reference:

• Hadjikhani N, Vincent M. Visual Perception in Migraine: A Narrative Review. Vision (Basel). 2021 Apr 28;5(2):20.
• Weatherall MW. From "Transient Hemiopsia" to Migraine Aura. Vision (Basel). 2021 Nov 5;5(4):54. doi: 10.3390/vision5040054.