Can eye flicker be caused by problems in the cervical spine? | Flickering eyes

Can eye flicker be caused by problems in the cervical spine?

A flickering of the eyes, which is caused by problems in the cervical spine (cervical spine), is usually due to a circulatory disorder. The brain is mainly supplied by two different blood streams: The front and middle parts of the brain are supplied with blood via the carotid vessels (carotid artery). These vessels flow laterally along the front of the neck.

The rear and lower part of the brain, on the other hand, is mainly supplied by the vertebral arteries. These are the vessels that transport blood to the brain along the spinal column. So if there are problems in the cervical spine, the blood flow in these vessels can be disturbed.

As a result, the rear parts of the brain are poorly supplied with blood. Since the visual cortex, i.e. the part of the brain in which the electrical signals from the eye are processed, is located at the back of the head, it can also be undersupplied if the blood supply to the vertebral arteries is disturbed. An undersupply of the visual cortex in turn leads to visual disturbances such as flickering of the eyes, loss of visual field or flashes of light. Typically, the vertebral vessels can be damaged, for example, when the cervical spine is dislocated.

The flickering of the eyes during pregnancy

During pregnancy, eye flickering occurs for a variety of reasons. Often during pregnancy a circulatory problem is the cause of the discomfort. For example, eye flutter first occurs in the first weeks of pregnancy, when the body has to get used to the hormonal and physical changes.

Often the so-called morning sickness occurs in this phase. Especially women who vomit frequently can suffer from a lack of fluid and electrolytes (blood salts). This can also disrupt the circulation and lead to flickering eyes.

These symptoms occur particularly frequently when changing position. For example, the eyes flicker when the affected women have to get up from a sitting or lying position. In the late stages of pregnancy the circulation is also particularly strained.

Water retention in the legs often occurs; this fluid is withdrawn from the circulation and can therefore lead to circulatory problems with flickering eyes. The hormonal changes during pregnancy can also cause flickering of the eyes. Pregnant women are more often exhausted and tired, they need more rest.

This reduced physical performance can also be noticeable in overexertion by flickering eyes. Flickering during pregnancy is rarely a disease of the eye itself.