Scintillating scotoma is a common visual aura that was first described by 19th-century physician Hubert Airy (1838–1903). Originating from the brain, it may precede a migraine headache, but can also occur acephalgically (without headache), also known as visual migraine or migraine aura. It is often confused with retinal migraine, which originates in the eyeball or socket.