Her eye tests were normal, but the pain wasn’t: CMC Vellore neurologist shares the hidden cause

At 35, Anjali seemed to have it all: a thriving career, respect from colleagues, and a life built on meticulous routine. Yet behind her sharp suits and polished presentations, she battled an invisible torment. For six months, she endured excruciating, needle-like pain behind her right eye that refused to ease. Eye tests came back flawless, leaving her frustrated and desperate for answers. It wasn’t until she consulted Dr Sudhir Kumar, a CMC-Vellore-trained neurologist at Apollo, that the real source of her suffering was uncovered, revealing a hidden pattern of migraine masquerading as eye pain.

Anjali’s pain was relentless, recurring three to four times a month and lasting hours or even days. She initially blamed screen strain, trying to push through late-night shifts and demanding deadlines. Despite consulting two ophthalmologists who confirmed her eyes were perfectly healthy, the pain dictated her life. It flared after restless nights, skipped meals, and stressful workdays, subtly tracing the connection between her lifestyle and her body’s silent signals. The normal eye exams were not a solution but a clue pointing toward the true source of her suffering.



Recognising the need for a broader perspective, Anjali visited Dr Sudhir Kumar, who identified the culprit: migraine. Often misunderstood as only intense headaches, migraines can masquerade as localised pain, sinus pressure, or tension. In Anjali’s case, the brain’s pain-processing pathways were at fault, not the eyes themselves.


With the correct diagnosis, targeted medications, and lifestyle adjustments, she began reclaiming control over her health. Prioritising sleep, regular meals, and consistent treatment, Anjali’s piercing eye pain gradually subsided, restoring her focus, productivity, and well-being.


The case underscores a vital lesson: not all eye pain originates from the eyes, and not all headaches present in the head. The body communicates in complex signals, often disguised as misleading symptoms. Dr Sudhir Kumar’s insight reminds patients and practitioners alike that persistent pain with normal tests warrants a deeper investigation into neurological causes. For those experiencing unexplained discomfort, identifying the source, rather than just treating symptoms, can transform suffering into recovery.