Hi Stacey, I'm not Brian, and I don't really know what I'm talking about, but I'm wondering if you've tried plugging in a desktop screen to the laptop; and if the problem still occurs with that screen?
If it doesn't, that would seem to suggest a problem with the backlight.
Needless to say, be VERY diligent about keeping your laptop backed up at all times, while this problem is persisting.