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Review
. 2008 Spring;5(2):73-81.

Post-traumatic visual loss

Edward J Atkins  1 , Nancy J Newman, Valérie Biousse
Affiliations
Review

Post-traumatic visual loss

Edward J Atkins et al. Rev Neurol Dis. 2008 Spring.

Abstract

Visual loss following head trauma is common, and the diagnosis can be challenging for the neurologist called to perform an emergency room assessment. The approach to the patient with post-traumatic visual loss is complicated by a wide range of potential ocular and brain injuries with varying pathophysiology. In addition to direct injuries of the eye and orbit, traumatic optic neuropathies, carotid cavernous fistulas, and damage to the intracranial visual pathways are classic causes of visual loss after head trauma. This review provides an update on the diagnosis and management of these conditions.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Blood in the anterior chamber (hyphema) after blunt trauma to the eye and face.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Conjunctival chemosis secondary to orbital congestion in a patient with a direct traumatic carotid cavernous fistula.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Axial CT with contrast showing a dilated right superior ophthalmic vein (arrow) secondary to a direct traumatic carotid cavernous fistula.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Coronal CT showing the dilated right superior ophthalmic vein (arrow), along with diffuse enlargement of the extraocular muscles.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Catheter angiography (lateral view) showing a very dilated superior ophthalmic vein (arrow).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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