Abstract |
Visual abnormalities following closed head trauma are common and can affect any part of the visual pathway. We reviewed 181 consecutive patients referred with visual complaints following closed head trauma. A motor vehicle accident was the most common etiology of trauma in 57% of cases, direct trauma to the head in 15%, and injuries sustained from a fall in 13%. Sixty-three percent of patients lost consciousness and 26% suffered a skull fracture. Thirty-five percent of all patients had visual field defects with functional (tunnel) fields the most common. Over 88% of eyes had 20/20 or better visual acuity. Thirty-three percent of patients suffered a cranial nerve palsy, with 75% resolving without intervention. The severity of head injury was directly related to the lack of proper seat belt and helmet use. Most visual complaints were improved with a simple refraction. Most binocular diplopia cleared with time, with only 15 cases requiring surgical correction.
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Authors | N R Sabates, M A Gonce, B K Farris |
Journal | Journal of clinical neuro-ophthalmology
(J Clin Neuroophthalmol)
Vol. 11
Issue 4
Pg. 273-7
(Dec 1991)
ISSN: 0272-846X [Print] United States |
PMID | 1838548
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Topics |
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Aged
- Child
- Child, Preschool
- Cranial Nerve Diseases
(complications, etiology)
- Female
- Head Injuries, Closed
(complications)
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Paralysis
(complications, etiology)
- Referral and Consultation
- Retrospective Studies
- Skull Fractures
(diagnosis)
- Strabismus
(etiology)
- Vision Disorders
(diagnosis, etiology)
- Visual Acuity
- Visual Fields
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