Total Isolated Monocular Vision Loss in a Patient Who Suffered Closed Head Injury

Abstract

Background: Head injuries are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in children and young adults. There are multiple sight-threatening complications of head injury, even in closed head injury without visible violation of the globe or orbits. One such entity is traumatic optic neuropathy.

Case report: Herein we describe a case of traumatic optic neuropathy in an otherwise healthy teenage patient who suffered total monocular vision loss after a fall and without any other injuries on examination. Unfortunately, the prognosis for this condition is relatively poor in terms of visual recovery. Though much research has been conducted attempting to treat this condition, to date there have been no studies showing a clear benefit of medical or surgical intervention. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? Although there is no proven treatment for traumatic optic neuropathy, emergency physicians may encounter this in their practice while caring for both pediatric and adult patients presenting with head injury. Having more background knowledge on this condition will enhance emergency physicians' ability to consult with subspecialist providers as well as to educate patients and their families on their condition and prognosis.

Keywords: blindness; closed head injury; head trauma; pediatric; trauma; traumatic optic neuropathy; vision loss.