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Updated: Jul 29, 2026
05:30
Controlled Cortical Impact Model for Traumatic Brain Injury
Published on: August 5, 2014
Astereopsis caused by traumatic brain injury
L J Miller1, W Mittenberg, V M Carey
1Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Health Sciences Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA.
Summary
Head trauma frequently causes impaired depth perception (astereopsis), affecting 24% of patients. This visual deficit, linked to injury severity, increases risks for falls and accidents.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Ophthalmology
- Trauma Research
Background:
- Impaired depth perception (astereopsis) is a known consequence of posterior parietal lobe damage.
- Head trauma can lead to various neurological deficits, including visual impairments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and severity of astereopsis in head trauma patients.
- To identify factors associated with astereopsis following head injury.
- To assess the clinical significance of astereopsis in this population.
Main Methods:
- Studied 93 consecutive head trauma admissions.
- Assessed depth perception using stereoacuity screening.
- Correlated astereopsis with Glasgow Coma Scale scores, posttraumatic amnesia, cognitive abilities, and intracranial pathology.
Main Results:
- 24% of patients exhibited complete astereopsis; 41% performed significantly below controls.
- Impairment correlated with trauma severity, cognitive deficits, and parietal lobe pathology.
- Astereopsis was also observed in patients without visualized intracranial pathology, suggesting diffuse axonal injury.
Conclusions:
- Astereopsis is a common and significant deficit after head trauma.
- Simple stereoacuity screening can identify patients at risk.
- Undiagnosed astereopsis may elevate the risk of falls and motor vehicle accidents.
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