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Visual hallucinations on eye closure after orthopedic surgery under general anesthesia
Sumi Otomo1, Michiko Sugita, Toshiyuki Yano
1Department of Anesthesiology, Kumamoto Chuo Hospital, Kumamoto, Japan.
Journal of Anesthesia
|November 18, 2008
Summary
A patient experienced unique visual hallucinations only when closing her eyes after hip surgery. These vivid, realistic hallucinations resolved within four days, highlighting a specific post-anesthesia phenomenon.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neurology
- Anesthesiology
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis patients may undergo hip arthroplasty.
- General and epidural anesthesia are common for hip replacement surgery.
- Postoperative visual disturbances can occur but are not fully understood.
Observation:
- A 61-year-old woman reported visual hallucinations exclusively upon eye closure post-hip arthroplasty.
- Hallucinations featured vivid, realistic objects and appeared shortly after surgery.
- Symptoms resolved spontaneously within four days, with normal consciousness.
Findings:
- The case presents a distinct type of visual hallucination linked to eye closure.
- The phenomenon occurred in a patient with no prior neurological or psychological history.
- The specific triggers and mechanisms remain unclear.
Implications:
- This case highlights a rare, transient visual disturbance post-anesthesia.
- Further research is needed to understand the neurobiological basis of closed-eye hallucinations.
- Clinicians should be aware of this potential, albeit uncommon, postoperative symptom.
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