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Acute angle closure glaucoma following head and orbital trauma
D M L Tse1, A G Titchener, N Sarkies
1Emergency Department, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK. donald.tse@gmail.com
Emergency Medicine Journal : EMJ
|November 26, 2009
Summary
A 52-year-old woman developed acute angle closure glaucoma after head trauma. Prompt diagnosis and treatment prevented complications, emphasizing its importance post-injury.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neurology
- Trauma Medicine
Background:
- Head and orbital trauma can present with varied symptoms.
- Unilateral headache, vomiting, and photophobia are common post-trauma complaints.
Observation:
- A 52-year-old female presented with unilateral headache, vomiting, and photophobia two days after minor head and orbital trauma.
- Symptoms were initially attributed to the head injury.
- Development of severe visual impairment and a dilated, unreactive pupil indicated a more serious underlying condition.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with acute angle closure glaucoma.
- The condition was successfully treated without complications.
Implications:
- Acute angle closure glaucoma should be considered in patients presenting with unilateral headache and a dilated pupil following head injury.
- Early recognition and intervention are crucial for managing this ophthalmic emergency after trauma.
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