Pediatric acquired brain injury

Marie I Bodack1

  • 1Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229-3039, USA. marie.bodack@cchmc.org

Optometry (St. Louis, Mo.)
|August 19, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric patients experiencing acquired brain injury (ABI) can develop diverse vision problems. Early optometric intervention is crucial for these children, regardless of symptom presentation.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Optometry

Background:

  • Acquired brain injury (ABI) in children often results from traumatic brain injury (TBI).
  • Pediatric ABI research frequently overlooks vision impairments specific to this age group.
  • Unlike adults, pediatric ABI studies predominantly focus on TBI from accidents.

Observation:

  • This case series examined four pediatric patients (ages 3-18) with internally caused brain injuries.
  • Patients presented with visual deficits post-injury, affecting acuity, binocularity, motility, accommodation, visual fields, or visual-perceptual skills.
  • Examinations were conducted at a children's hospital's ophthalmology/optometry clinic.

Findings:

  • Pediatric patients exhibit a range of oculo-visual problems following head injuries.
  • Vision issues can manifest in various domains, including visual acuity and visual-field defects.
  • Symptoms may be present or absent, highlighting the need for comprehensive visual assessment.

Implications:

  • Head injuries in children can lead to significant and varied visual impairments.
  • Optometric intervention can positively impact visual function in pediatric ABI patients.
  • Early detection and management of vision problems are essential for optimal recovery in children with ABI.
Abstract

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