Dissociated horizontal deviation after traumatic brain injury

Tae-Eun Lee1, Deok-Sun Cha, Seong-Beom Koh

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, Korea University College of Medicine, Ansan, Korea.

Insights

A young boy developed significant exotropia following a traumatic brain hemorrhage and subsequent surgery. Surgical intervention successfully realigned his eyes, resolving the major deviation.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Neurology
  • Trauma Surgery

Background:

  • A 4-year-old boy presented with significant exotropia after a traumatic brain hemorrhage.
  • The patient had a history of decompressive craniectomy and cranioplasty 18 months prior.

Observation:

  • Pre-operative assessment revealed large angle exotropia exceeding 50 prism diopters (PD) in the left eye and 30 PD in the right eye.
  • Brain imaging showed hypodense changes in the right middle cerebral artery and anterior cerebral artery territories, with subfalcian herniation.

Findings:

  • The patient underwent surgical correction with a left lateral rectus recession and left medial rectus resection.
  • Post-operatively, orthotropia was achieved on Hirschberg testing, with residual small deviations noted on alternate prism cover testing.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the potential for dissociated horizontal deviation following traumatic brain injury and neurosurgery.
  • Surgical management can effectively address significant strabismus secondary to intracranial pathology.
  • Early recognition and intervention are crucial for managing post-traumatic ocular motility disorders.

Related Concept Videos

Traumatic Brain Injury l: Introduction01:28

Traumatic Brain Injury l: Introduction

DefinitionTraumatic brain injury, or TBI, is a disturbance of normal brain function induced by an external mechanical force, such as a direct blow to the head or a penetrating injury. It can affect both brain structure and function, producing a wide range of clinical outcomes. TBI is a heterogeneous condition, meaning its effects may differ based on the type, location, and severity of the injury.Basis of ClassificationTBI is classified based on severity, injury mechanism, or pathophysiology. In...
Dissociative Disorders01:27

Dissociative Disorders

Dissociative disorders represent complex psychological conditions characterized by disruptions in consciousness, memory, identity, or perception. These disruptions cause individuals to experience a disconnection from their thoughts, emotions, and memories. The phenomenon is not merely an occasional lapse in attention but a profound alteration in mental functioning that can severely impact daily life.
Dissociative Fugue
A hallmark feature of dissociative disorders is the dissociative fugue...
Secondary Spinal Cord Injury llI: Pathophysiology01:25

Secondary Spinal Cord Injury llI: Pathophysiology

Early Ischemia and Ionic ImbalanceWithin minutes of spinal cord injury, a secondary cascade begins, progressing over hours to weeks. Vascular damage reduces blood flow, causing ischemia and mitochondrial dysfunction. ATP depletion leads to ion pump failure, membrane depolarization, sodium influx, potassium efflux, and water accumulation, resulting in cellular swelling. Increased intracellular calcium further disrupts mitochondria and accelerates cellular injury.Excitotoxicity and Neuronal...