Fixed, dilated pupils following traumatic brain injury: historical perspectives, causes and ophthalmological sequelae

Pupillary abnormalities are commonly seen in patients presenting with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). The objectives of this study were to determine the underlying condition responsible, the natural history of recovery of third nerve palsy and the ultimate clinical outcome in 60 patients admitted to a regional neurosurgical centre with a diagnosis of TBI and unilateral or bilateral fixed, dilated pupils (FDP). In approximately three-quarters of cases, some form of road traffic incident was the mechanism of injury. In patients presenting with a unilateral FDP, the CT-defined condition was most commonly diffuse brain injury (49%) with no obvious lateralising condition. In 34% of cases CT demonstrated a lateralising condition ipsilateral to the side of the FDP and in 9% cases the FDP was contralateral to the side of the CT abnormality. Of those patients who survived an FDP, 72% were left with some form of ophthalmological deficit. Most patients with bilateral FDP did not survive (88%); however, of those who did survive, none was left in a persistent vegetative state or with any ophthalmological sequelae. A FDP is a grave prognostic sign following TBI commonly resulting in long term ophthalmological sequelae; however, a favourable outcome is still attainable.