Late onset reversible cortical blindness following electrocution

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Ophthalmology
• Radiology

Background:

• Neurological injury following electrocution is a recognized phenomenon.
• Clinical presentations of electrocution injuries are diverse.
• Delayed onset of symptoms after electrocution is less common but documented.

Observation:

• An elderly male experienced acute bilateral visual blurring and headache one week post-electrocution.
• Clinical assessment suggested a cortical lesion.
• Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) showed symmetrical diffusion restriction in parietal and occipital lobes.

Findings:

• The patient's visual symptoms and headache were attributed to electrocution-induced brain injury.
• Diffusion restriction on MRI indicated cytotoxic edema in specific brain regions.
• Prompt treatment with intravenous steroids led to significant symptom improvement.

Implications:

• This case underscores the potential for delayed neurological sequelae after electrocution.
• It highlights visual disturbances as a presenting symptom of post-electrocution brain injury.
• The findings suggest that early recognition and steroid treatment may be beneficial for such injuries.