[Homonymous hemianopsia in brain tumors]

Homonymous hemianopsia may be caused by tumors in the region of the optic tract, the lateral geniculate body, the optic radiation, and the visual cortex. Tumors are responsible for about two-thirds of the temporal lesions and about one-half to one-third of the parietal and occipital lesions. With brain tumors a chronological sequence of two groups of signs and symptoms is the rule: first the focal symptoms corresponding to the tumor lesion in a defined cerebral area, later the distant effects of the increasing volume of the tumor, which lead to the general signs of increased intracranial pressure. The different types of homonymous hemianopia in tumor lesions along the suprachiasmatic pathway (optic tract, lateral geniculate body, temporal lobe, parietal lobe, occipital lobe) are described and discussed. The general neurological signs and symptoms are briefly reviewed. Demonstration of important cerebral diagnostic examination methods (plain X-ray, electroencephalogram, computer tomogram, nuclear magnetic resonance, angiography). Differential diagnosis of brain tumors (hematomas, abscesses, granulomas, parasites etc.).