Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2026

05:20
A Murine Model of Ischemic Retinal Injury Induced by Transient Bilateral Common Carotid Artery Occlusion
Published on: November 12, 2020
Temporary blindness associated with traumatic asphyxia
R H Purdy1, T H Cogbill, J Landercasper
1Department of Surgery, Gundersen/Lutheran Medical Center, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601.
The Journal of Emergency Medicine
|September 1, 1988
Summary
Traumatic asphyxia, a rare condition from chest crush injuries, can cause temporary blindness. This vision loss likely results from temporary retinal vein hypertension and vasospasm.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Trauma Surgery
Background:
- Traumatic asphyxia is a rare syndrome characterized by craniocervical cyanosis, facial petechiae, and subconjunctival hemorrhages.
- It occurs after severe crush injuries to the thorax.
Observation:
- Ocular manifestations of traumatic asphyxia are seldom reported.
- A 42-year-old male experienced temporary blindness following traumatic asphyxia.
Findings:
- The patient's vision returned to normal within 24 hours.
- The probable cause is transient retinal vein hypertension and reflex vasospasm.
Implications:
- This case highlights a unique ocular finding in traumatic asphyxia.
- Understanding the pathogenesis may aid in managing similar ocular complications.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Glaucoma: Overview
Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. The human eye has various components, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and optic nerve. Aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelium of the ciliary body in the posterior chamber and flows through the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork and the canal...
Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment
Angle-closure glaucoma, or closed-angle glaucoma, is an eye condition where the iris bulges out and blocks the iridocorneal angle, resulting in a buildup of aqueous humor and increased intraocular pressure. Immediate medical attention is necessary due to the sudden onset of symptoms. The treatment for angle-closure glaucoma includes short-term and long-term approaches. Short-term treatment involves using eye drops like pilocarpine to lower intraocular pressure by increasing aqueous humor...
Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways
At the molecular level, visual signals trigger transformations in photopigment molecules, resulting in changes in the photoreceptor cell's membrane potential. The photon's energy level is denoted by its wavelength, with each specific wavelength of visible light associated with a distinct color. The spectral range of visible light, classified as electromagnetic radiation, spans from 380 to 720 nm. Electromagnetic radiation wavelengths exceeding 720 nm fall under the infrared category, whereas...
Prosopagnosia
Prosopagnosia, also known as face blindness, is the inability to recognize faces. In severe cases, individuals with prosopagnosia may not recognize close family members, including parents and spouses, by their faces. For instance, someone with prosopagnosia might walk past their child in a crowd, only realizing their mistake upon noticing their child's distinctive backpack or favorite jacket. Prosopagnosia specifically impairs facial recognition, while the recognition of other objects or...
Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a brief episode of neurological dysfunction caused by a temporary, focal reduction in cerebral blood flow. Although symptoms resemble those of an ischemic stroke, the interruption in perfusion is short-lived and does not cause permanent infarction. TIAs are clinically important because they often serve as early warning events for future stroke.Mechanisms of Transient Cerebral IschemiaTransient cerebral ischemia may arise through several mechanisms. One...
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...

