Post-decompression optic neuropathy

Blindness resulting from a decompressive craniotomy is uncommon. Five patients with intracranial tumors and papilledema who developed a bilateral optic neuropathy during an apparently uncomplicated craniotomy are presented. Symptoms of visual field loss were minimal preoperatively in four. Visual recovery in general was poor. The nerve fiber bundle pattern of visual field loss in these cases implicates the optic disc as the site of damage in this disorder. It is postulated that hypoperfusion to the prelaminar portion of the optic nerve is the underlying cause.