Related Experiment Videos
[Cortical blindness after vertebral artery occlusion]
Neurologia I Neurochirurgia Polska
|January 1, 1982
Summary
Sudden cortical blindness in older men with cardiovascular issues may signal vertebrobasilar insufficiency. Prompt diagnosis is possible with additional neurological symptoms, avoiding invasive arteriography.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and atherosclerosis are common in older adults.
- Vertebrobasilar insufficiency can lead to diverse neurological deficits.
- Cortical blindness is a rare but significant neurological presentation.
Observation:
- Five male patients (38-69 years) with pre-existing cardiac conditions presented with sudden cortical blindness.
- Associated symptoms included asynergia, delirium, and pyramidal syndrome.
- Lesions in both occipital lobes were confirmed via imaging or autopsy.
Findings:
- Vertebral artery occlusion or stenosis was identified in 4 patients.
- Brainstem damage led to a lethal outcome in 3 cases.
- The constellation of symptoms facilitated clinical diagnosis of vertebrobasilar insufficiency.
Implications:
- Clinical diagnosis of vertebrobasilar insufficiency is feasible without arteriography when specific symptoms are present.
- Conservative treatment approaches are recommended.
- Understanding this presentation is crucial for timely intervention in at-risk populations.