Transient blindness after lumbar epidural steroid injection: a case report and literature review.
METHODS
A case report of transient blindness after lumbar epidural steroids is presented.


OBJECTIVE
To report the diagnosis and treatment of a case of blindness after administration of lumbar epidural steroids.


BACKGROUND
Nine previous cases of blindness after lumbar epidural injection for back pain were identified. Retinal hemorrhages were identified on ophthalmologic examination in all cases.


METHODS
The 1-year follow up evaluation of a 39-year-old male who sustained transient blindness after administration of lumbar epidural steroids is reported.


RESULTS
At 1 year, the patient had significant return of vision, but it did not improve back to baseline.


CONCLUSIONS
Transient blindness is a rare complication of lumbar epidural injection. The pathophysiology and prevention of this rare entity is reviewed.
Young
William F
WF
Department of Neurosurgery, Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Wfymd@aol.com
D000328:Adult; D015360:Analgesia, Epidural / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001416:Back Pain / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D001766:Blindness / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D048909:Diabetes Complications; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008161:Lumbosacral Region; D008297:Male; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012166:Retinal Hemorrhage / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D013256:Steroids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*
D013256:Steroids; D008775:Methylprednisolone