Optic neuropathy resulting from indirect trauma.
Minor blunt injury to the head and face may result in optic nerve contusion with secondary optic atrophy. The resulting visual loss is devastating for the individual. We report an uncommon but important complication that may result from an apparently trivial injury. Early identification and initiation of appropriate management may restore the individual's vision. Emergency physicians are often the first to see patients at risk of this complication yet there is little discussion of this injury in the emergency medicine literature.
Ginifer
Corinne
C
Department of Emergency Medicine, North West Regional Hospital, Brickport Road, Burnie, Tasmania 7320, Australia. corinne.ginifer@dhhs.tas.gov.au
Scharapow
David
D
D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000293:Adolescent; D016489:Head Injuries, Closed / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020221:Optic Nerve Injuries / Q000209:etiology*; D012607:Scotoma / Q000209:etiology*; D014794:Visual Fields; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000150:complications*