Neuro-Ophthalmic Emergencies

Samuel J Spiegel; Heather E Moss

doi:10.1016/j.ncl.2021.01.004

Neuro-Ophthalmic Emergencies

Neurol Clin. 2021 May;39(2):631-647. doi: 10.1016/j.ncl.2021.01.004. Epub 2021 Mar 31.

Authors

Samuel J Spiegel¹, Heather E Moss²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, 300 Pasteur Drive, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA.
² Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, 300 Pasteur Drive, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University, 2370 Watson Court, Palo Alto, CA 94303, USA. Electronic address: Hemoss@stanford.edu.

Abstract

Neuro-ophthalmic emergencies include optic nerve, central visual pathway, and ocular motility disorders that, if not identified and treated promptly, may lead to permanent vision loss, other significant morbidity, or mortality. This article provides a framework for approaching patients with neuro-ophthalmic symptoms and reviews the presentation, evaluation, and treatment of select emergent conditions that can cause them. Emergent causes of blurry vision, transient vision loss, papilledema, and diplopia, including giant cell arteritis, cardioembolic disease, and aggressive infection, are discussed.

Keywords: Cavernous sinus syndrome; Central retinal artery occlusion; Emergency; Giant cell arteritis; Neuro-ophthalmology; Papilledema; Pituitary apoplexy; Rhino-orbital-cerebral mucositis.

Publication types

Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Emergencies
Humans
Vision Disorders / diagnosis*
Vision Disorders / etiology*
Vision Disorders / therapy*

Grants and funding

P30 EY026877/EY/NEI NIH HHS/United States