Why Do Bloody Images Cause Narrow Vision and Dizziness?

Q: Why Do Bloody Images Cause Narrow Vision and Dizziness?

Hello, sir： You mentioned that your son is experiencing intermittent neurological deficits. <br>If the brain injury is caused by a hemorrhage, the symptoms are usually persistent. <br>It may be necessary to first consider the symptoms of vascular headaches (migraines) or abnormal

Why does seeing bloody scenes cause a narrowing of vision and dizziness?

Hello Doctor, my son is 19 years old.
Since he was around 11, he has experienced episodes where, after seeing graphic images, his vision narrows (he can only see clearly in the center while the periphery becomes dark), and he feels dizzy.
These episodes last about 10 to 30 minutes before returning to normal.
This has occurred approximately once or twice a year since he was 11.
Last year, we visited an ophthalmologist at a medical center, who used office equipment to examine his eyes and found no issues.
He has also seen psychiatrists and other ophthalmologists, but none could provide an explanation.

Recently, I recalled that when he was 11, he fell while playing dodgeball at school one morning, landing on his buttocks and hitting the back of his head on the concrete floor.
That afternoon, the school informed me that he was not feeling well (I can't remember if he mentioned nausea or other symptoms).
He was taken to the hospital for an X-ray and observed in the emergency room for nearly two hours.
The doctor said everything was fine, did not prescribe any medication, and did not suggest a follow-up, so we went home.
After that, there were no unusual symptoms, and we gradually forgot about the fall.
I am unsure if the narrowing of his vision is related to this fall.

Note 1: My son currently cannot recall whether the vision narrowing started before or after the fall.

Note 2: At the time, I did not intuitively connect it to the fall, as my son only mentioned the vision narrowing symptoms to me around the age of 13 or 14.

Note 3: My son's cognitive abilities do not seem to have been affected by the fall; aside from the occasional vision narrowing, he has had no other symptoms and is currently studying at National Changhua University of Education.

I would like to ask the doctor:
1) Based on your clinical experience, have you encountered patients with similar symptoms?
2) Do these symptoms suggest a potential brain issue? Could they be related to the fall?
3) If there were a brain hemorrhage following the fall, the symptoms would likely be persistent.
Is my thinking correct that the likelihood of brain hemorrhage is low given these episodic symptoms?
4) What would you recommend for us to identify the cause and how to treat it?
5) After nine years, is it sufficient to simply avoid graphic images to prevent episodes? Is there a possibility of significant long-term consequences in the future?
Thank you, Doctor.

Zhong, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/03/23

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Hello, sir: You mentioned that your son is experiencing intermittent neurological deficits.
If the brain injury is caused by a hemorrhage, the symptoms are usually persistent.
It may be necessary to first consider the symptoms of vascular headaches (migraines) or abnormal electrical discharges in the brain cells.
If these episodes occur frequently, it is advisable to use some preventive medications for headaches.
I recommend visiting a neurology outpatient clinic for further evaluation and follow-up.
Thank you for your inquiry, and feel free to discuss any related questions! Wishing you and your son good health and peace.
Dr.
Jiang Junyi, Taoyuan Hospital, cares for you.

Reply Date: 2022/03/23

More Info

Your son's experience of visual disturbances and dizziness after viewing bloody images raises several important questions regarding potential underlying neurological issues. Let's break down your concerns and provide some insights based on medical knowledge.

1. Experience with Similar Symptoms: While I cannot speak to specific cases, visual disturbances such as narrowing of vision (often referred to as "tunnel vision") and dizziness can occur in various contexts. These symptoms can be linked to a range of conditions, including migraines, anxiety disorders, or even neurological issues. The fact that these episodes occur after exposure to distressing images suggests a possible psychological component, such as a conditioned response or a form of visual-triggered anxiety.

2. Potential Brain Issues: Given your son's history of a fall at age 11, it is reasonable to consider whether there could be a connection between the two. Head injuries, even those that seem minor, can lead to various neurological symptoms, including visual disturbances. However, the intermittent nature of your son's symptoms—occurring only once or twice a year—might suggest that it is less likely to be a direct result of a significant brain injury like a hemorrhage, which typically presents with more persistent and severe symptoms.

3. Likelihood of Brain Hemorrhage: Your reasoning is sound. If there had been a significant brain bleed as a result of the fall, it would likely present with more continuous symptoms rather than episodic ones. Conditions such as post-concussion syndrome could lead to visual disturbances, but these symptoms would typically be more consistent rather than sporadic.

4. Next Steps for Diagnosis and Treatment: To further investigate the cause of your son's symptoms, I would recommend consulting a neurologist. They may suggest imaging studies such as an MRI or CT scan to rule out any structural abnormalities or previous injuries that could be contributing to his symptoms. Additionally, a thorough neurological examination can help assess any other potential issues. If psychological factors are suspected, a referral to a psychologist or psychiatrist may also be beneficial to explore any anxiety or stress-related components.

5. Long-Term Considerations: Avoiding bloody images may help prevent triggering these episodes in the short term. However, it is essential to address the underlying cause rather than simply avoiding triggers. While it is unlikely that your son will face significant long-term consequences from these isolated incidents, understanding the root cause is crucial. If the symptoms persist or worsen, it is vital to seek medical advice sooner rather than later.

In summary, while your son's symptoms are concerning, they are not uncommon and can often be managed effectively with the right approach. Consulting with a neurologist and possibly a mental health professional will provide a clearer understanding of his condition and the best path forward. It is essential to remain vigilant and proactive in seeking answers to ensure your son's well-being.

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