Visual Disturbances After Traumatic Experiences in Teens - Neurology

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After seeing or thinking about bloody and nauseating images, the visual field becomes narrowed?


Hello Doctor, my son is 19 years old.
Since he was about 11, he has experienced episodes where his vision narrows after seeing graphic images (such as corpses or dissection scenes), but not with other types of graphic content like feces or gun violence.
During these episodes, his peripheral vision becomes dim, and he can only see a small central area clearly (for example, in a car, he can only see the size of the license plate in front of him).
He also feels dizzy and sweats, and these symptoms last for about 10 to 30 minutes before returning to normal.
This has occurred about 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 eye specialists, 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 in good spirits and had blurry vision when looking closely.
We went to the emergency room, where the doctor conducted an initial assessment and decided not to rush into a CT scan, opting to observe him first.
After resting in the emergency room for nearly two hours, he was eating normally and his spirits improved, so the doctor prescribed headache medication and sent us home for observation.
In the following 5-6 days, he occasionally experienced tinnitus, but then returned to normal, and he gradually forgot about the fall.
I am unsure if the narrowing of his vision is related to this fall.
Note 1: He currently cannot recall whether the symptoms started before or after the fall.
Note 2: At the time, I did not intuitively connect it to the fall, as he only mentioned the narrowing of vision around the age of 13 or 14.
Note 3: I believe his cognitive function has not been affected by the fall; aside from the occasional narrowing of vision, he has had no other symptoms related to his brain, eyes, or elsewhere.
He is currently studying at National Changhua University of Education.
I would like to ask the doctor: 1) Based on your clinical experience, have you seen patients with similar symptoms? 2) Does this symptom seem more related to a brain issue or an eye issue? 3) Is it likely that this symptom was caused by the fall? 4) Nine years have passed, and my son tells me he has learned to control it well by closing his eyes when he anticipates seeing graphic images, so it has occurred very rarely in the last 2-3 years (I recall it happening only once, when he was too engrossed in a novel and "thought" of a graphic scene).
However, as a concerned parent, I would like to know if it is sufficient to avoid looking at or thinking about graphic images to prevent episodes.
5) If you recommend finding the cause, which specialty should my son see next? Does it need to be a large hospital with advanced brain imaging equipment? 6) From a medical standpoint, over the past nine years, has there been no damage to his eye function due to this condition? If left untreated, is there a significant risk that it could lead to damage in the future? I apologize for the many questions, and I appreciate your understanding.
Thank you, Doctor.

Zhong, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/07/12

Dr. Hong Weibin reply Neurology


Hello: 1.
I have not heard of cases where visual field narrowing occurs intermittently.
2.
Most issues related to the brain or eyes that cause changes in the visual field tend to be persistent.
3.
It is unlikely that if a fall causes injury to the brain or eyes, nerve damage would typically result in ongoing impairment.
4.
Yes, avoiding triggering factors is important.
5.
Currently, it sounds like there may be a significant psychological component, and seeking assistance from a psychosomatic specialist could be beneficial.
6.
If the ophthalmologist continues to monitor and there are no changes in vision, then the likelihood of deterioration in the future should be very low.

Reply Date: 2022/07/12

More Info


Hello,
Thank you for sharing your concerns regarding your son's visual disturbances following his traumatic experience. It’s understandable to be worried, especially when it comes to the health of a loved one. Let's address your questions one by one, while also providing some context about the potential causes and implications of his symptoms.

1. Experience with Similar Symptoms: Yes, as a medical professional, I have encountered patients with similar symptoms, particularly those who have experienced head trauma. Visual disturbances can manifest in various ways, including changes in peripheral vision, visual field constriction, and even episodes of dizziness or lightheadedness. These symptoms can be linked to a variety of underlying issues, including neurological conditions, psychological factors, or even ocular problems.

2. Nature of the Symptoms: The symptoms your son is experiencing—specifically the narrowing of his visual field and associated dizziness—could potentially be related to neurological issues rather than purely ocular problems. Given that the eye examinations have returned normal results, it suggests that the issue may not be with the eyes themselves but could be related to how the brain processes visual information, especially following a head injury.

3. Connection to the Fall: It is plausible that the fall your son experienced at age 11 could be related to his current symptoms. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), even those that seem minor, can lead to long-term effects, including visual disturbances. The brain's ability to process visual stimuli can be affected by trauma, leading to symptoms like those your son describes.

4. Coping Mechanisms: It’s encouraging to hear that your son has developed coping strategies to manage his symptoms. Avoiding triggers, such as graphic imagery, can be an effective way to minimize episodes. However, it’s important to ensure that this coping mechanism does not lead to avoidance behavior that could impact his quality of life or mental health.

5. Further Evaluation: If you feel that understanding the root cause of these symptoms is important, I would recommend consulting with a neurologist. A neurologist can perform a thorough evaluation, which may include imaging studies such as an MRI or CT scan to assess for any structural changes in the brain that could explain the visual disturbances. It’s advisable to seek care at a facility equipped with advanced imaging technology.

6. Long-term Implications: From a medical standpoint, if the visual disturbances have not led to any functional impairment over the past nine years, it is less likely that they will cause significant damage to his eyesight in the future. However, it is essential to monitor these symptoms, as changes in frequency or intensity could indicate a need for further investigation.

In summary, while your son has managed to cope with his symptoms effectively, it may still be beneficial to pursue a neurological evaluation to rule out any underlying issues related to his past head injury. Early intervention can be crucial in addressing potential problems before they escalate.
I hope this information provides clarity and reassurance. Please feel free to reach out if you have any more questions or need further assistance.
Best wishes for your son's health and well-being.

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