Visual Field Reduction in a 19-Year-Old: Causes and Concerns - Psychiatry

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Intermittent visual field constriction?


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 that induce nausea (such as corpses or dissection scenes, but not other bloody or gory images like feces or gunfights).
During these episodes, his peripheral vision dims, and he can only see a small central area clearly (for example, while in a car, he can only see the size of the license plate in front of him).
He also experiences dizziness and sweating, which lasts 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, he visited an ophthalmologist at a medical center, where the doctor used office equipment to examine his eyes and concluded that there were no issues.
He has also seen psychiatrists and other ophthalmologists in the past, 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 and had blurry vision when looking closely.
We then went to the emergency room, where the doctor conducted an initial examination and decided against an immediate CT scan, opting to observe him instead.
After resting in the emergency room for nearly two hours, he was eating normally and his condition improved, so the doctor prescribed pain medication and advised us to monitor him at home.
He experienced occasional tinnitus in the following 5-6 days but returned to normal afterward, and he gradually forgot about the fall.
I am unsure if the narrowing of his vision is related to this fall.
Note 1: My son cannot recall whether the symptoms of narrowed vision began 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 narrowed vision 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 narrowed vision symptoms mentioned, 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) Do these symptoms seem more related to a brain issue or an eye issue? 3) Is it likely that these symptoms were caused by the fall? 4) Nine years have passed, and my son tells me he has learned to control it well, meaning he closes his eyes when he anticipates seeing graphic images, so it has hardly occurred in the last 2-3 years (I recall it happening only once, when he was too engrossed in a novel and "thought" of a bloody, disgusting image).
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 that we find the cause, which specialty should my son see next? Does it need to be a large hospital with advanced brain examination 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 future eye function impairment? I apologize for the numerous questions, and I appreciate your understanding.
Thank you, Doctor.

Jie, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/07/18

Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry


Hello: One possible explanation is that your son may feel fear when exposed to the scenarios you described, which could trigger a brief anxiety or panic response in related situations.
It might be helpful to review whether he experiences symptoms such as shortness of breath or rapid heartbeat during these episodes; if so, this could indicate such a condition.
Treatment for fear, anxiety, and panic can include both pharmacological and psychological therapies, both of which are effective.
If he feels that he can manage these symptoms without them affecting his daily life, it may be sufficient to monitor and follow up.

Reply Date: 2022/07/18

More Info


Understanding visual field reduction in a young individual, particularly in your son's case, involves a multifaceted approach that considers both neurological and ophthalmological factors. Given the symptoms you've described, including episodes of visual field constriction, dizziness, and sweating, it is crucial to explore the potential underlying causes.

1. Clinical Experience with Similar Symptoms: While I cannot provide personal anecdotes, it is not uncommon for healthcare professionals to encounter patients with visual disturbances that may not have a clear ophthalmological basis. Symptoms like yours can sometimes be linked to neurological conditions, migraines, or even psychological factors, particularly if they are triggered by specific visual stimuli, such as graphic images.

2. Neurological vs. Ophthalmological Issues: The symptoms your son experiences—specifically the narrowing of the visual field and accompanying dizziness—suggest a possible neurological origin. Conditions such as migraines can cause transient visual field defects, often accompanied by other symptoms like headache or nausea. However, since your son has undergone eye examinations that showed no ocular issues, it leans more towards a neurological concern rather than a direct eye problem.

3. Connection to Past Trauma: The incident where your son fell and hit his head could potentially be related to his current symptoms, especially if there was any concussion or mild traumatic brain injury. Such injuries can sometimes lead to delayed symptoms or changes in visual processing. However, without more definitive evidence linking the two, it remains speculative.

4. Coping Mechanisms and Management: It's encouraging to hear that your son has developed strategies to manage his symptoms, such as closing his eyes when anticipating distressing images. This indicates a level of self-awareness and control that can be beneficial. However, it is essential to monitor the situation, as avoidance behaviors can sometimes lead to increased anxiety or other issues.

5. Further Evaluation: If you feel that understanding the root cause of these symptoms is necessary, it would be advisable to consult a neurologist. A comprehensive neurological evaluation, possibly including imaging studies like an MRI, could help rule out any structural issues in the brain that might be contributing to his symptoms. It is not strictly necessary to go to a large hospital, but a facility with access to advanced imaging and a neurologist experienced in visual disturbances would be beneficial.

6. Long-term Prognosis: From a medical standpoint, if no significant underlying condition is identified and your son has not experienced any functional impairment in his vision over the past nine years, the likelihood of developing permanent visual deficits solely due to these episodes is low. However, ongoing monitoring is essential, as changes can occur over time.

In summary, while your son's symptoms are concerning, they may not necessarily indicate a severe underlying condition. A thorough evaluation by a neurologist could provide clarity and peace of mind. Meanwhile, encouraging him to continue using his coping strategies and maintaining open communication about his experiences will be vital in managing his symptoms effectively.

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