Neuro-Ophthalmology in Emergency Medicine

Emerg Med Clin North Am. 2016 Nov;34(4):967-986. doi: 10.1016/j.emc.2016.06.016.

Abstract

Understanding the anatomy and physiology of the eye, the orbit, and the central connections is key to understanding neuro-ophthalmologic emergencies. Anisocoria is an important sign that requires a systematic approach to avoid misdiagnosis of serious conditions, including carotid dissection (miosis) and aneurysmal third nerve palsy (mydriasis). Ptosis may be a sign of either Horner syndrome or third nerve palsy. An explanation should be pursued for diplopia since the differential diagnosis ranges from the trivial to life-threatening causes.

Keywords: Anisocoria; Diplopia; Ptosis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anisocoria / complications
  • Anisocoria / diagnosis
  • Cognition Disorders / complications
  • Coma / complications
  • Diplopia / complications
  • Diplopia / diagnosis
  • Emergency Service, Hospital*
  • Eye Diseases / complications*
  • Eye Diseases / diagnosis
  • Eye Diseases / physiopathology
  • Eye Diseases / therapy
  • Eye Movements / physiology
  • Humans
  • Nervous System Diseases / complications*
  • Nervous System Diseases / diagnosis
  • Nervous System Diseases / physiopathology
  • Nervous System Diseases / therapy
  • Nystagmus, Pathologic / complications
  • Nystagmus, Pathologic / diagnosis
  • Physical Examination
  • Reflex, Pupillary / physiology
  • Vision Disorders / complications
  • Vision Disorders / diagnosis
  • Visual Fields / physiology