| Abstract | STUDY DESIGN: A case report of transient blindness after lumbar epidural steroids is presented. OBJECTIVE: To report the diagnosis and treatment of a case of blindness after administration of lumbar epidural steroids. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Nine previous cases of blindness after lumbar epidural injection for back pain were identified. Retinal hemorrhages were identified on ophthalmologic examination in all cases. METHODS: The 1-year follow up evaluation of a 39-year-old male who sustained transient blindness after administration of lumbar epidural steroids is reported. RESULTS: At 1 year, the patient had significant return of vision, but it did not improve back to baseline. CONCLUSIONS: Transient blindness is a rare complication of lumbar epidural injection. The pathophysiology and prevention of this rare entity is reviewed. |
| Authors | William F Young
(Affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Wfymd at aol.com)
|
| Journal | Spine
(Spine)
Vol. 27
Issue 21
Pg. E476-7
(Nov 1 2002)
ISSN: 1528-1159 United States |
| PMID | 12439000
(Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Review)
|
| Chemical References |
- Steroids
- Methylprednisolone
|
| Topics |
- Adult
- Analgesia, Epidural
(adverse effects)
- Back Pain
(drug therapy, etiology)
- Blindness
(chemically induced, diagnosis)
- Diabetes Complications
- Diabetes Mellitus
(diagnosis)
- Humans
- Intervertebral Disk Displacement
(complications, diagnosis, drug therapy)
- Lumbosacral Region
- Male
- Methylprednisolone
(administration & dosage, adverse effects)
- Recovery of Function
- Retinal Hemorrhage
(diagnosis, etiology)
- Steroids
(administration & dosage, adverse effects)
|
