Optic nerve massaging: an extremely rare cause of self-inflicted blindness

Details

Serval ID
serval:BIB_618F9286E516
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Publication sub-type
Case report (case report): feedback on an observation with a short commentary.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
Optic nerve massaging: an extremely rare cause of self-inflicted blindness
Journal
American Journal of Ophthalmology
Author(s)
Borruat  F. X., Kawasaki  A.
ISSN
0002-9394 (Print)
Publication state
Published
Issued date
04/2005
Volume
139
Number
4
Pages
715-6
Notes
Case Reports
Journal Article --- Old month value: Apr
Abstract
PURPOSE: To report a patient whose self-inflicted blindness was not clinically apparent by history or external signs of trauma. DESIGN: Observational case report. METHODS: A 12-year-old girl with a history of social and behavioral problems was noted to have visual loss in her right eye. Examination revealed no light perception, optic nerve atrophy, partial upper lid ptosis, exotropia, and hypoesthesia of the cheek, all on her right side. RESULTS: After undergoing extensive examinations which were unrevealing for a diagnosis, the patient admitted to a recurrent maneuver, which she secretly used to relieve anxiety and stress. This maneuver consisted of inserting her index finger under the right supraorbital rim and forcibly subluxating her globe out of the orbital space. CONCLUSIONS: Self-inflicted visual loss can occur in nonpsychotic and nonviolent patients. Accurate diagnosis is important, as there is a risk of similar involvement to the fellow eye, and referral for psychiatric counseling is mandatory.
Keywords
Blindness/diagnosis/*etiology/psychology Child Exophthalmos/etiology Exotropia/etiology Female Humans Massage/*adverse effects *Optic Nerve Optic Nerve Injuries/diagnosis/*etiology/psychology Self Mutilation/diagnosis/*etiology/psychology
Pubmed
Web of science
Create date
28/01/2008 13:37
Last modification date
20/08/2019 15:18
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