Cerebrovascular Disorder Involving Vision

Regions of the brain control everything our bodies do – from the beating of our hearts to our ability to see and hear. A cerebrovascular disorder – such as a stroke – damages some areas of your brain by cutting off blood supply and depriving brain cells of vital oxygen. One result of a stroke is partial or total loss of vision.

Cerebrovascular disorders are fairly common in the United States – and can be potentially devastating. The specialists Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, part of the University of Miami Health System, are experienced in treating these conditions and can help you live a more normal life again.

Symptoms of cerebrovascular disorders include:

• Abnormal or slurred speech
• Confusion, disorientation, or memory loss
• Difficulty with comprehension
• Dizziness, nausea, or vomiting
• Loss of balance, coordination, or the ability to walk
• Loss of vision or difficulty seeing
• Numbness, weakness in an arm, leg, or the face – especially on one side
• Unusually severe headache

Tests

Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan – Your doctor may order a CT scan to check your bone, blood, and brain tissue for signs you have developed a cerebrovascular disorder.

Ultrasound – Your doctor may order an ultrasound to check your bone, blood, and brain tissue for signs you have developed a cerebrovascular disorder.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – Your doctor may order an MRI of your brain to help determine if your brain shows any signs of previous mini-strokes.

Optical coherence tomography – The test measures the thickness of the cell layers and nerve fibers that make up the optic nerves to assess optic nerve damage.

Visual field – A visual field test assesses both central and peripheral vision.

Treatments

Tissue Plasminogen Activator (tPA) – Your doctor may order a fast-acting medication called tPA to help remove the obstruction that caused your stroke and restore blood flow to your brain. Typically, this medication must be administered within three hours of the stroke.

Vascular Surgery – Your doctor may recommend you undergo surgery to place a stent (small tube) that opens up your blocked blood vessel and allows blood to flow to the brain.