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Visual impairment in stroke patients – a review
Author(s) -
Sand K. M.,
Midelfart A.,
Thomassen L.,
Melms A.,
Wilhelm H.,
Hoff J. M.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
acta neurologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.967
H-Index - 95
eISSN - 1600-0404
pISSN - 0001-6314
DOI - 10.1111/ane.12050
Subject(s) - visual impairment , rehabilitation , stroke (engine) , diplopia , physical medicine and rehabilitation , visual acuity , neglect , medicine , anisocoria , ptosis , nystagmus , psychology , audiology , physical therapy , psychiatry , surgery , pupil , mechanical engineering , neuroscience , engineering
Approximately 30% of all stroke patients suffer from post‐stroke visual impairment. Hemianopia is the most common symptom, but also neglect, diplopia, reduced visual acuity, ptosis, anisocoria, and nystagmus are frequent. Partial or complete recovery of visual disorders can occur, but many patients suffer permanent disability. This disability is often less evident than impairment of motor and speech functions, but is negatively correlated with rehabilitation outcome and can lead to a significant reduction in day‐to‐day functioning. To be visually impaired after stroke reduces quality of life and causes social isolation because of difficulties in navigating/orientating in the surroundings. A thorough diagnosis including targeted examination and later follow‐up with eye examination and perimetry is essential in order to establish the extent of the visual impairment and to select the best rehabilitation strategy. Patients seem to profit from visual rehabilitation focused on coping strategies.