Subarachnoid hemorrhage and internal carotid artery dissection and occlusion following self-enucleation

Self-enucleation is an uncommon type of major self-injury, which may lead to severe neurological deficits and life-threatening complications, such as subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and internal carotid artery (ICA) dissection and occlusion. Our patient is a 53-year-old man with a history of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia who presented with SAH, intraventricular hemorrhage, ICA dissection and occlusion, and right cerebral infarct following self-enucleation. Despite a Glasgow Coma Score of 6 on initial presentation, he improved with conservative management. He achieved a near-complete neurological recovery, with residual left lower extremity weakness and mild confusion. Self-enucleation is a major neurologic, ophthalmologic, and psychiatric emergency with a potential for serious neurological complications and contralateral visual loss. Yet, conservative management may lead to dramatic recovery.