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A Review of Neuro-ophthalmologic Emergencies


B Fiebai

Abstract

Background: Neuro-ophthalmic emergencies are relatively uncommon, however their outcome cause severe morbidity and even mortality. The ocular manifestations of these disorders are pointers to a more dangerous central nervous system or systemic pathology. The review aims to highlight the major ocular disorders that constitute neuro-ophthalmologic emergencies with a view to increasing the index of suspicion of these visual/life threatening disorders among primary care physicians, neurologists and ophthalmologists.
Method: The available literature on neuro-ophthalmologic emergencies was reviewed, using available journals and internet based search engines and resources. Keywords employed were Neuro-ophthalmology Emergency and Ocular Morbidity.
Result: The incidence of this group of emergencies is lower than that of other ophthalmic emergencies such as ruptured globe and retinal detachment; however they are associated with higher morbidity and even mortality. These emergencies can be grouped into four major categories for ease of diagnosis. Nigerian literature on neuroophthalmologic emergencies was unavailable.
Conclusion: The key to prevention of morbidity and mortality from neuro-ophthalmologic disorders is to have a good knowledge of the  manifestations of these disorders and a high index of suspicion.

Keywords: Neuro-ophthalmology; Emergency; Ocular Morbidity

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eISSN: 2992-345X
print ISSN: 0189-9287