Does optic nerve injury require decompression?

ABSTRACT

Forty patients with indirect optic nerve injury were prospectively analysed. Ultimate outcome on conservative management were correlated to their visual evoked potential (VEP) finding and the need for optic nerve decompression was questioned. An associated indirect optic nerve injury was observed in 2% of all head injuries. Ethmoid fracture was recorded in 2 patients and optic canal fracture was recorded in one patient. CT scanning for optic canal and for the orbit revealed abnormality in none of these patients. All the patients were managed conservatively and received intravenous dexamethasone for 48 hours followed by oral prednisolone therapy. Optic nerve decompression was not undertaken. VEPs were present in 18 patients of whom 4 had normal VEPs. Twenty patients had visual improvement. Amongst the patients with positive VEPs 89% had visual improvement. It is concluded that VEP study may help in avoiding unnecessary decompression of the optic nerve.