Optic Nerve Decompression for Traumatic Optic Neuropathy: A Case Report

ABSTRACT

A case of visual loss following cranio-maxillofacial trauma is reported. The patient had acute optic nerve injury associated with a fracture of the right zygomaticomaxillary and fronto-naso-ethmoido-orbital bone and epidural hematoma on the right temporal lobe of brain. Bony fragments compressing the optic nerve on lateral side was identified on computed tomography. Decompression of the optic nerve combined with evacuation of epidural hematoma has been performed via transfrontal craniotomy. The patient had complete recovery of visual acuity without any complications. The role of optic nerve decompression in the management of patients with traumatic optic neuropathy is discussed. Surgical indication is controversial and the procedure should be considered only within the context of the specific indication of the individual patient.