[Ocular deviation as the cause of "psychiatric" problems]. / Onderliggende oogaandoening als oorzaak van psychiatrisch geduide klachten.

ABSTRACT

We describe two cases with complaints of atypical headache who were initially diagnosed as having psychiatric problems, but who, after careful evaluation, were found to have an underlying eye disorder. Both patients were known to have an ophthalmic history. Patient A, a 21-year-old female, presented with severe headache, which was so disabling that she was declared unfit for work. A diagnosis of tension headache was made and she received psychological treatment with neurofeedback, homeopathy and acupuncture, which had no effect. Patient B, a 26-year-old male, complained of extreme photophobia, nausea and dizziness. The patient was diagnosed as having a conversion disorder and was admitted to a psychiatric clinic and given psychotropic treatment. Careful ophthalmological examination revealed that an ocular deviation was causing the symptoms in both patients and could be treated appropriately with strabismus surgery. These cases emphasise the importance of a thorough general medical and ophthalmic history and proper examination at all times without putting a psychiatric stigma on the patient.