Terson's syndrome is intraocular bleeding that occurs due to an increase in intra-cerebral pressure, usually as a result of cranial hemorrhage due to rupture of an aneurysm or traumatic brain injury, for example.
It is not known exactly how this hemorrhage occurs, which is usually in important regions of the eyes, such as the vitreous, which is the gelatinous fluid that fills most of the eyeball, or the retina, which contains cells responsible for vision, and can appear in adults or children.
This syndrome causes symptoms such as headache, altered consciousness and decreased visual capacity, and the confirmation of this syndrome must be done by examination by the ophthalmologist. Treatment depends on the severity of the condition, which may involve observation or surgical correction, to stop and drain the bleeding.
Main causes
Although it is not very well understood, most of the time Terson's syndrome happens after a type of cerebral hemorrhage called subarachnoid hemorrhage, which happens within the space between the membranes that line the brain. This situation can happen due to a rupture of an intra-cerebral aneurysm or a traumatic brain injury after an accident.
In addition, this syndrome can result from intracranial hypertension, after a stroke, brain tumor, side effect of certain medications or even an unclear cause, all of these situations being serious and indicating life-threatening if treatment is not done quickly.
Signals and symptons
Terson's syndrome can be unilateral or bilateral, and symptoms that may be present include:
- Decreased visual capacity; Blurred or blurred vision; Headache; Alteration of the ability to move the affected eye; Vomiting; Drowsiness or alterations in consciousness; Changes in vital signs such as increased blood pressure, reduced heart rate and respiratory capacity.
The number and type of signs and symptoms may also vary according to the location and intensity of cerebral hemorrhage.
How to treat
The treatment of Terson's syndrome is indicated by the ophthalmologist, and the surgical procedure called vitrectomy is usually done, which is the partial or total removal of the vitreous humor or its lining membrane, which can be replaced by a special gel.
However, a resorption of bleeding in a natural way can be considered, and can occur in up to 3 months. Thus, to perform the surgery, the doctor should consider whether only one or both eyes were affected, the severity of the injury, whether there is reabsorption of the bleeding and the age, as in children surgery is usually more indicated.
In addition, there is also the option of laser therapy, to stop or drain the bleeding.
