Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: To describe an unusual case of acquired oculomotor apraxia after a suspected brain insult due to a dissecting aneurysm of the aorta. There are very few reports in the literature of cases in which a cardiovascular accident has caused impairment of both vertical and horizontal saccades. Methods: The patient's visual system was carefully evaluated: Visual acuities, Humphrey 30-2 visual fields, smooth pursuits, saccades, VOR, pupillary function, fundus appearance, and binocular-vision status were examined. MRI was obtained after the suspected cardiovascular accident. Results: Visual acuities, visual fields, pupillary function, smooth pursuits, VOR, fundus appearance, and binocular-vision status were normal. The patient was unable to execute saccadic movements in any direction. His MRI revealed mild generealized cerebral atrophy, but no acute infarction. Conclusions: Even though the mechanisms by which horizontal and vertical saccades are somewhat different, they can be seriously affected simultaneously.
Keywords: eye movements: saccades and pursuits • ocular motor control • neuro-ophthalmology: cortical function/rehabil