Clinical Reasoning: A 62-Year-Old Woman With Transient Vision Loss

Neurology. 2023 Sep 5;101(10):e1097-e1103. doi: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000207447. Epub 2023 Jun 8.

Abstract

Transient visual loss (TVL) is a common complaint in the emergency department, with numerous possible etiologies. Prompt evaluation and management of TVL can potentially prevent progression to permanent visual loss. In this case, a 62-year-old woman presented with acute, painless, unilateral TVL. Two weeks before presentation, the patient reported bitemporal headaches and paresthesia of the distal extremities. A review of systems revealed chronic fatigue, cough, diffuse arthralgias, and decreased appetite for the previous 6 months. This case highlights the diagnostic approach to patients with TVL. Some common and rare causes associated with this clinical manifestation are briefly reviewed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Clinical Reasoning
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Paresthesia*
  • Vision Disorders* / diagnosis
  • Vision Disorders* / etiology