Neuro-ophthalmic disorders in pregnancy

Continuum (Minneap Minn). 2014 Feb;20(1 Neurology of Pregnancy):162-76. doi: 10.1212/01.CON.0000443843.25686.62.

Abstract

Purpose of review: This review discusses evaluation and treatment of neuro-ophthalmic disorders in the pregnant patient.

Recent findings: Any neuro-ophthalmic abnormality seen in nonpregnant women can be seen in pregnant women. Pregnancy-specific complications (preeclampsia and eclampsia) cause visual symptoms and can affect the entire visual axis.

Summary: Appropriate evaluation and examination is important to preserve the health and vision of the mother and prevent complications in the fetus. Evaluation should proceed in the same way for a pregnant patient as it would for a nonpregnant patient, with few exceptions. Treatment decisions may be influenced by stage of pregnancy.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Optic Nerve Diseases / etiology*
  • Pregnancy Complications / physiopathology*
  • Pregnancy Complications / prevention & control
  • Pregnancy*
  • Vision Disorders / diagnosis
  • Vision Disorders / etiology*
  • Visual Acuity / physiology
  • Visual Fields / physiology