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A Dictionary of Neurological Signs

Abstract

Visual obscurations are transient losses (‘greying out’) of vision lasting a few seconds, occurring in the context of raised intracranial pressure (ICP), and especially associated with activities known to elevate ICP, such as coughing, sneezing, bending down, straining at stool, and relieved by their cessation. These symptoms are thought to reflect critical compromise of optic nerve head perfusion and are invariably associated with the finding of papilloedema. Obscurations mandate urgent investigation and treatment to prevent permanent visual loss. Transient visual obscurations may occasionally be due to optic disc drusen.

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© 2011 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC

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Larner, A.J. (2011). O. In: A Dictionary of Neurological Signs. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-7095-4_15

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-7095-4_15

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4419-7094-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4419-7095-4

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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