Neuro-Ophthalmological Emergencies. Are They Always Innocent? A Case Report and a Literature Review

Abstract

Neuro-ophthalmogical complications are rare but can be serious after regional block. We present a case of a 54-year-old diabetic patient who was scheduled for pars plana vitrectomy of his right eye due to tractional retinal detachment, under a peribulbar block with a mixture of lidocaine and ropivacaine. He presented with tachycardia, hypertension, seizures, respiratory distress and apnea. He was intubated for less than 24 hours. He was discharged with no neurological deficit. A review regarding these rare but serious neurological complications of ophthalmic surgery is presented, to raise awareness of neurologists, who are called to evaluate and treat these patients.