vision loss after meningioma removal

[tjyo1213]

Hi all. My brother is 24 yrs old and had brain surgery to remove a grapefruit sized meningioma tumor on march 7th. Prior to surgery, in february, he got into a car accident. He wasn't injured and was completely fine. The only thing he complained about was whip lash. About a week after the accident he started complaining of severe headaches and vision problems. His vision was more flashy and sensitive to light than blurry. It was then we learned about the tumor. Now over a month after surgery he has lost his sight in his left eye and the right eye is very dimmed and blurry. Some days seem worse than others. The eye doctor told him it could still be from the swelling of surgery. The brain surgeon says this isnt normal for his case and may be the result of the accident combined with the impact of how big the tumor was. If anyone has had the same or similar situation please give some insight or advice. Is there treatment and hope in him getting his vision back? We will be seeing a neuro opthalmalogist soon. Also the tumor was on the right side of his brain hence the left eye damage but not near the eye or nerves. Please help! Thanks!

[tjyo1213]

And no his vision was very good before trauma and surgery

[tjyo1213]

He went to the neuro opthalmologist last tuesday and they rushed him for mri's and cat scan. They both came back great after surgery. He did a lumbar puncture 2 days ago ( i believe its also called a spinal tap). The pressure came back normal but waiting for other results. All the docs r saying give it time. He is on steroids for 1 month to help with any inflamation. The last thing the nuero opthalmologist said was to come back to him in 2 1/2 months for possible nerve tests. But there is definite nerve damage already. I wonder can nerves replace themselves over time or are they permanently damaged. Thanks to your responses.

[Daniel M Prevedello, MD]

Dear Tjyo1213,

It is hard to tell if vision loss is a consequence of the trauma or the surgery without seeing his imaging.
Was the tumor near the optic nerves? Was his vision very poor already before surgery?
I am sorry he is going through this. Please let me know if you would like me to review his case free of charge. I am not sure there is anything to do at this point other than waiting.

[rumpled]

Maybe some mass effect issue?

Has the eye doctor commented?

[LucyEvony]

I had surgery to remove my pituitary gland 3 1/2 weeks ago.
I have blurred vision, certainly not to the extent of your brother.
I saw a neuro Ophthalmologist on monday and had some follow up tests.
It indicated some swelling behind the eyes and im to have further follow up testing to see if it resolves in 4 weeks.

The neuro Ophthalmologist will do the right tests and give you further advice :)
Tell your brother to take things easy til he is seen :)