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Tanke N, Barsingerhorn AD, Goossens J, Boonstra FN. The Developmental Eye Movement Test Does Not Detect Oculomotor Problems: Evidence from Children with Nystagmus. Optom Vis Sci 2022; 99:711-717. [PMID: 35914094 PMCID: PMC9470044 DOI: 10.1097/opx.0000000000001930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE The Developmental Eye Movement (DEM) test, a test purported to assess oculomotor skills, does not detect eye movement disorder in nystagmus syndromes. The test should not be used for the clinical evaluation of oculomotor disorders. PURPOSE The DEM test ratio compares a horizontal number naming subtest with a vertical one to identify oculomotor problems independent of a child's visual-verbal naming skills. Here, we tested the construct validity of this method by comparing scores of children with and without pathologic nystagmus. Such a nystagmus disturbs normal fixation and saccadic behavior because of the presence of involuntary rhythmic oscillations of the eyes. Therefore, if the ratio is indeed a comprehensive measure of oculomotor problems, children with nystagmus should show an increased ratio score. METHODS The DEM test performances of normally sighted children (n = 94), children with ocular visual impairments (VI o ; n = 33), and children with cerebral visual impairment (n = 30) were analyzed using linear regression. Part of the children with VI o and cerebral visual impairment had either fusion maldevelopment nystagmus syndrome (n = 8) or infantile nystagmus syndrome (n = 20), whereas the others showed no pathologic nystagmus. RESULTS The times needed for the horizontal and vertical subtests were significantly different between children with normal vision, VI o , and cerebral visual impairment ( P < .001). However, the presence of nystagmus did not add significantly to the horizontal and vertical times ( P > .20), nor did it have an effect on the ratio ( P > .10). CONCLUSIONS The DEM test ratio is not sensitive to fixation and saccade abnormalities associated with nystagmus, indicating that it does not have general construct validity to detect true eye movement disorders. Although not suitable for the evaluation of oculomotor disorders, the subtests do have clinical relevance in the diagnosis of cerebral visual impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nouk Tanke
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Annemiek D. Barsingerhorn
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Department of Biophysics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Goossens
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - F. Nienke Boonstra
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Royal Dutch Visio, National Foundation for the Visually Impaired and Blind, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Behavioral Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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Manley CE, Bennett CR, Merabet LB. Assessing Higher-Order Visual Processing in Cerebral Visual Impairment Using Naturalistic Virtual-Reality-Based Visual Search Tasks. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:1114. [PMID: 35892617 PMCID: PMC9331719 DOI: 10.3390/children9081114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Cerebral visual impairment (CVI) is a brain-based disorder associated with the maldevelopment of central visual pathways. Individuals with CVI often report difficulties with daily visual search tasks such as finding a favorite toy or familiar person in cluttered and crowded scenes. We developed two novel virtual reality (VR)-based visual search tasks combined with eye tracking to objectively assess higher order processing abilities in CVI. The first (virtual toybox) simulates a static object search, while the second (virtual hallway) represents a dynamic human search task. Participants were instructed to search for a preselected target while task demand was manipulated with respect to the presence of surrounding distractors. We found that CVI participants (when compared to age-matched controls) showed an overall impairment with visual search on both tasks and with respect to all gaze metrics. Furthermore, CVI participants showed a trend of worsening performance with increasing task demand. Finally, search performance was also impaired in CVI participants with normal/near normal visual acuity, suggesting that reduced stimulus visibility alone does not account for these observations. This novel approach may have important clinical utility in helping to assess environmental factors related to functional visual processing difficulties observed in CVI.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lotfi B. Merabet
- The Laboratory for Visual Neuroplasticity, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (C.E.M.); (C.R.B.)
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Boonstra FN, Bosch DGM, Geldof CJA, Stellingwerf C, Porro G. The Multidisciplinary Guidelines for Diagnosis and Referral in Cerebral Visual Impairment. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 16:727565. [PMID: 35845239 PMCID: PMC9280621 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.727565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cerebral visual impairment (CVI) is an important cause of visual impairment in western countries. Perinatal hypoxic-ischemic damage is the most frequent cause of CVI but CVI can also be the result of a genetic disorder. The majority of children with CVI have cerebral palsy and/or developmental delay. Early diagnosis is crucial; however, there is a need for consensus on evidence based diagnostic tools and referral criteria. The aim of this study is to develop guidelines for diagnosis and referral in CVI according to the grade method. Patients and Methods We developed the guidelines according to the GRADE method 5 searches on CVI (children, developmental age ≤ 18 years) were performed in the databases Medline, Embase, and Psychinfo, each with a distinct topic. Results Based on evidence articles were selected on five topics: 1. Medical history and CVI-questionnaires 23 (out of 1,007). 2. Ophthalmological and orthoptic assessment 37 (out of 816). 3. Neuropsychological assessment 5 (out of 716). 4. Neuroradiological evaluation and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 9 (out of 723). 5. Genetic assessment 5 (out of 458). Conclusion In medical history taking, prematurity low birth weight and APGAR (Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, Respiration) Scores (<5) are important. Different questionnaires are advised for children under the age of 3 years, older children and for specific risk groups (extremely preterm). In ophthalmological examination, eye movements, specially saccades, accommodation, crowding, contrast sensitivity and visual fields should be evaluated. OCT can show objective signs of trans-synaptic degeneration and abnormalities in fixation and saccades can be measured with eye tracking. Screening of visual perceptive functioning is recommended and can be directive for further assessment. MRI findings in CVI in Cerebral Palsy can be structured in five groups: Brain maldevelopment, white and gray matter lesions, postnatal lesions and a normal MRI. In children with CVI and periventricular leukomalacia, brain lesion severity correlates with visual function impairment. A differentiation can be made between cortical and subcortical damage and related visual function impairment. Additional assessments (neurological or genetic) can be necessary to complete the diagnosis of CVI and/or to reveal the etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frouke N. Boonstra
- Royal Dutch Visio, National Foundation for the Visually Impaired and Blind, Huizen, Netherlands
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Centre Nijmegen, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Behavioral Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Frouke N. Boonstra,
| | | | - Christiaan J. A. Geldof
- Royal Dutch Visio, National Foundation for the Visually Impaired and Blind, Huizen, Netherlands
| | - Catharina Stellingwerf
- Royal Dutch Visio, National Foundation for the Visually Impaired and Blind, Huizen, Netherlands
| | - Giorgio Porro
- Department of Ophthalmology, UMC Utrecht and Amphia Hospital Breda, Breda, Netherlands
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4
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Advances in the evaluation and management of cortical/cerebral visual impairment in children. Surv Ophthalmol 2020; 65:708-724. [DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2020.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Sogbossi ES, Houekpetodji D, Kpadonou TG, Bleyenheuft Y. A Cross-sectional Study of the Clinical Profile of Children With Cerebral Palsy in Benin, a West African Low-Income Country. J Child Neurol 2019; 34:842-850. [PMID: 31339409 DOI: 10.1177/0883073819864516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Cerebral palsy is a common cause of pediatric motor disability. Although there are increasing amounts of data on the clinical profile of children with cerebral palsy in high-income countries, corresponding information about low-income countries and developing countries is lacking. Therefore, we aimed to describe the clinical spectrum of cerebral palsy in children in Benin, a representative West African low-income country. Our cross-sectional observational study included 114 children with cerebral palsy recruited from community-based rehabilitation centers and teaching hospitals (median age: 7 years, range 2-17; sex: 66% male). Data were collected through review of medical records and interviews with children's mothers. Assessment included risk factors, clinical subtypes according to the Surveillance of CP in Europe criteria, severity of motor outcome scored by the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and Manual Ability Classification System, comorbidities, and school attendance. We recorded a high prevalence of intrapartum adverse events. Seventeen percent of children had postneonatal cerebral palsy, with cerebral malaria being the most common cause. Most children were severely affected (67.5% as bilateral spastic; 54.4% as GMFCS IV or V), but severity declined substantially with age. Only 23% of the children with cerebral palsy had attended school. Poor motor outcomes and comorbidities were associated with school nonattendance. These results suggest that intrapartum risk factors and postnatal cerebral malaria in infants are opportune targets for prevention of cerebral palsy in Sub-Saharan low-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Segnon Sogbossi
- Motor Skill Learning and Intensive Neurorehabilitation lab, Institute of Neuroscience, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Damienne Houekpetodji
- School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Toussaint G Kpadonou
- School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin.,Clinique Universitaire de Médecine Physique et Réadaptation du Centre National Hospitalier et Universitaire Hubert Koutoukou MAGA (CNHU-HKM) de Cotonou, Benin
| | - Yannick Bleyenheuft
- Motor Skill Learning and Intensive Neurorehabilitation lab, Institute of Neuroscience, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
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Abstract
Cortical (cerebral) visual impairment (CVI) results from perinatal injury to visual processing structures and pathways of the brain and is the most common cause of severe visual impairment or blindness in children in developed countries. Children with CVI display a wide range of visual deficits including decreased visual acuity, impaired visual field function, as well as impairments in higher-order visual processing and attention. Together, these visual impairments can dramatically influence a child's development and well-being. Given the complex neurologic underpinnings of this condition, CVI is often undiagnosed by eye care practitioners. Furthermore, the neurophysiological basis of CVI in relation to observed visual processing deficits remains poorly understood. Here, we present some of the challenges associated with the clinical assessment and management of individuals with CVI. We discuss how advances in brain imaging are likely to help uncover the underlying neurophysiology of this condition. In particular, we demonstrate how structural and functional neuroimaging approaches can help gain insight into abnormalities of white matter connectivity and cortical activation patterns, respectively. Establishing a connection between how changes within the brain relate to visual impairments in CVI will be important for developing effective rehabilitative and education strategies for individuals living with this condition.
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Martín MBC, Santos-Lozano A, Martín-Hernández J, López-Miguel A, Maldonado M, Baladrón C, Bauer CM, Merabet LB. Cerebral versus Ocular Visual Impairment: The Impact on Developmental Neuroplasticity. Front Psychol 2016; 7:1958. [PMID: 28082927 PMCID: PMC5183596 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2016.01958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cortical/cerebral visual impairment (CVI) is clinically defined as significant visual dysfunction caused by injury to visual pathways and structures occurring during early perinatal development. Depending on the location and extent of damage, children with CVI often present with a myriad of visual deficits including decreased visual acuity and impaired visual field function. Most striking, however, are impairments in visual processing and attention which have a significant impact on learning, development, and independence. Within the educational arena, current evidence suggests that strategies designed for individuals with ocular visual impairment are not effective in the case of CVI. We propose that this variance may be related to differences in compensatory neuroplasticity related to the type of visual impairment, as well as underlying alterations in brain structural connectivity. We discuss the etiology and nature of visual impairments related to CVI, and how advanced neuroimaging techniques (i.e., diffusion-based imaging) may help uncover differences between ocular and cerebral causes of visual dysfunction. Revealing these differences may help in developing future strategies for the education and rehabilitation of individuals living with visual impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria B C Martín
- GIDFYS, European University Miguel de Cervantes Valladolid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Santos-Lozano
- GIDFYS, European University Miguel de CervantesValladolid, Spain; Research Institute of Hospital 12 de Octubre (i+12)Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Alberto López-Miguel
- Refractive Surgery and Visual Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada, Eye Institute Valladolid, Spain
| | - Miguel Maldonado
- Refractive Surgery and Visual Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada, Eye Institute Valladolid, Spain
| | - Carlos Baladrón
- GIDFYS, European University Miguel de Cervantes Valladolid, Spain
| | - Corinna M Bauer
- Laboratory for Visual Neuroplasticity, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lotfi B Merabet
- Laboratory for Visual Neuroplasticity, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School Boston, MA, USA
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Frebel H. CVI?! How to define and what terminology to use: Cerebral, cortical or cognitive visual impairment. BRITISH JOURNAL OF VISUAL IMPAIRMENT 2016. [DOI: 10.1177/026461960606066181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This article reports on the exchange of ideas at an international conference in San Francisco in April 2005 on the definition, diagnosis and terminology of a condition which is at present variously described as cerebral, cortical or cognitive visual impairment (CVI). Some symptoms are listed, and the condition is compared with, and distinguished from, other visual impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henner Frebel
- Rehabilitation Science Rehabilitation and Pedagogics for the Blind and Visually Impaired, University of Dortmund, Germany
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9
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Bosch DGM, Boonstra FN, Willemsen MAAP, Cremers FPM, de Vries BBA. Low vision due to cerebral visual impairment: differentiating between acquired and genetic causes. BMC Ophthalmol 2014; 14:59. [PMID: 24886270 PMCID: PMC4021540 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2415-14-59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2013] [Accepted: 04/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To gain more insight into genetic causes of cerebral visual impairment (CVI) in children and to compare ophthalmological findings between genetic and acquired forms of CVI. Methods The clinical data of 309 individuals (mainly children) with CVI, and a visual acuity ≤0.3 were analyzed for etiology and ocular variables. A differentiation was made between acquired and genetic causes. However, in persons with West syndrome or hydrocephalus, it might be impossible to unravel whether CVI is caused by the seizure disorder or increased intracranial pressure or by the underlying disorder (that in itself can be acquired or genetic). In two subgroups, individuals with ‘purely’ acquired CVI and with ‘purely’ genetic CVI, the ocular variables (such as strabismus, pale optic disc and visual field defects) were compared. Results It was possible to identify a putative cause for CVI in 60% (184/309) of the cohort. In the remaining 40% the etiology could not be determined. A ‘purely’ acquired cause was identified in 80 of the patients (26%). West syndrome and/or hydrocephalus was identified in 21 patients (7%), and in 17 patients (6%) both an acquired cause and West and/or hydrocephalus was present. In 66 patients (21%) a genetic diagnosis was obtained, of which 38 (12%) had other possible risk factor (acquired, preterm birth, West syndrome or hydrocephalus), making differentiation between acquired and genetic not possible. In the remaining 28 patients (9%) a ‘purely’ genetic cause was identified. CVI was identified for the first time in several genetic syndromes, such as ATR-X, Mowat-Wilson, and Pitt Hopkins syndrome. In the subgroup with ‘purely’ acquired causes (N = 80) strabismus (88% versus 64%), pale optic discs (65% versus 27%) and visual field defects (72% versus 30%) could be observed more frequent than in the subgroup with ‘purely’ genetic disorders (N = 28). Conclusions We conclude that CVI can be part of a genetic syndrome and that abnormal ocular findings are present more frequently in acquired forms of CVI.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Bert B A de Vries
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, P,O, Box 9101, Nijmegen, HB 6500, The Netherlands.
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Fazzi E, Signorini SG, LA Piana R, Bertone C, Misefari W, Galli J, Balottin U, Bianchi PE. Neuro-ophthalmological disorders in cerebral palsy: ophthalmological, oculomotor, and visual aspects. Dev Med Child Neurol 2012; 54:730-6. [PMID: 22712803 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-8749.2012.04324.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIM Cerebral visual impairment (CVI) is a disorder caused by damage to the retrogeniculate visual pathways. Cerebral palsy (CP) and CVI share a common origin: 60 to 70% of children with CP also have CVI. We set out to describe visual dysfunction in children with CP. A further aim was to establish whether different types of CP are associated with different patterns of visual involvement. METHODS A total of 129 patients (54 females, 75 males; mean age 4 y 6 mo, SD 3 y 5 mo; range 3 mo-15 y) with CP (51 with diplegia, 61 with tetraplegia, and 17 with hemiplegia; 62 [48%] of participants were able to walk) and CVI enrolled at the Centre of Child Neuro-ophthalmology (at the Department of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, IRCCS 'C. Mondino Institute of Neurology', University of Pavia) underwent an assessment protocol including neurological examination, developmental and/or cognitive assessment, neuro-ophthalmological evaluation including ophthalmological assessment, evaluation of visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, optokinetic nystagmus, visual field and stereopsis, and neuroradiological investigations. RESULTS Visual dysfunction in diplegia was characterized mainly by refractive errors (75% of patients), strabismus (90%), abnormal saccadic movements (86%), and reduced visual acuity (82%). The participants with hemiplegia showed strabismus (71%) and refractive errors (88%); oculomotor involvement was less frequent (59%). This group had the largest percentage of patients with altered visual field (64%). Children with tetraplegia showed a severe neuro-ophthalmological profile, characterized by ocular abnormalities (98%), oculomotor dysfunction (100%), and reduced visual acuity (98%). INTERPRETATION Neuro-ophthalmological disorders are one of the main symptoms in CP. Each clinical type of CP is associated with a distinct neuro-ophthalmological profile. Early and careful neuro-ophthalmological assessment of children with CP is essential for an accurate diagnosis and for personalized rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Fazzi
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Mother-Child Department, Civil Hospital, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
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Abstract
Apresentamos a Psicofísica como uma ciência aplicada nas investigações e nas abordagens e diagnósticos clínicos. Inicialmente, introduzimos algo dos aspectos epistemológicos e teóricos da área, passamos para as abordagens que a Psicofísica pode apresentar na aplicabilidade clínica e, por fim, discutimos os avanços recentes da aplicação clínica, apresentamos as experiências de nosso laboratório de pesquisa clínica em psicofísica, finalizando com as perspectivas de ampliação do uso da psicofísica para investigações clínicas de funções perceptuais mais complexas.
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Kuba M, Liláková D, Hejcmanová D, Kremláček J, Langrová J, Kubová Z. Ophthalmological examination and VEPs in preterm children with perinatal CNS involvement. Doc Ophthalmol 2008; 117:137-45. [DOI: 10.1007/s10633-008-9115-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2007] [Accepted: 01/14/2008] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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13
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Fazzi E, Signorini SG, Bova SM, La Piana R, Ondei P, Bertone C, Misefari W, Bianchi PE. Spectrum of visual disorders in children with cerebral visual impairment. J Child Neurol 2007; 22:294-301. [PMID: 17621499 DOI: 10.1177/08830738070220030801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Cerebral visual impairment is a visual function deficit caused by damage to the retrogeniculate visual pathways in the absence of any major ocular disease. It is the main visual deficit in children in the developed world. Preperinatal hypoxic-ischemic damage is the most frequent cause of cerebral visual impairment, but the etiology is variable. The authors set out to evaluate the presence of visual disorders not attributable to any major ocular pathology in a sample of children with central nervous system disease and to describe the clinical picture of cerebral visual impairment in this cohort. One hundred twenty-one patients with central nervous system damage and visual impairment underwent a protocol developed at the authors' center that included neurologic, neurophthalmologic, and neuroradiologic assessments (brain magnetic resonance imaging). Reduced visual acuity was found in 105 of 121 patients, reduced contrast sensitivity in 58, abnormal optokinetic nystagmus in 88, and visual field deficit in 7. Fixation was altered in 58 patients, smooth pursuit in 95, and saccadic movements in 41. Strabismus was present in 88 patients, and abnormal ocular movements were found in 43 patients. Of the 27 patients in whom they could be assessed, visual-perceptual abilities were found to be impaired in 24. Fundus oculi abnormalities and refractive errors were frequently associated findings. This study confirms that the clinical expression of cerebral visual impairment can be variable and that, in addition to already well-documented symptoms (such as reduced visual acuity, visual field deficits, reduced contrast sensitivity), the clinical picture can also be characterized by oculomotor or visual-cognitive disorders. Cerebral visual impairment is often associated with ophthalmologic abnormalities, and these should be carefully sought. Early and careful assessment, taking into account both the neurophthalmologic and the ophthalmologic aspects, is essential for a correct diagnosis and the development of personalized rehabilitation programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Fazzi
- Department of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, IRCCS C. Mondino Institute of Neurology, University of Pavia, Italy.
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Signorini S, Bova S, La Piana R, Bianchi P, Fazzi E. Neurobehavioral adaptations in cerebral visual impairment. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ics.2005.05.174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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15
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Sakai S, Hirayama K, Iwasaki S, Yamadori A, Sato N, Ito A, Kato M, Sudo M, Tsuburaya K. Contrast sensitivity of patients with severe motor and intellectual disabilities and cerebral visual impairment. J Child Neurol 2002; 17:731-7. [PMID: 12546426 DOI: 10.1177/08830738020170101201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
We attempt to evaluate the residual visual capacities of nine patients (seven males and two females; age range 4 to 35 years, mean 13.8 +/- 9.98) with cerebral visual impairment coupled with severe motor and intellectual disabilities by their contrast sensitivities to sine-wave gratings. Two methods were used for detecting the occurrence of ocular responses to stimuli: (1) detection of optokinetic nystagmus to drifting sinusoidal gratings by naked-eye observation and electronystagmography and (2) detection of ocular pursuit for a drifting Gabor patch by naked-eye observation. We succeeded in measuring the sensitivities of eight cases. For the remaining one case, only the Gabor method could be applied. Most cases showed low contrast sensitivity in both higher (2 and 4 cycles/degree) and lower (0.125 and 0.25 cycles/degree) spatial frequencies and relatively high contrast sensitivity in the middle (0.5 and 1 cycle/degree) range of spatial frequencies. We conclude that the residual visual capacities of patients with severe motor and intellectual disabilities and cerebral visual impairment can be measured fairly accurately by these behavioral methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinya Sakai
- Division of Neuropsychology, Department of Disability Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.
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