Differential Diagnosis for Vision Fading in and Out After Head Trauma
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Concussion or Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI): This is the most likely diagnosis given the history of head trauma. Concussions can cause a variety of symptoms including visual disturbances such as fading vision, due to the brain's temporary inability to function properly.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Post-Traumatic Migraine: Head trauma can trigger migraines, which often include visual auras such as fading vision, making this a plausible diagnosis.
- Post-Concussive Syndrome: This condition occurs after a concussion and can include a variety of symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and visual disturbances, including vision fading in and out.
- Vestibular Dysfunction: Injury to the vestibular system during head trauma can lead to balance problems and visual disturbances, including blurred or fading vision.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Subdural or Epidural Hematoma: Although less common, these conditions are life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Symptoms can include worsening headache, confusion, and visual disturbances due to increased intracranial pressure.
- Cerebral Vasospasm: This is a potential complication of subarachnoid hemorrhage, which can occur after head trauma. It can lead to decreased blood flow to parts of the brain, causing visual disturbances among other symptoms.
- Carotid or Vertebral Artery Dissection: These are rare but serious conditions that can occur after neck or head trauma, leading to stroke or transient ischemic attacks, which can cause sudden visual disturbances.
Rare Diagnoses
- Traumatic Optic Neuropathy: Direct trauma to the optic nerve can cause visual loss or disturbances, including fading vision, though this is less common compared to other diagnoses.
- Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis: A rare but serious condition that can occur after facial or head trauma, leading to visual disturbances among other symptoms due to thrombosis of the cavernous sinus.
- Pituitary Apoplexy: Although rare, head trauma can cause a pituitary apoplexy, which is a sudden hemorrhage or infarction of the pituitary gland, potentially leading to visual field defects due to its proximity to the optic chiasm.