How a Stroke Can Change Your Vision
Home Conditions | Stroke and Vision by Sonia Kelley, Od, Ms; Reviewed by Brendan Kelley, Md How Does a Stroke Affect Vision? One-Third of the Brain Is...
How does a stroke affect vision?
One-third of the brain is dedicated to vision. As a result, visual issues can be one of the first signs of a stroke. A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, depriving it of oxygen and nutrients. Symptoms can include double vision, visual field loss and visual perception issues.
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What causes a stroke?
A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked or restricted, preventing oxygen and nutrients from reaching it. It is an emergency condition that needs urgent medical care. An immediate medical response can reduce the risk of permanent brain injury and complications from a stroke.
A stroke can be classified as:
Ischemic stroke – A stroke caused by blockage or constriction of a blood vessel, resulting in inadequate blood flow to the part of the brain the blood vessel supplies.
Hemorrhagic stroke – A stroke caused by bleeding from a damaged blood vessel, resulting in inadequate blood flow to the part of the brain the blood vessel supplies.
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a stroke-like episode. The difference between a stroke and TIA is that a TIA lasts less than 24 hours and symptoms are temporary.
Vision is mostly processed in the occipital lobe of the brain, but the temporal lobe and parietal lobes also play a critical role. Injury in these areas of the brain will result in a wide range of visual impairments. A neurologist — a doctor who specializes in the brain — can evaluate the injury to the brain caused by the stroke, and the extent and type of resulting visual impairment.
Elena Rostova holds a Master's degree in Public Health Journalism. She covers groundbreaking medical research, holistic wellness trends, mental health awareness, and nutritional science.
