Terson syndrome

The vitreous, sub-hyaloid, subretinal space, intraretinal regions, or beneath the internal limiting membrane are some of the locations where the hemorrhages may occur in the eye.

The intricate vascular connections between the brain and the eye are highlighted by the fact that Terson syndrome is most frequently observed after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhages.

The symptoms and indicators of Terson's syndrome that persist throughout time are Long-term vision impairments may result if the intraocular hemorrhage is not treated or resorbed naturally.

The significance of a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and therapy is underscored by these interrelated effects, which show how systemic illnesses can appear in localized areas like the eyes.

Intraocular bleeding results from the condition's abrupt and severe rise in intracranial pressure, which is then conveyed to the eyes through the optic nerve sheath.

Other diagnostic assessments include visual acuity tests to measure the impact on vision and lumbar puncture to confirm subarachnoid hemorrhage when imaging results are unclear.

Because these people might not exhibit visual symptoms, medical professionals might simply concentrate on neurological evaluation, ignoring the necessity of an ocular examination.

Intraocular hemorrhage can also result from elevated intracranial pressure caused by tumors or brain swelling, but this may go unnoticed if Terson's disease is not diagnosed.

In order to treat the neurological and ocular components of the illness and avoid long-term visual impairment, early detection and timely intervention are essential.

In contrast, older patients may face a higher risk of complications, such as hypertension, diabetes, and age-related changes in the brain and eyes, which can reduce their recovery potential.

Early neurosurgical intervention and prompt ophthalmologic treatment, such as vitrectomy for severe intraocular hemorrhages, can significantly improve both neurological and visual outcomes.

Terson syndrome is relatively rare, and exact prevalence and incidence rates remain uncertain due to frequent underreporting, especially in patients with severe intracranial injuries.

Estimates suggest that 8-15% of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) develop Terson syndrome, though detection methods and study populations can cause this rate to vary.

However, the true prevalence may be underestimated due to the high mortality rate linked to SAH and other brain hemorrhages, which can limit the number of patients surviving long enough to receive a diagnosis.

Terson syndrome can affect individuals of all ages, but it is more commonly observed in middle-aged and older adults, particularly those at an elevated risk for subarachnoid hemorrhage due to aneurysms.

While the condition is most frequently reported in adults between the ages of 30 and 60, it can also occur in children, typically following traumatic brain injuries or less common causes like arteriovenous malformations.

In older adults, outcomes are generally poorer due to the prevalence of chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and cerebrovascular disease, which increase susceptibility to both intracranial and ocular hemorrhages.

However, women are also affected, with factors such as hormonal changes, pregnancy-related complications, and a higher likelihood of aneurysms in certain areas of the posterior circulation playing a role.

Geographically, Terson syndrome is diagnosed worldwide but is more frequently observed in regions with higher rates of subarachnoid hemorrhage, such as North America and Europe, where advanced imaging technologies like CT and MRI improve detection and management.

In contrast, regions with limited healthcare resources may experience underreporting of Terson syndrome due to misdiagnosis or lack of diagnostic capabilities, particularly in settings where cerebrovascular diseases and trauma are less comprehensively managed.

The scarcity of large-scale data on Terson syndrome underscores the need for further research to better understand its prevalence, risk factors, and outcomes across diverse populations.