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What Causes Temporary Blindness After A Fall?
Question: Three days ago, I fell off of my mountain bike, but sustained no physical injuries beyond a sprained thumb and bruised thigh. I got up pretty much right away, but when I got to my feet, I became essentially blind for several minutes. The sight in my right eye returned in a few minutes, followed by my left eye. I didn't experience total darkness, but I couldn't detect images. I had a complete physical a couple of months ago (spartan) and had a complete eye exam today. No issues were detected and I haven't experienced any sight related issues since the incident - over ever before. No one I've communicated with has ever heard of such an experience.
Brief Answer:
It was due to sudden shock to the body/brain due to fall.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
It's lucky that you escaped more serious injury (which still needs to be keenly observed for few days... for possible late manifestations of the limb injury).
Your symptoms of temporary Blindness after the incidence could be
- Postural hypotension as you got up from a fallen posture After the body had a jerk due to fall... The body was already in shock, which caused temporary low blood pressure as you raised suddenly up.
- The same jerk was received by the brain... had a mild concussion (not enough to make you unconscious).. to cause temporary loss of vision. Fortunately, it was nor severe... would have caused unconsciousness & more trauma to the eye.
It's good you had complete physical examination & also eye checks up.... conforming no apparent injury to eyes & brain too & you just escaped with sprain & thigh bruise.. which can be very well managed with your personal efforts & medication advised by your doctor. Still, the incidence teaches one to be careful while driving & prevent an accident in future.
I hope that answers your query.
Regards,
Dr. Vasudha Jayant Athavale, General & Family Physician
It was due to sudden shock to the body/brain due to fall.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
It's lucky that you escaped more serious injury (which still needs to be keenly observed for few days... for possible late manifestations of the limb injury).
Your symptoms of temporary Blindness after the incidence could be
- Postural hypotension as you got up from a fallen posture After the body had a jerk due to fall... The body was already in shock, which caused temporary low blood pressure as you raised suddenly up.
- The same jerk was received by the brain... had a mild concussion (not enough to make you unconscious).. to cause temporary loss of vision. Fortunately, it was nor severe... would have caused unconsciousness & more trauma to the eye.
It's good you had complete physical examination & also eye checks up.... conforming no apparent injury to eyes & brain too & you just escaped with sprain & thigh bruise.. which can be very well managed with your personal efforts & medication advised by your doctor. Still, the incidence teaches one to be careful while driving & prevent an accident in future.
I hope that answers your query.
Regards,
Dr. Vasudha Jayant Athavale, General & Family Physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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