In Practice

Orbital apex syndrome after trauma in a 6-year-old – a rare occurrence

A Ahmed

Abstract


Orbital apex syndrome is rare, but can occur as a consequence of trauma from fracture of the medial orbit. This case report highlights the fact that a high index of suspicion is needed when a patient presents with a facial injury, especially in children who cannot give an account of the actual events that transpired. Radiological investigation should be done early when an underlying injury is suspected in a trauma patient. A low threshold for computed tomography should be maintained when proptosis and vision loss are present.


Author's affiliations

A Ahmed, Registrar, Department of Ophthalmology, Grey’s Hospital, Pietermaritzburg, and School of Clinical Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa

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Keywords

Ophthalmology; Trauma; Orbital apex syndrome

Cite this article

South African Medical Journal 2017;107(9):747-749. DOI:10.7196/SAMJ.2017.v107i9.12465

Article History

Date submitted: 2017-08-25
Date published: 2017-08-25

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