Question

A 20-year-old woman visits her doctor stating that she has been blind since the previous day. She seems calm and indifferent. The blindness began 1 week following her son's death. Her neurological exam is normal, and nerve studies reveal no retinal problems. Think:

Answer 1

The sudden blindness following the woman's son's death may be a result of functional blindness or conversion disorder, which is characterized by neurological symptoms with no organic cause. In the case of meningitis, swelling around the optic nerve can push on it and cause vision loss.

Step-by-step explanation:

The 20-year-old woman's sudden blindness following her son's death may be a result of a condition known as functional blindness or conversion disorder. This condition is characterized by the presence of neurological symptoms, such as blindness, that have no organic cause. The link between emotional distress and physical symptoms is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to psychological factors rather than structural abnormalities.

In the case of meningitis, the swelling around the optic nerve can push on it and cause vision loss. Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord, usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. The swelling can disrupt the transmission of signals from the eye to the brain, leading to vision problems.