Monday, March 28, 2011

Orbit Pathology: Brown's Syndrome

*Brown’s Syndrome*
What is Brown’s syndrome?
Brown’s syndrome occurs when the superior oblique muscle of the eye is not moving correctly. It is also known as superior oblique sheath syndrome. People can be born with this syndrome or it can develop later in life. It is usually more obvious in children. The patient can suffer some vision problems.
What are the symptoms?
-In appearance the eyes will be facing other directions when the person is looking straight ahead. This can occur in both eyes but is more likely to only occur in one.
-Someone with Brown’s syndrome will have a difficult time looking up because the muscle will not allow it.
What does this look like?







How is it treated?
For mild cases: Nonsurgical Treatment
               -Injecting steroids to decrease inflammation on the muscle
For other cases: Surgical Treatment





Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Pituitary Gland Pathology :Craniopharyngioma


What is craniopharyngioma?
Craniopharyngioma is a benign tumor that develops in kids between the ages of five and ten. It can also affect adults but it very rare. It affects the pituitary gland, optic nerve and  causes pressure to increase on the brain.
What are the Symptoms?
Increase pressure on the brain
-Headaches
-Vomiting
-Patient will have no balance
-Patient will have be very thirsty and have the urge to urination very often
-Stunted growth
-Optic nerve will be damaged
- Vision loss will occur and most times it will be permanent
What does this look like?



What is the Treatment?
Surgery
Radiation Therapy

Sunday, March 13, 2011

ACOUSTIC NEUROMA

What is an acoustic neuroma?
Acoustic neuroma is a slow growing benign tumor on the 8th cranial nerve. Another name for this tumor is vestibular schwannomas.  It can be diagnosed with auditory hearing test or an MRI.
What are the symptoms?
Hearing loss, ringing in the ears, loss of balance, dizziness, and facial weakness
What are the causes?
Acoustic neuroma can be inherited syndrome called neurofibromatosis type 2. This inherited syndrome is very rare and in most cases acoustic neuromas just sporadically occur.
What does it look like?

 
How is it treated?
Surgery and Radiation