6. Transient Blindness
Receiving a concussion can increase levels of pressure on the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) surrounding the brain and spinal cord, creating intracranial hypertension (IH). CSF acts as a cushion for the brain against impact, as well as providing nourishment and removing metabolic waste.
Intracranial hypertension can become a chronic adverse health condition in people suffering from a concussion. The elevated cranial pressure places stress on the optic nerve creating a condition known as papilledema. In most cases, papilledema will subside as the IH wanes, and the swelling around the optic nerve diminishes.
However, there are rare cases where severe intracranial hypertension will require surgery to the optic nerve to avoid permanent blindness. Relieving IH requires surgeons to drain cerebrospinal fluid from inner brain cavities or ventricles in a process known as “therapeutic shunting.” Optic nerve sheath fenestration is then used to make incisions in the sheath surrounding the optic nerve to relieve the intracranial pressure.