Editor-in-Chief: Alaa Abd-Elsayed, MD, PhD
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BACKGROUND: Vision changes are rarely reported as a complication of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Previous research has shown that photophobia and changes in pupil size associated with CRPS are the result of autonomic disturbances. Stellate ganglion blocks relieve pain by altering, at least temporarily, the dysautonomia associated with CRPS.
CASE REPORT: A 30-year-old white woman with a history of cervical disc herniation and progressive radiculopathy was diagnosed with CRPS type 1 after C6-7 arthroplasty. Her case was complicated by ipsilateral acute vision loss in the left eye and left facial pain, which improved after stellate ganglion block.
CONCLUSION: This case broadened our knowledge about CRPS and suggested that associated dysautonomia can adversely affect visual acuity.
KEY WORDS: Case report, complex regional pain syndrome, dysautonomia, stellate ganglion block, visual loss
