What is it about?
This case study shows how Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) can be used to quickly and effectively assess a 60-year-old woman with a severe brain bleed (subarachnoid hemorrhage). By using POCUS to check her pupils, doctors could detect changes in brain pressure and optic nerve health, which are crucial for making fast treatment decisions. The study highlights POCUS as a valuable tool in emergencies, offering a simple and reliable alternative to traditional methods like manual pupil checks.
Featured Image
Photo by Robina Weermeijer on Unsplash
Why is it important?
High pressure in the brain and narrowing of blood vessels in conditions like SAH can press on the optic nerve, and can lead to poor blood flow in the brain. This can cause pupils to dilate and affect how they respond to light. CT scans are good for finding brain problems but aren't great for keeping track of changes over time. Checking pupils by hand can be different depending on who does it, so it's not always reliable. Infrared pupil scanners are accurate but not always around. POCUS is fast, easy, and getting more common in emergencies. It helps doctors check pupils clearly and officially.
Perspectives
In my perspective, this case vividly illustrates how Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) revolutionizes pupillometry for conditions like subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). By uncovering nuanced changes in pupil reactions, POCUS offers a window into brain pressure dynamics and optic nerve function. This capability holds promise for swift treatment decisions. Yet, ongoing research is crucial to fully harness POCUS's potential in hospitals, promising faster and more effective patient care outcomes.
Priyanka Modi
All India Institute of Medical Sciences
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: The role of Point‐of‐Care Ultrasound of pupil for pupillometry in subarachnoid hemorrhage, iRADIOLOGY, January 2024, Tsinghua University Press,
DOI: 10.1002/ird3.52.
You can read the full text:
Contributors
The following have contributed to this page
