Re: Neuroscience/Opthomology Phenomena following trauma

Dan:

     I will try to answer your question as best I can but remember this is 
not a diagnosis or recommendation for you.
     In optometric and ophthalmologic literature, what you had sounds like 
either  "pie in the sky" or "pie on the floor" defect in your visual field. 
 People who have had car accidents or other trauma where they were hit in 
the head can have some kind of visual field defect.  Pie in the sky 
defect is just as it sounds, a defect that looks like a slice of pie.  If 
it is located in the same area of both eyes, it is called a homonymous 
quadranopsia or scotoma.  Pie in the sky defect is caused by damage to 
inferior and anterior  part of temporal lobe which has affected the optic 
radiations or fibers in that area.  Pie on the floor defects usually 
coincide with damage to superior optic fibers of the parietal lobe.
     Depending on exactly where your scotomas (areas of lost visual field) 
are, it can affect your reading and other near tasks.  Typically, patients 
with scotomas directly to left or right of central vision have a more 
difficult time reading than if it was above or below. Anytime one has a 
scotoma that affects central vision, you have to use eccentric fixation to 
see things, meaning, you have to learn to use vision away from your 
central, sharpest area to see the words.
     As for why your scotoma moved 360 degrees in your visual field, I 
would have to know more to tell you anything concrete.  It is not uncommon 
for post-head trauma patients to regain their sight however. People who 
have a loss of part of their vision can benefit from the use of low vision 
devices, such as magnifiers, high plus lenses, and telescopes.  In some 
cases, orientation and mobility training can be beneficial.  I hope this 
helps.

Kenton McWilliams