Residual Neurovascular Function and Retinotopy in a Case of Hemianopia

Abstract

Introduction: For occipital cortex strokes resulting in vision disorders, questions about the viability of residual visual cortex remain. Clinical Picture: In a patient with a one-year-old, left, complete, homonymous hemianopia due to a right, posterior cerebral artery, ischaemic infarct, we assessed the visual cortex with fMRI retinotopic mapping prior to starting vision restoration therapy. Outcome: The patient was found to have residual neurovascular function and retinotopic representation in the surviving visual cortex around the infarcted area. Conclusion: The ability to respond to stimuli in part of the blind field, though not consciously perceived, suggests the potential for recovery. Key words: fMRI, Retinotopic mapping, Stroke