Cortical visual impairment

Cortical Visual Impairment

Cortical Visual Impairment (kɔːrˈtɪkəl ˈvɪʒʊəl ɪmˈpeɪrmənt), also known as CVI, is a form of visual impairment that is caused by a brain problem rather than an eye problem. The term is often used to refer to visual impairment that occurs after the optic nerve has carried the visual information to the brain.

Etymology

The term "Cortical Visual Impairment" is derived from the word "cortex", which refers to the outer layer of the brain, and "visual impairment", which refers to a decrease in the ability to see to a certain degree that causes problems not fixable by usual means, such as glasses.

Definition

Cortical Visual Impairment is a decreased visual response due to a neurological problem affecting the visual part of the brain. Typically, a person with CVI will have a normal eye exam or one that cannot explain the abnormal visual behavior.

Symptoms

Symptoms of CVI can vary greatly from person to person, but may include difficulty with quick movements, difficulty with visually guided reach, and difficulty with complex visual environments.

Causes

CVI is caused by damage to the occipital lobe of the brain, which is responsible for vision. This damage can be caused by a variety of conditions, including hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, cerebral palsy, developmental delay, and seizure disorders.

Treatment

Treatment for CVI is focused on improving the individual's use of their vision. This may involve the use of occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy to help improve visual function.

Related Terms

• Visual impairment
• Optic nerve
• Occipital lobe
• Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy
• Cerebral palsy
• Developmental delay
• Seizure disorders
• Occupational therapy
• Physical therapy
• Speech therapy

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Cortical visual impairment
• Wikipedia's article - Cortical visual impairment

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