OCULAR DYSFUNCTION DURING THE AMYTAL SUPPRESSION TEST

We assessed the following parameters of visual function in 16 patients during amytal suppression test (AST): pupillary light response, conse nsual reflex, pupillary symmetry, monocular reading and monocular visu al recognition. Significant visual impairment in the eye ipsilateral t o injection (EII) occurred in 7 of 16 patients ranging from blurring t o complete, transient loss of vision. We conclude that visual dysfunct ion of the EII during the AST is common and represents an important co mponent of the test. Intracarotid amytal reaches the EII via ophthalmi c artery and probably impairs vision in the EII due to cycloplegia, ir idoplegia and retinal suppression.