Impairment of visual recognition after a traumatic brain injury

Impaired vision and cerebral blindness were observed in a patient who had s uffered brain trauma. One year after the trauma, the impairment was charact erized by low visual acuity, visual field restricted to central tunnel visi on and impaired recognition of objects line drawings, colors and faces. Vis ion improved six years after the,brain trauma with more rapid recognition o f objects and line drawings, increased visual acuity and broadening of the visual field Reading was possible at this time. However, prosopagnosia rema ined very severe and was still the primary complaint of the patient. improv ement of visual function continuing for several years after a brain injury is discussed on the basis of cognitive and neurophysiological knowledge. Th e place of rehabilitation is discussed. Functional improvement is explained by extrastriate cortical afferences and the cortical network of visual pat hways.