Neurological Visual Impairment (NVI) and Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI)
Neurological visual impairment (NVI), also referred to as cortical visual impairment (CVI) and/or cortical blindness, is a class of vision impairment that stems damage to the brain's very vulnerable visual cortex (the part of the brain farthest from the blood supply). NVI does not involve a problem with the cornea, retina, or eyeball.
Nearly 80% of children with
cerebral palsy have some degree of NVI, which has a variety of causes that may include a
birth injury due to a mistake by an
obstetrician,
midwife, or
hospital nursing negligence. Most cases or NVI are due to:
NVI is usually diagnosed after an infant undergoes an eye examination that reveals a normal papillary reaction despite poor or no visual response to stimuli. The extent of the impairment can from mild to severe, and can be temporary or permanent. Most children with NVI experience some vision improvement in the year or two after diagnoisis, but very few, if any, recovery completely. Fluctuating vision is common, especially in children taking Dilantin, Tegretol, or Phenobarbital to control seizure disorders. Children receiving anti-seizure medications have better peripheral vision than central vision and, in turn, observe objects out of the side of their eyes.
Many adults born with NVI compare the condition to speaking a foreign language or trying to listen to one voice in a noisy room - many can "see," but it takes considerable effort. As children, so much effort is required to decipher figures and interpret spatial relationships that most prefer touch to sight and will turn away from objects (appearing visually inattentive) while exploring them with their hands. Most children with NVI benefit from everyday vision stimulation, which should include color identification, tracking objects and identifying shapes.
The trial lawyers at Bottar Law, PLLC, have decades of experience investigating, prosecuting and trying to verdict medical malpractice and birth injury cases. If you or your baby have been injured due to medical malpractice, you, your child and your family may be entitled to compensation for lifelong health care, medical expenses, special education, medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering.
To discuss your case or concerns with an experienced Central New York medical malpractice and birth injury attorney,
contact us now at (315) 422-3466, (800) 336-LAWS, or by e-mail at info@bottarleone.com.