Recovery from hemianopsia after surgical removal of spontaneous occipital haemorrhage

In cases of spontaneous haemorrhage without severe impairment of consciousness, indications for surgical treatment remain controversial and the effect of surgery on focal deficits is unclear. We report the case of a young man operated for left occipital spontaneous haemorrhage (28 cm3) who had presented with right lateral hemianopsia without impaired consciousness. The visual field defect improved soon after the operation and resolved over the following months. The rationale for this approach is discussed.