Severe Headache and Acute Blindness: A Case of Pituitary Apoplexy

Pituitary apoplexy is a rare, life-threatening syndrome that commonly occurs in the adenomatous pituitary gland. It presents with a myriad of severe neuroendocrine and ophthalmological signs and symptoms. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are vital in the management of pituitary apoplexy. This case report describes a 56-year-old woman who reported to the neurology clinic with 1 week's history of visual loss, and a severe headache, on the background of a 2-year history of pituitary adenoma with poor follow-up. The patient underwent transsphenoidal surgery. She regained vision in the right eye, but no perception of light in the left eye. Patients with headaches and impaired visual field should be screened for pituitary adenoma. Signs and symptoms may be reversible with early diagnosis and prompt treatment of pituitary apoplexy.