Anton syndrome
Pronunciation: AN-tone
Condition where patients with cortical blindness deny their visual loss and confabulate visual experiences.
Full Definition
Anton syndrome, also known as visual anosognosia, is a rare neurological condition in which patients with cortical blindness adamantly deny their visual impairment and often confabulate detailed visual descriptions of their environment. This syndrome results from bilateral damage to the primary visual cortex, typically due to posterior cerebral artery strokes or other occipital lobe lesions. Patients maintain normal pupillary responses and eye movements but lack conscious visual perception. The denial of blindness appears to stem from disconnection between visual processing areas and areas responsible for visual awareness and insight.
Usage
Usage note: Named after Austrian ophthalmologist Gabriel Anton; capitalize the 'A'.
In Context
- "The patient's Anton syndrome complicated rehabilitation as they insisted they could see normally despite cortical blindness." — Neurological consultation
- "Family education was crucial for managing safety concerns related to the patient's Anton syndrome." — Discharge planning