Unilateral papilloedema after hepatitis B vaccination in a migraine patient. A case report including forensic aspects

Abstract

Purpose: To report on a unilateral optic nerve reaction appearing 9-10 hours after vaccination against hepatitis B. Methods: To describe the case and discuss the underlying mechanisms. There was a scintillating scotoma leaving a permanent inferior notch in the visual field, but central vision was left normal and with only a slight affection of colour perception. Shortly the optic nervehead appeared engorged, then slightly ischaemic, but was hardly left with evidence of atrophy. Results: Immune-based reactions could hardly be held responsible, multiple sclerosis was unlikely, and ultrasonography excluded optic nervehead drusen. An optic nerve migraine mechanism is probable, possibly with the vaccination having acted as the trigger.