Diagnosis and treatment of occipital brain lesions in children

This review focuses on children with damage or developmental abnormalities in the occipital part of the brain—the area mainly responsible for vision. Because these issues can come from many causes (such as stroke, infection, tumors, birth-related injuries, cortical malformations), and often show subtle symptoms, diagnosis can be difficult—especially in very young children.

Early and accurate diagnosis is key. Vision problems might be the first or only sign that something is wrong and if left untreated, they can affect learning, development, and quality of life. We reviewed both medical literature and real clinical observations from a large children's hospital in Italy to guide pediatricians in recognizing and managing these problems.

Children with occipital brain lesions may experience seizures, difficulty recognizing faces or objects, vision loss in parts of their visual field, or behaviors that can be mistaken for autism or learning disabilities. Diagnosing these issues correctly requires a team approach, involving neurologists, eye specialists, neuropsychologists, and neuroradiologists. Various tests—including magnetic resonance imaging, full eye exams, electroencephalograms, and specific neuropsychological evaluations—are needed to identify the exact cause.

Many children can benefit from targeted treatment. This might include medications, surgery (e.g. to treat epilepsy or remove tumors), and vision rehabilitation therapy. In addition, adjusting the child's environment at home and at school—such as using better lighting, reducing visual distractions, and offering multisensory learning tools—can help them manage daily life and improve their ability to learn.