Status epilepticus amauroticus secondary to meningitis as a cause of postpartum cortical blindness.

Background and objectives: A patient who underwent cesarean delivery with epidural anesthesia presented 6 days postpartum with acute cortical blindness.

Methods: Initial studies included an ophthalmology consultation as well as a full neurologic workup, including cranial computed tomography, diagnostic lumbar puncture, magnetic resonance imaging, body fluid cultures, and electroencephalography. Early broad-spectrum antibiotic coverage was initiated, and because of possible epileptic activity on electroencephalogram, phenytoin was added to the treatment regimen.

Results: Soon after beginning the initial phenytoin dose, the patient reported full return of her vision. She was eventually discharged from the hospital in good condition.

Conclusions: This case report illustrates how blindness can be related to seizure activity.