Last summer, Verna Blackwell, a 50-year-old resident of Houston, began experiencing vision problems and frequent blackouts. These symptoms affected her job at a car dealership where she was responsible for driving vehicles. "It was scary to get behind the wheel of a car. Seeing black dots, and at times, complete blackness, wasn’t just disruptive; it was frightening," Blackwell explained.
Initially seeking help from a local optical chain, Blackwell was advised that new glasses might solve her issues. However, trusting her instincts, she sought a second opinion from Arnoldo Treviño, OD, an optometrist in the Ruiz Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston.
"When Verna told me that she was blacking out, it was a red flag that her condition was most likely something beyond a vision issue and probably neurological in nature," Treviño noted. A comprehensive eye exam revealed severely swollen optic nerves. Treviño referred Blackwell to the emergency room for an MRI which identified a massive meningioma pressing on critical brain structures.
The tumor's pressure caused brain herniation—a serious condition where brain tissue is displaced due to increased pressure. Although benign, the meningioma posed significant risks including potential loss of vision and other functions if not removed.
Spiros Blackburn, MD, associate professor in the Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery at McGovern Medical School, performed an eight-hour surgery to remove the tumor. "Meningiomas are quite common. But Verna’s case is atypical because the tumor was so large," Blackburn stated.
Following surgery, no radiation treatment was necessary for Blackwell; however, regular follow-up MRIs will be required to monitor any regrowth. "Recovery after surgery took time but each day brought progress," Blackwell shared about her journey post-surgery.
Treviño continues working with Blackburn and other team members to support Blackwell's recovery through regular appointments and occupational therapy aimed at maintaining independence in daily activities.
"Verna’s story should serve as a reminder that a thorough eye exam can uncover life-threatening conditions," Treviño emphasized.
As she prepares to move closer to family in Idaho, Blackwell expressed gratitude: “I’m so grateful to Drs. Treviño and Blackburn for properly diagnosing and treating the root cause of my issues.”
