[Rhinobasal deompression of the optic nerve following trauma (author's transl)].

Six cases of indirect trauma of the optic nerve caused by head injuries are reported. After rhinobasal decompression of the optic nerve an improvement in visual acuity and visual field was achieved in 4 cases. The indication for optic nerve decompression is discussed, comparing the neurosurgical transfrontal procedure with rhinobasal decompression. The authors advise an early operation, because an improvement may be accomplished even if blindness has occurred immediately after the accident.