Dilated Pupils (Mydriasis)
Dilated Pupils (Mydriasis) Symptoms & Signs
Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Dilation, or widening, of the pupils of the eyes is normal in conditions of low light in order to allow more light to reach the retina. Medically, dilation of the pupils is known as mydriasis. Specific medications known as mydriatics are administered to dilate the pupils for ophthalmologic examination. If the pupils are dilated due to an abnormal response, they may remain dilated even in the presence of sunlight or strong light. Injury to the brain and taking certain drugs are common causes of abnormally dilated pupils. Both medications and
drugs of abuse can result in dilated pupils. Dilation of the pupil on one side only is also abnormal and may signal a
brain injury or other condition that raises the pressure within the cranial cavity (increased intracranial pressure).
Medically Reviewed by a Doctor on 2/17/2017 
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.
Pictures, Images, Illustrations & Quizzes
Causes of Dilated Pupils (Mydriasis)
-
In This Article
Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors in Adults (Symptoms, Signs, Causes, Treatment Options, Life Expectancy) Article
- Brain and spinal cord tumor in adults definition and facts*
- What functions do the different parts of the brain control?
- What is brain tumor? What is a spinal cord tumor?
- Signs and symptoms of brain and spinal cord tumors in adults
- Metastatic brain and spinal cord tumors in adults
- WHO Tumor Grading System
- Genetic syndromes and risks
- Types of brain tumors in adults
- How are brain and spinal cord tumors diagnosed?
- Brain and spinal cord biopsy
- What are the treatment options for brain and spinal cord tumors in adults?
- New types of clinical trial treatments for brain and spinal cord tumors in adults
- Follow-up tests
- Where can a patient get more information about adult brain tumors?
-
In This Article
Brain Damage: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment Article
- Brain damage introduction
- What are the types of brain damage and how severe are they?
- What causes brain damage?
- What are the symptoms of brain damage?
- How are brain damage and brain injuries treated?
- Can I prevent brain injuries?
-
In This Article
Brain Tumor (Symptoms, Signs, Types, Causes, Survival Rates) Article
- Brain tumor (primary) definition and facts*
- What are the parts of the brain?
- Brain tumor types
- Types of primary brain tumors
- Brain tumor grades
- What are the causes and risk factors for brain tumors?
- What are the symptoms of a brain tumor?
- How are brain tumors diagnosed?
- What about a second opinion for brain tumor treatment?
- What is the treatment for a brain tumor?
- What type of surgery is available for brain tumors?
- Radiation therapy for brain tumors
- Chemotherapy for brain tumors
- Nutrition during brain tumor treatment
- What supportive care is available for patients and caregivers?
- What about rehabilitation after brain tumor treatment?
- What about follow-up care after brain tumor treatment?
- Sources of support
- Taking part in cancer research
-
Drug Abuse
Drug addiction is a chronic disease that causes drug-seeking behavior and drug use despite negative consequences to the user and...learn more »
In This Article
Drug Abuse Article
- Drug use disorder facts
- What is drug use disorder?
- What types of drugs are commonly abused?
- What are the physical and psychological effects of drug use disorders?
- What are causes and risk factors for developing a drug use disorder?
- What are warning signs that you or a loved one may have a drug use disorder?
- What are symptoms and signs of drug use disorder?
- What happens to your brain when you take drugs?
- How do health-care professionals diagnose drug addiction?
- What is the treatment for drug addiction?
- What are complications of drug addiction?
- What is the prognosis of drug use disorder?
- Is it possible to prevent drug abuse and addiction?
- Where can people get more information and help for drug use disorders?
-
In This Article
Head Injury (Brain Injury) Article
- Head injury facts
- Head injury introduction
- What are the causes of head injury?
- What are the symptoms of a head injury?
- What is the Glasgow Coma Scale?
- When should I contact a doctor about a head injury?
- How is a head injury diagnosed?
- How is a head injury treated?
- What is the prognosis for a head injury?
- How can a head injury be prevented?
- What about a head injury in infants and young children?
-
Teen Drug Abuse
Drugs commonly abused by teens include tobacco products, marijuana, cold medications, inhalants, depressants, stimulants,...learn more »
In This Article
Teen Drug Abuse Article
- Teen drug abuse facts
- What drugs are abused by teenagers?
- What are some adolescent drug use statistics?
- What are the dangerous effects of drug use in teens?
- How can parents prevent drug use?
- What are the symptoms and warning signs of drug abuse?
- What is drug abuse?
- What are the causes and risk factors of teen drug use?
- What are the symptoms of drug abuse in teens?
- What is the treatment of drug intoxication?
- What are treatments for drug addiction?
- Where can a person get help for teen drug abuse?
Other Causes of Dilated Pupils (Mydriasis)
- Cerebral Edema
- Drug Overdoses
- Elevated Intracranial Pressure
- Elevated Intraocular Pressure
- Intracranial Hemorrhage
- Low Ambient Light
- Medications
- Poisonings
- Sexual Arousal
- Skull Fracture
- Trauma
Symptoms & Signs A-Z List
|
