2025 ICD-10-CM code G45.3
(Valid) Effective Date: N/A Diseases of the nervous system - Episodic and paroxysmal disorders 6 Feed
Amaurosis fugax is a temporary loss of vision in one or both eyes due to decreased blood flow to the retina.
Medical necessity for evaluation and management of amaurosis fugax is established by the transient vision loss symptoms.As amaurosis fugax can be a sign of an impending stroke, prompt evaluation to identify the underlying cause and initiate appropriate treatment is critical. The medical necessity must be documented based on the patient's symptoms, history, and examination findings.
Diagnosis of amaurosis fugax involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and neurological assessment.Ophthalmological evaluation is essential. Diagnostic tests may include blood tests (e.g., complete blood count, cholesterol levels, blood glucose), carotid ultrasound, magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of the head and neck, and echocardiography. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include medications to prevent blood clots (antiplatelets, anticoagulants), lifestyle modifications (e.g., diet, exercise, smoking cessation), or surgical procedures like carotid endarterectomy or angioplasty.
In simple words: Amaurosis fugax is a temporary vision loss in one or both eyes, like a shade briefly covering your sight. This happens when blood flow to the back of your eye is momentarily reduced. It's often a warning sign of potential problems with blood flow to the brain.
Amaurosis fugax is characterized by a transient loss of vision in one or both eyes, lasting from a few seconds to several minutes. This condition results from a temporary reduction in blood supply to the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye responsible for vision.The most common cause is a blockage of the ophthalmic artery by an embolus originating from atherosclerotic plaques in the carotid artery or heart. Other potential causes include reduced blood flow within the ophthalmic artery, severely low blood pressure, or inflammation of the optic nerve or retina. Symptoms may include a sudden, painless loss of vision described as a curtain falling over the eye. It can affect one or both eyes.
Example 1: A 65-year-old male presents with a sudden, painless loss of vision in his right eye that lasted approximately two minutes. He describes it as a "shade coming down." The vision returned spontaneously. The patient has a history of hypertension and high cholesterol. This suggests amaurosis fugax, and further evaluation is required to assess carotid artery disease., A 70-year-old female experiences temporary vision loss in her left eye for about 30 seconds.She reports seeing shimmering lights before the vision loss occurred.This could indicate amaurosis fugax, possibly caused by an embolus from the heart or carotid artery.Further investigation is needed., A 55-year-old patient with diabetes and a history of smoking presents with temporary vision loss in both eyes, lasting about a minute.This suggests amaurosis fugax.A comprehensive evaluation is crucial due to the patient's risk factors for cerebrovascular disease.
Documentation for amaurosis fugax should include a detailed description of the vision loss (onset, duration, characteristics), any associated symptoms, relevant medical history (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, smoking), and findings from the physical examination, including neurological and ophthalmological assessments. Results of diagnostic tests, such as carotid ultrasound or MRA, should also be documented. The treatment plan and patient education provided should be clearly recorded.
** Amaurosis fugax is often referred to as a "transient ischemic attack (TIA)" of the eye and is considered a warning sign for a potential stroke.Therefore, it is crucial to thoroughly investigate the underlying cause and implement preventative measures.
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