Dr. M.J. Bazos, MD
Patient
Handout
AMAUROSIS
FUGAX
(TIA’s)
(TRANSIENT
MONOCULAR BLINDNESS)
About Your
Diagnosis
Amaurosis fugax is a short-lived episode of
blindness in one eye (monocular). This symptom usually develops suddenly, and
many individuals describe the event as “it was as if a shade or curtain
came over my eye.” It is caused by a blockage or low blood flow within the
main blood vessel supplying the eye. Blockages are usually due to a blood clot
or plaque (small piece of cholesterol) that breaks off from a larger artery and
travels upward to the
brain or eye,
becoming lodged in the main artery supplying the eye. Low blood flow to the eye
may also result from a critical narrowing of one of the main blood vessels
supplying blood to the brain and eye. The monocular blindness of amaurosis fugax
is generally brief, but in rare cases it may be prolonged or
permanent.
Living With Your
Diagnosis
An episode of amaurosis fugax
is often frightening. Although the visual loss most often gradually resolves,
one should seek medical attention right away because this is often one of the
warning signs of a
stroke.
Treatment
The
treatment of amaurosis fugax depends upon identifying the source of the blood
clots or cholesterol that have caused low blood flow or blocked the main artery
to the eye. Blood clots may come from arteries inside the head, arteries in the
neck, or from the heart. Several different tests may need to be done to find the
source. These tests may include an ultrasound of the carotid arteries in the
neck, a study of the electrical system of the heart,
a
magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) scan
of the blood vessels in the head and neck, an echocardiogram of the heart, or an
angiogram (dye imaging of the blood vessels). If these studies reveal the source
of the problem, medication and/or surgery may be
necessary.
The
DOs
• If you are a diabetic,
maintain especially good control of your blood
sugar.
• If you use tobacco,
immediately begin a program to quit smoking. Ask your physician for
help.
The
DON’Ts
• DO NOT DRIVE. A
sudden loss of vision in one eye could put you and others in
danger.
• Don’t use tobacco
because it promotes vascular
disease.
• Don’t ignore any of
the above signs or symptoms because they may be an early warning sign of a major
stroke.
When to Call Your
Doctor
• If you have an unusually
severe headache.
• If you have
another episode of vision loss, call
immediately.
• If you have signs or
symptoms of a transient ischemic attack (TIA), call immediately.
The following are some of the more
common symptoms of a TIA:
- Weakness or numbness on one side of the face or
body (face, arm, leg).
- Changes in vision.
- Confusion.
- Dizziness.
- Blindness.
- Double vision.
- Slurred speech, inability to talk, or difficulty
swallowing.
- Loss of coordination or
balance.