Cortical blindness, right side of brain

This code signifies a complete or partial loss of vision due to damage to the visual cortex in the right hemisphere of the brain, rather than an issue with the eyes themselves or the optic nerves. Patients typically present with intact pupillary reflexes and normal eye anatomy, but are unable to consciously perceive visual stimuli in their left visual field.

Assign this code when documentation explicitly states cortical blindness affecting the right side of the brain. This diagnosis is often made following neurological events such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, or anoxic brain injury impacting the occipital lobe. Supporting documentation should include neurological examination findings, imaging reports (e.g., MRI, CT) confirming right occipital lobe damage, and ophthalmological reports ruling out ocular causes.

• Ensure documentation specifies "cortical" blindness and laterality (right side of brain).
• Do not confuse with ocular blindness (H54.x) or other visual field defects not originating from the cortex.
• Code any underlying neurological condition (e.g., stroke, anoxia) as the primary diagnosis if it is the cause of the cortical blindness.