Cortical blindness, left side of brain

This code signifies a complete or partial loss of vision due to damage to the visual cortex in the left cerebral hemisphere, with the eyes themselves remaining healthy. It represents a neurological rather than an ocular cause of blindness, specifically affecting the visual processing centers of the brain.

Apply this code when documentation explicitly states cortical blindness and specifies the lesion or damage is located in the left side of the brain. This diagnosis is typically supported by neurological evaluations, neuroimaging (e.g., MRI, CT scans) confirming damage to the left occipital lobe, and ophthalmological exams ruling out primary eye pathology.

• Ensure documentation clearly distinguishes between cortical blindness and other forms of blindness (e.g., ocular, optic nerve).
• Verify the laterality of the brain lesion; this code is specific to the left side.
• Do not confuse with H47.611 (cortical blindness, right side of brain) or H47.619 (cortical blindness, unspecified side).