Cortical blindness, unspecified side of brain

This code signifies a severe visual impairment or complete loss of vision resulting from damage to the occipital cortex of the brain, rather than a problem with the eyes themselves. Patients with cortical blindness may have intact pupillary reflexes and normal eye structures, but are unable to perceive visual stimuli.

Use this code when documentation confirms a diagnosis of cortical blindness without specifying whether the damage affects the left or right side of the brain. This diagnosis is typically made after neurological examination and imaging studies (e.g., MRI) rule out ocular causes of vision loss.

• Ensure documentation clearly states "cortical blindness" and does not specify a laterality (left or right).
• If the laterality of the cortical damage is known, use a more specific code (H47.611 for right, H47.612 for left).
• Always code any underlying neurological condition causing the cortical blindness (e.g., stroke, anoxia) as a primary diagnosis if applicable.