
Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Amaurosis fugax medical therapy
Introduction
Overview
Overview
If the amaurosis fugax is caused by an artherosclerotic lesion, aspirin is indicated. Further surgical therapy through a carotid endarterectomy, should be done if the stenosis is surgically accesible.
Medical Therapy
Medical Therapy
If the diagnostic workup reveals a systemic disease process, directed therapies to treat that underlying etiology should be initiated. If the amaurosis fugax is caused by an atherosclerotic lesion, aspirin is indicated, and a carotid endarterectomy if the stenosis is surgically accessible. Generally, if the carotid artery is still patent, the greater the stenosis, the greater the indication for endarterectomy. “Amaurosis fugax appears to be a particularly favorable indication for carotid endarterectomy. Left untreated, this event carries a high risk of stroke; after carotid endarterectomy, which has a low operative risk, there is a very low postoperative stroke rate.”[1] If the full diagnostic workup is completely normal, patient observation is recommended.
References
References
- ↑ Bernstein EF, Dilley RB. “Late results after carotid endarterectomy for amaurosis fugax.” J Vasc Surg. 1987 Oct;6(4):333-40. PMID 3656582.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
