ICD-10: H47.149

Foster-Kennedy syndrome is a rare neurological condition characterized by a specific set of clinical features primarily affecting the optic nerve and associated with increased intracranial pressure. The ICD-10-CM code H47.149 specifically refers to Foster-Kennedy syndrome with unspecified eye involvement, indicating that the condition may affect one or both eyes, but the specific details regarding which eye is not specified.

Clinical Features of Foster-Kennedy Syndrome

1. Optic Nerve Atrophy

One of the hallmark features of Foster-Kennedy syndrome is optic nerve atrophy, which can lead to visual impairment. This atrophy is often unilateral, meaning it typically affects one eye more than the other, but in the unspecified category, it may not be clear which eye is involved.

2. Papilledema

Patients may exhibit papilledema, which is swelling of the optic disc due to increased intracranial pressure. This condition can be observed during a fundoscopic examination and is indicative of underlying intracranial pathology.

3. Visual Field Defects

Individuals with this syndrome may experience various visual field defects, which can include loss of peripheral vision or central vision, depending on the extent of optic nerve involvement.

4. Headaches and Nausea

Increased intracranial pressure often leads to symptoms such as headaches and nausea, which are common complaints among patients with Foster-Kennedy syndrome.

5. Potential Causes

Foster-Kennedy syndrome is often associated with intracranial tumors, particularly those located in the frontal lobe, which can exert pressure on the optic nerve and lead to the characteristic symptoms. Other causes may include trauma or other conditions that result in increased intracranial pressure.

Diagnosis and Management

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of Foster-Kennedy syndrome typically involves a comprehensive clinical evaluation, including:
- Neurological Examination: Assessing visual acuity, visual fields, and fundoscopic findings.
- Imaging Studies: MRI or CT scans of the brain may be performed to identify any underlying lesions or tumors contributing to the symptoms.

Management

Management of Foster-Kennedy syndrome focuses on addressing the underlying cause of increased intracranial pressure. This may involve:
- Surgical Intervention: If a tumor is identified, surgical removal may be necessary.
- Medical Management: Corticosteroids may be used to reduce inflammation and swelling, while other medications may be prescribed to manage symptoms such as headaches.

Conclusion

Foster-Kennedy syndrome, classified under ICD-10 code H47.149, presents a unique set of challenges due to its association with optic nerve atrophy and increased intracranial pressure. The unspecified nature of the eye involvement in this code indicates a need for careful clinical assessment to determine the extent of the condition and to guide appropriate management strategies. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to prevent permanent visual impairment and to address any underlying causes effectively.

Foster-Kennedy syndrome is a rare neurological condition characterized by a specific set of clinical presentations, signs, and symptoms. It is primarily associated with the presence of a tumor in the frontal lobe, often leading to distinctive ocular and neurological manifestations. Below is a detailed overview of the clinical presentation, signs, symptoms, and patient characteristics associated with ICD-10 code H47.149, which refers to Foster-Kennedy syndrome, unspecified eye.

Clinical Presentation

Foster-Kennedy syndrome typically presents with a combination of neurological and ophthalmological symptoms. The syndrome is most commonly linked to a frontal lobe tumor, such as a meningioma, which can exert pressure on surrounding structures, leading to the following clinical features:

Signs and Symptoms

1. Visual Disturbances:
   - Unilateral Vision Loss: Patients often experience vision loss in one eye, which may be gradual or sudden. This is due to the pressure exerted on the optic nerve.
   - Optic Atrophy: The affected eye may show signs of optic nerve atrophy, which can be observed during an eye examination.

2. Ocular Signs:
   - Relative Afferent Pupillary Defect (RAPD): This is a common finding in the affected eye, indicating a defect in the optic nerve's function.
   - Diplopia: Double vision may occur due to involvement of cranial nerves that control eye movements.

3. Neurological Symptoms:
   - Headaches: Patients frequently report persistent headaches, which may be due to increased intracranial pressure.
   - Cognitive Changes: Depending on the tumor's location, cognitive impairments or personality changes may be observed.
   - Seizures: Some patients may experience seizures, particularly if the tumor irritates the surrounding brain tissue.

4. Other Symptoms:
   - Nausea and Vomiting: These symptoms can arise from increased intracranial pressure.
   - Altered Consciousness: In severe cases, patients may exhibit altered levels of consciousness or confusion.

Patient Characteristics

Foster-Kennedy syndrome can occur in various demographic groups, but certain characteristics are more commonly observed:

• Age: The syndrome is most frequently diagnosed in adults, particularly those in middle age, although it can occur in younger individuals.
• Gender: There is a slight female predominance in the incidence of meningiomas, which are often the underlying cause of Foster-Kennedy syndrome.
• Medical History: Patients may have a history of previous neurological conditions or tumors, which can predispose them to the development of this syndrome.

Conclusion

Foster-Kennedy syndrome is a complex condition that requires careful clinical evaluation to diagnose and manage effectively. The combination of visual disturbances, neurological symptoms, and specific ocular signs are critical for identifying this syndrome. Early recognition and intervention are essential to address the underlying causes, typically involving surgical management of the frontal lobe tumor. If you suspect a patient may have Foster-Kennedy syndrome, a thorough neurological and ophthalmological assessment is warranted to confirm the diagnosis and initiate appropriate treatment.

Foster-Kennedy syndrome, classified under ICD-10 code H47.149, is a rare neurological condition characterized by specific ocular and neurological symptoms. Understanding alternative names and related terms for this syndrome can enhance clarity in medical documentation and communication. Below is a detailed overview of the alternative names and related terms associated with Foster-Kennedy syndrome.

Alternative Names for Foster-Kennedy Syndrome

1. Foster-Kennedy Syndrome: This is the primary name used in medical literature and coding.
2. Foster-Kennedy Syndrome with Unspecified Eye Involvement: This term emphasizes the unspecified nature of the eye symptoms associated with the syndrome.
3. Foster-Kennedy Syndrome, Unilateral: In some contexts, this term may be used to describe cases where symptoms are predominantly observed in one eye.

Related Terms

1. Optic Atrophy: A common feature of Foster-Kennedy syndrome, where there is degeneration of the optic nerve, leading to vision loss.
2. Papilledema: Swelling of the optic disc due to increased intracranial pressure, often seen in patients with this syndrome.
3. Intracranial Hypertension: A condition that can lead to the symptoms observed in Foster-Kennedy syndrome, including headaches and visual disturbances.
4. Neurological Deficits: Refers to the broader range of neurological symptoms that may accompany the syndrome, such as cognitive impairment or motor dysfunction.
5. Ocular Manifestations: A general term that encompasses the various eye-related symptoms that may occur in Foster-Kennedy syndrome.

Clinical Context

Foster-Kennedy syndrome is often associated with specific underlying conditions, such as tumors (e.g., meningiomas) that can cause increased intracranial pressure and lead to the characteristic symptoms. Understanding these alternative names and related terms is crucial for accurate diagnosis, treatment planning, and coding in medical records.

In summary, while the primary designation for this condition is Foster-Kennedy syndrome (ICD-10 code H47.149), various alternative names and related terms exist that reflect its clinical features and implications. This knowledge is essential for healthcare professionals involved in the diagnosis and management of patients with this syndrome.

Foster-Kennedy syndrome is a rare neurological condition characterized by a combination of symptoms that typically include optic atrophy in one eye and papilledema in the other, often due to a mass effect from a tumor, such as a meningioma. The diagnosis of Foster-Kennedy syndrome, particularly when classified under ICD-10 code H47.149 (Foster-Kennedy syndrome, unspecified eye), involves several criteria and diagnostic steps.

Diagnostic Criteria for Foster-Kennedy Syndrome

Clinical Presentation

1. Optic Atrophy: The presence of optic nerve atrophy in one eye is a hallmark of the syndrome. This can be assessed through a comprehensive eye examination, including visual acuity tests and fundoscopic examination.

2. Papilledema: The other eye typically shows signs of papilledema, which is swelling of the optic disc due to increased intracranial pressure. This can also be evaluated during a fundoscopic examination.

3. Visual Field Defects: Patients may exhibit specific visual field defects, which can be assessed through perimetry tests.

4. Neurological Symptoms: Additional neurological symptoms may be present, such as headaches, nausea, or other signs of increased intracranial pressure, which can be indicative of an underlying mass lesion.

Imaging Studies

1. MRI or CT Scans: Imaging studies are crucial for identifying any intracranial masses, such as meningiomas, that may be causing the symptoms. These imaging modalities help visualize the brain and optic nerves, confirming the presence of a mass effect.

2. Assessment of Intracranial Pressure: In some cases, lumbar puncture may be performed to measure cerebrospinal fluid pressure, although this is less common in the context of suspected mass lesions.

Exclusion of Other Conditions

1. Differential Diagnosis: It is essential to rule out other conditions that may present similarly, such as other types of optic neuropathy or intracranial hypertension without a mass effect. This may involve additional tests and evaluations.

2. Comprehensive Eye Examination: A thorough examination by an ophthalmologist is necessary to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other ocular conditions.

Conclusion

The diagnosis of Foster-Kennedy syndrome under ICD-10 code H47.149 requires a combination of clinical findings, imaging studies, and the exclusion of other potential causes of the symptoms. The presence of optic atrophy in one eye and papilledema in the other, along with supporting imaging evidence, are critical components in establishing this diagnosis. If you have further questions or need more specific information regarding the diagnostic process, feel free to ask!

Foster-Kennedy syndrome is a rare neurological condition characterized by a combination of symptoms, including optic atrophy in one eye and papilledema in the other, often due to a mass effect from a tumor, such as a meningioma. The ICD-10 code H47.149 specifically refers to this syndrome when the eye involvement is unspecified.

Standard Treatment Approaches

1. Diagnosis and Assessment

Before initiating treatment, a thorough diagnostic evaluation is essential. This typically includes:
- Comprehensive Eye Examination: To assess visual acuity, visual fields, and fundoscopic findings.
- Neuroimaging: MRI or CT scans are crucial for identifying any underlying mass lesions, such as tumors, that may be causing the symptoms associated with Foster-Kennedy syndrome.

2. Medical Management

• Corticosteroids: If there is significant edema or inflammation, corticosteroids may be prescribed to reduce swelling and pressure on the optic nerve.
• Pain Management: Analgesics may be necessary to manage headaches or discomfort associated with increased intracranial pressure.

3. Surgical Intervention

• Tumor Resection: If a tumor is identified as the cause of the syndrome, surgical removal is often the primary treatment. This can alleviate pressure on the optic nerve and potentially restore vision.
• Shunt Placement: In cases where there is significant intracranial hypertension, placing a shunt may help to relieve pressure.

4. Ongoing Monitoring and Rehabilitation

• Regular Follow-ups: Patients require ongoing monitoring to assess visual function and detect any changes in their condition.
• Vision Rehabilitation: Depending on the extent of vision loss, rehabilitation services may be beneficial to help patients adapt to changes in their vision.

5. Multidisciplinary Approach

Management of Foster-Kennedy syndrome often involves a team of specialists, including:
- Ophthalmologists: For eye-related assessments and interventions.
- Neurosurgeons: For surgical management of any identified tumors.
- Neurologists: For comprehensive neurological evaluation and management.

Conclusion

The treatment of Foster-Kennedy syndrome, particularly when classified under ICD-10 code H47.149, is multifaceted and tailored to the individual patient's needs. Early diagnosis and intervention are critical to improving outcomes, especially in preserving vision and managing associated symptoms. Regular follow-up and a collaborative approach among healthcare providers are essential for optimal patient care.