Ocular torticollis
ICD-10 R29.891 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of ocular torticollis.
Ocular torticollis is a condition characterized by an abnormal head position due to visual disturbances or misalignment of the eyes. Patients may present with a tilted head posture, often accompanied by neck muscle spasms, as they attempt to compensate for their visual deficits. This condition can arise from various underlying causes, including strabismus, cranial nerve palsies, or other ocular disorders that affect binocular vision. Symptoms may include double vision, difficulty focusing, and discomfort in the neck and shoulders due to the sustained abnormal posture. Clinical examination may reveal ocular misalignment, restricted eye movements, and associated neurological signs. Laboratory findings are typically not applicable, as the diagnosis is primarily clinical. However, imaging studies may be warranted to rule out structural abnormalities. Accurate diagnosis and management are crucial to prevent secondary complications such as musculoskeletal pain or further visual impairment.
Detailed history of symptoms, physical examination findings, and any relevant imaging studies.
Patients presenting with neck pain and abnormal head posture, often referred from ophthalmology.
Ensure to document any associated systemic conditions that may contribute to the torticollis.
Acute assessment of head position, neurological examination, and any immediate interventions.
Patients presenting with sudden onset of neck stiffness and abnormal head position, possibly due to acute neurological events.
Rapid assessment is crucial; document all findings promptly to support coding.
Used when evaluating a patient with ocular torticollis for underlying visual issues.
Document the comprehensive examination findings, including visual acuity and ocular alignment.
Ophthalmologists should ensure thorough documentation of visual assessments.
Ocular torticollis is an abnormal head position caused by visual disturbances, often due to misalignment of the eyes, leading to compensatory neck posture.
Diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on observation of head posture and eye alignment, with potential imaging to rule out other causes.
Common causes include strabismus, cranial nerve palsies, and other ocular disorders affecting vision.
