[Amaurosis fugax in obliterations of the carotid artery].

Lesions at the carotid bifurcation frequently cause transient cerebral ischemia and especially visual disturbances by microembolization. An early diagnosis is vital in order to prevent definitive blindness. Transient monocular blindness is an early diagnostic sign of ulcerated atheroma of the extracranial carotid artery. Symptomatology, diagnosis and therapeutic aspects are discussed.