How is Flammer syndrome diagnosed?

Flammer syndrome is a condition characterized by abnormal blood flow regulation in various organs of the body, particularly in the eye. Diagnosing Flammer syndrome involves a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's medical history, symptoms, and a series of specialized tests.

Medical history: The first step in diagnosing Flammer syndrome is a detailed discussion with the patient about their symptoms, medical history, and any relevant family history. This helps the healthcare provider understand the patient's overall health and identify any potential risk factors.

Physical examination: A thorough physical examination is conducted to assess the patient's general health and to look for any signs or symptoms associated with Flammer syndrome. This may include measuring blood pressure, assessing blood vessels, and examining the eyes.

Eye examination: Flammer syndrome primarily affects the blood vessels in the eye, so a comprehensive eye examination is crucial for diagnosis. This may involve various tests such as:

• Visual acuity test: This test measures the patient's ability to see clearly at different distances.


• Intraocular pressure measurement: This test determines the pressure inside the eye, which can be elevated in some cases of Flammer syndrome.


• Fundus examination: The back of the eye, including the retina and blood vessels, is examined using specialized instruments to look for any abnormalities.


• Fluorescein angiography: This test involves injecting a dye into the patient's arm and taking photographs of the eye to evaluate blood flow and detect any abnormalities in the blood vessels.

Additional tests: In some cases, additional tests may be performed to rule out other conditions or to further evaluate the extent of blood flow abnormalities. These may include blood tests, cardiovascular assessments, and specialized imaging studies.

It is important to note that Flammer syndrome is a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning that other potential causes of blood flow abnormalities must be ruled out before confirming the diagnosis. Therefore, a comprehensive evaluation and collaboration between different healthcare professionals, such as ophthalmologists and vascular specialists, may be necessary to accurately diagnose Flammer syndrome.