Brown-Sequard syndrome

This code identifies Brown-Sequard syndrome, a rare neurological condition resulting from hemisection (damage to one side) of the spinal cord. It presents with ipsilateral (same side) motor paralysis and loss of proprioception/vibration sensation below the lesion, coupled with contralateral (opposite side) loss of pain and temperature sensation.

Assign this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of Brown-Sequard syndrome, typically following a spinal cord injury, tumor, or other focal lesion. Supporting documentation should detail the characteristic neurological deficits consistent with a hemisection of the spinal cord.

• Ensure documentation specifies "Brown-Sequard syndrome" or clearly describes the classic ipsilateral motor/proprioception loss and contralateral pain/temperature loss.
• Do not confuse with other incomplete spinal cord syndromes (e.g., anterior cord syndrome, central cord syndrome) which have distinct clinical presentations.
• Code the underlying cause of the spinal cord lesion (e.g., spinal cord injury, tumor) as the primary diagnosis, with Brown-Sequard syndrome as a secondary diagnosis.