Anterior cord syndrome

This code identifies anterior cord syndrome, a neurological condition resulting from damage to the anterior spinal artery, leading to motor paralysis, loss of pain and temperature sensation below the level of the lesion, and preservation of proprioception and vibratory sense. It typically involves the anterior two-thirds of the spinal cord.

Assign this code when documentation explicitly states a diagnosis of anterior cord syndrome. This often occurs following spinal cord ischemia, trauma, or disc herniation affecting the anterior spinal artery. Supporting documentation should detail the neurological deficits consistent with this specific syndrome.

• Differentiate from other incomplete spinal cord syndromes like central cord syndrome or Brown-Séquard syndrome, which have distinct clinical presentations.
• Always code the underlying cause of the anterior cord syndrome (e.g., spinal cord infarction, trauma) first, if known and applicable.
• Ensure the medical record clearly distinguishes this specific syndrome from general spinal cord injury without specifying the type of incomplete syndrome.