Intracranial hypotension following lumbar CSF shunting

This diagnosis code signifies a condition where the pressure within the skull is abnormally low, specifically occurring as a complication after a surgical procedure to divert cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the lumbar spine. This can lead to symptoms such as orthostatic headache, nausea, and dizziness due to reduced CSF volume and pressure.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a patient is experiencing intracranial hypotension that developed subsequent to a lumbar CSF shunting procedure. This typically involves a direct causal link between the shunt placement and the onset of low intracranial pressure symptoms. Supporting documentation should include physician notes detailing the diagnosis, the prior lumbar shunting, and the patient's clinical presentation.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly links the intracranial hypotension to the lumbar CSF shunting, not other shunting procedures.
• This code is a complication code; sequence it after the primary reason for the encounter if the hypotension is being treated.
• Do not confuse with spontaneous intracranial hypotension (G96.0) or other forms of intracranial hypotension not related to shunting.