Sixth [abducent] nerve palsy, unspecified eye

This code describes a paresis or paralysis of the sixth cranial nerve (abducens nerve) affecting an unspecified eye. This condition results in impaired abduction (outward movement) of the affected eye, often leading to diplopia (double vision) and esotropia (inward turning of the eye). It indicates a general diagnosis of sixth nerve palsy without specifying laterality.

Use this code when the medical record documents "sixth nerve palsy" or "abducens nerve palsy" without specifying whether it affects the right or left eye. This code is appropriate when the provider has not yet determined or documented the laterality of the palsy.

• Avoid using this code if the medical record specifies laterality (e.g., right, left, bilateral); instead, use the more specific codes H49.21, H49.22, or H49.23.
• Query the provider for laterality if the documentation is unclear to allow for more specific coding.
• This code is for the palsy itself, not the underlying cause; code any associated etiology (e.g., stroke, tumor) separately.