Cerebral aneurysm, nonruptured

This code signifies the presence of an abnormal, localized dilation or ballooning of a blood vessel in the brain that has not ruptured. It represents an intact cerebral aneurysm, which is a weakened area in the wall of an artery in the brain.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states a diagnosis of a cerebral aneurysm that has not ruptured. This is typically identified through imaging studies such as CT angiography, MR angiography, or conventional angiography, often found incidentally or during workup for headache or other neurological symptoms.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly states "nonruptured" or "intact" to differentiate from a ruptured aneurysm.
• Review the "Excludes1" notes carefully to avoid coding this with congenital cerebral aneurysms or ruptured cerebral aneurysms.
• If the aneurysm is congenital, a code from category Q28.- should be used instead.