NIHSS score 23

This code indicates a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score of 23, reflecting a severe neurological deficit typically observed in patients experiencing an acute ischemic stroke. The NIHSS is a standardized tool used to quantify the severity of stroke symptoms, assessing various neurological functions such as consciousness, motor strength, sensation, and language. A score of 23 suggests extensive neurological impairment.

Use this code when documentation explicitly states an NIHSS score of 23, usually in the context of an acute stroke evaluation. This score is critical for assessing stroke severity, guiding treatment decisions, and predicting patient outcomes. Documentation should clearly indicate the NIHSS assessment was performed and the resulting score.

• Always ensure the specific NIHSS score is documented; do not extrapolate from general descriptions of stroke severity.
• This code should be sequenced after the primary diagnosis code for the acute stroke (e.g., I63.x).
• Do not confuse this with other NIHSS score codes; each specific score has its own unique code.