NIHSS score 31

This code indicates a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score of 31, reflecting a severe neurological deficit typically observed in patients experiencing an acute ischemic stroke. An NIHSS score of 31 signifies profound impairment across multiple neurological domains, including consciousness, motor function, sensation, and language.

Assign this code when documentation explicitly states an NIHSS score of 31. This score is commonly assessed in the emergency department or acute care setting following a suspected or confirmed stroke. Physician documentation, nursing notes, or neurological assessment forms should clearly record the NIHSS score.

• Always ensure the specific NIHSS score is documented; do not extrapolate from general descriptions of severe stroke.
• This code is a secondary diagnosis, always sequenced after the acute stroke diagnosis (e.g., I63.x).
• Do not confuse with other NIHSS score codes; each score has a unique code.