Coma scale, best motor response, localizes pain, admit

This code indicates a patient's best motor response on the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) at the time of hospital admission, specifically demonstrating localization of pain. This response signifies that the patient attempts to remove or push away a noxious stimulus, indicating a higher level of neurological function than withdrawal or abnormal posturing. It is a key component in assessing the severity of neurological impairment.

Use this code for patients admitted to the hospital who, upon initial assessment, exhibit a motor response of localizing pain to a noxious stimulus. This is typically documented in the emergency department or admission notes by medical staff performing the initial neurological evaluation. Documentation should explicitly state the GCS motor component and the timing of the assessment (e.g., "GCS M5 on admission").

• Always ensure the documentation specifies "at hospital admission" for accurate code assignment.
• Do not confuse this with other GCS motor responses like withdrawal from pain (M4) or abnormal flexion (M3).
• This code should be sequenced as a secondary diagnosis, following the primary condition necessitating the hospital admission.