Intcran inj w LOC of 1-5 hrs 59 min, sequela

This code signifies a long-term consequence or complication arising from a specific type of intracranial injury. The initial injury involved damage to brain structures other than those typically classified as diffuse, focal, or traumatic hemorrhage, and was accompanied by a loss of consciousness lasting between one and just under six hours. This sequela code is used when the acute injury has resolved, but residual effects persist.

Apply this code when documenting a patient presenting with chronic neurological deficits, cognitive impairments, or other persistent issues directly attributable to a past intracranial injury. Documentation must clearly link the current condition to a prior head trauma that included a loss of consciousness within the specified duration and was not a concussion, diffuse axonal injury, or specific hemorrhage. The "S" seventh character indicates that this is a sequela code.

• Always assign a sequela code for the residual condition first, followed by this sequela code.
• Ensure the medical record explicitly states the duration of loss of consciousness from the initial injury to justify the specific time frame.
• Differentiate from acute injury codes (without the "S" seventh character) which are used for the initial encounter or active treatment of the injury.