Brown-Sequard syndrome at C8, init

This code describes Brown-Sequard syndrome, a rare neurological condition characterized by hemisection of the spinal cord, specifically occurring at the C8 level of the cervical spine. It typically presents with ipsilateral spastic paralysis and loss of proprioception/vibration below the lesion, and contralateral loss of pain and temperature sensation.

Use this code for a patient presenting with new onset or initial treatment for Brown-Sequard syndrome definitively diagnosed at the C8 cervical spinal cord level. Documentation should clearly specify the C8 level and the initial encounter for care. This often results from trauma, tumors, or ischemia affecting one side of the spinal cord.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "C8 level" to differentiate from other cervical levels.
• Verify this is the initial encounter for treatment; subsequent encounters will require a different seventh character.
• Code any underlying cause (e.g., spinal cord injury, tumor) as a primary diagnosis if applicable, following sequencing guidelines.