Activity, choking game

This code identifies an injury or adverse health event that occurred while an individual was engaged in the "choking game" or similar self-asphyxiation activity. This activity involves intentionally restricting oxygen to the brain to achieve a brief euphoric state, often resulting in syncope, anoxic brain injury, or even death.

Assign this code as an external cause code when documenting injuries, anoxic brain damage, or other adverse outcomes directly resulting from participation in the choking game. It should be used in conjunction with a primary diagnosis code describing the specific injury or condition sustained.

• Always sequence this code after the primary diagnosis describing the injury or condition.
• Ensure documentation clearly states the injury occurred during participation in the "choking game" or similar self-asphyxiation activity.
• Do not use for accidental choking on food or foreign objects; those have different external cause codes.