Benign intracranial hypertension

This code represents a neurological disorder characterized by elevated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure within the skull without an identifiable cause, such as a tumor or infection. Patients typically present with symptoms mimicking a brain tumor, including headache, visual disturbances (e.g., papilledema), and pulsatile tinnitus.

Use this code when documentation confirms a diagnosis of benign intracranial hypertension, also known as pseudotumor cerebri or idiopathic intracranial hypertension. This diagnosis is typically established after a thorough neurological workup, including imaging (e.g., MRI of the brain) to rule out secondary causes and lumbar puncture demonstrating elevated opening pressure.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "benign," "idiopathic," or "pseudotumor cerebri" to differentiate from secondary intracranial hypertension.
• Do not code this if a specific cause for the elevated intracranial pressure (e.g., brain tumor, hydrocephalus, meningitis) is identified; instead, code the underlying condition.
• Consider sequencing this code as the primary diagnosis when it is the reason for the encounter, especially for diagnostic workup or management of this specific condition.