Subarachnoid hemorrhage

This code represents bleeding into the subarachnoid space, the area between the arachnoid membrane and the pia mater surrounding the brain. This condition is often caused by a ruptured aneurysm and can lead to severe neurological deficits or death.

Assign this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage. This typically follows imaging studies such as CT scans or MRIs confirming blood in the subarachnoid space, often accompanied by symptoms like sudden severe headache, stiff neck, or altered consciousness.

• Differentiate from other intracranial hemorrhages (e.g., intracerebral, subdural, epidural) based on the specific location of the bleeding.
• Always look for the underlying cause, such as a ruptured cerebral aneurysm, and code it as an additional diagnosis if documented.
• Be aware that ICD-10-CM offers more specificity regarding the etiology (e.g., traumatic vs. non-traumatic, specific aneurysm rupture).