Intracerebral hemorrhage

This code signifies bleeding directly into the brain tissue itself, rather than into the spaces surrounding the brain. This type of stroke occurs when a blood vessel within the brain ruptures, causing blood to accumulate and damage brain cells.

Assign this code when documentation clearly indicates a spontaneous, non-traumatic hemorrhage originating within the brain parenchyma. This is typically diagnosed via imaging studies such as CT or MRI, confirming the presence of intraparenchymal blood.

• Differentiate from subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) or subdural hemorrhage (SDH), which involve bleeding into different intracranial spaces.
• Always code any associated neurological deficits or sequelae separately.
• Do not use for traumatic intracerebral hemorrhage; refer to codes within the 850-854 range for head injuries.