Subdural hemorrhage

This code represents a collection of blood between the dura mater and the arachnoid mater, typically resulting from trauma to the head. It describes a type of intracranial hemorrhage that can exert pressure on the brain, leading to neurological deficits.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of subdural hemorrhage, often following head injury. This diagnosis is typically supported by imaging studies such as CT or MRI scans demonstrating the presence and location of the hemorrhage.

• Differentiate between acute, subacute, and chronic subdural hemorrhages, as these may have different ICD-9-CM codes.
• Always code the underlying cause (e.g., head injury, fall) if known and applicable, following sequencing guidelines.
• Ensure the documentation specifies "subdural" to avoid confusion with epidural or subarachnoid hemorrhages.