Convulsions in newborn

This code represents the occurrence of involuntary muscle contractions and abnormal electrical activity in the brain of a neonate. These seizures can manifest in various forms, including subtle, clonic, tonic, myoclonic, or epileptic spasms, and are indicative of underlying neurological dysfunction in a newborn.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a newborn (up to 28 days of age) experiencing convulsions or seizures. This applies to both isolated seizure events and those associated with a diagnosed underlying condition, provided the seizure itself is a primary focus of care or diagnosis.

• Always seek to identify and code the underlying cause of the convulsions if known and documented (e.g., hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, metabolic disorders, intracranial hemorrhage).
• Do not use this code for febrile seizures, as these are typically seen in older infants and children.
• Ensure documentation specifies "newborn" or "neonate" to support the use of this age-specific code.