Pure motor lacunar syndrome

This code represents a specific type of ischemic stroke characterized by isolated motor deficits without sensory, visual, or cognitive impairment. It results from a small infarction in the brainstem or subcortical white matter, typically affecting the internal capsule, pons, or corona radiata. The motor weakness can range from mild to severe, often affecting one side of the body.

Assign this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of pure motor lacunar syndrome, often following a neurological examination confirming isolated motor deficits. Supporting documentation should specify the absence of other neurological signs, such as sensory loss, ataxia, or visual field defects, which would suggest a different lacunar subtype or larger stroke.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly states "pure motor" to differentiate from other lacunar syndromes (e.g., pure sensory, ataxic hemiparesis).
• Always sequence this code after the acute stroke code (I63.-) if the patient is still in the acute phase of the stroke.
• Do not use this code if there are any associated sensory, visual, or cognitive deficits, as this would indicate a different stroke type.