Sixth [abducent] nerve palsy, left eye

This code signifies a paresis or paralysis of the abducens nerve affecting the left eye. This condition results in impaired abduction (outward movement) of the left eyeball, often leading to diplopia (double vision) and esotropia (inward turning of the eye) in the affected eye.

Apply this code when documentation explicitly states a sixth cranial nerve palsy or abducens nerve palsy specifically impacting the left eye. Supporting documentation should detail the laterality of the nerve involvement and the resulting ocular motor deficit.

• Ensure the documentation clearly specifies "left eye" to avoid laterality errors.
• Distinguish from other cranial nerve palsies affecting eye movement (e.g., oculomotor or trochlear nerve palsies).
• Look for underlying causes (e.g., H49.8 Other paralytic strabismus, G52.1 Disorders of abducent nerve) which may require additional coding.