Nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage from unsp verteb art

This code signifies a spontaneous (nontraumatic) bleeding into the subarachnoid space of the brain, specifically originating from an unspecified vertebral artery. This condition is a type of stroke and represents a serious medical emergency requiring immediate intervention. The hemorrhage is not caused by external injury or trauma.

Use this code when documentation clearly states a subarachnoid hemorrhage due to a ruptured vertebral artery, and the specific segment or side of the vertebral artery is not identified. This diagnosis is typically established through imaging studies like CT scans or MRIs, often confirmed by cerebral angiography.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "nontraumatic" or "spontaneous" to differentiate from traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage.
• If the specific vertebral artery (e.g., right, left, intracranial, extracranial) is identified, a more specific code within the I60.5 series should be used.
• Always sequence this code as the primary diagnosis when it is the reason for the encounter.