Neonatal cerebral infarction, unspecified side

This code signifies brain tissue damage in a newborn due to a lack of blood supply, where the specific side of the brain affected is not documented. It represents an area of necrotic brain tissue resulting from an ischemic event occurring during the neonatal period.

Apply this code when a neonate is diagnosed with a cerebral infarction, and the medical record does not specify whether the infarction occurred on the left or right side of the brain. Documentation should clearly state "neonatal cerebral infarction" without further laterality detail.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly states "unspecified side" or lacks laterality information for the cerebral infarction.
• Do not use this code if the laterality (left or right) of the cerebral infarction is clearly documented; instead, use the more specific codes.
• Consider sequencing this code after any codes for underlying conditions or causes of the cerebral infarction, if known and documented.