NIHSS score 18

This code indicates a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score of 18, reflecting a specific level of neurological deficit following a stroke. The NIHSS is a standardized tool used to assess the severity of a stroke by evaluating various neurological functions. A score of 18 suggests a moderately severe stroke with significant impairment.

This code is used when a patient has experienced an acute stroke and the NIHSS has been formally administered and documented, resulting in a total score of 18. It is typically reported in conjunction with the specific type of stroke (e.g., ischemic or hemorrhagic) to provide a comprehensive clinical picture. Documentation must clearly state the NIHSS score.

• Always sequence the stroke diagnosis (e.g., I63.-, I60.-, I61.-) as the primary diagnosis, followed by the NIHSS score.
• Ensure the documented NIHSS score precisely matches the code's specified value; do not round up or down.
• Verify that the NIHSS assessment was performed and recorded by a qualified healthcare professional.