NIHSS score 36

This code indicates a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score of 36, representing a severe neurological deficit typically observed in patients experiencing an acute ischemic stroke. A score of 36 signifies profound impairment across multiple neurological domains, including consciousness, motor function, sensation, and language.

This code is used when a patient's NIHSS assessment, performed by a qualified healthcare professional, yields a total score of 36. Documentation must clearly state the NIHSS score as 36, usually in the context of an acute stroke evaluation or ongoing neurological assessment.

• Always ensure the specific NIHSS score of 36 is explicitly documented; do not infer from general descriptions of severe stroke.
• This code is a secondary diagnosis and should be sequenced after the primary diagnosis for the acute stroke (e.g., I63.x).
• Avoid using this code if the NIHSS score is not precisely 36; use the appropriate code for the documented score.