Coma scale, eyes open, never, unspecified time

This code indicates that a patient's eyes remain closed, even with stimulation, as assessed during a neurological examination. It signifies the most severe level of unresponsiveness regarding eye-opening on a coma scale, without specifying the duration since the onset of this state. It reflects a profound impairment of consciousness.

Use this code when documentation explicitly states "eyes open, never" or "no eye-opening" in the context of a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) or similar neurological assessment. This is typically applicable in emergency department settings, intensive care units, or during initial evaluations of patients with altered mental status due to trauma, stroke, or other acute brain injuries.

• Always look for the specific GCS component score for eye-opening (E1) in the medical record.
• Do not use this code if the documentation indicates any level of eye-opening, even if only to pain.
• This code should be sequenced after the primary diagnosis causing the altered mental status or coma.