Coma scale, best motor, abnormal flexion, in the field

This code indicates a specific finding from the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) assessment, where the patient exhibits abnormal flexion (decorticate posturing) as their best motor response. This neurological sign suggests significant brain dysfunction, typically in response to a painful stimulus. The assessment was performed by emergency medical services (EMS) personnel in a pre-hospital setting.

Use this code when documentation from EMS or ambulance records clearly states a GCS motor score of 3, specifically noting abnormal flexion (decorticate posturing), and the assessment was conducted in the field. This applies to patients experiencing altered mental status, head trauma, stroke, or other acute neurological events requiring pre-hospital intervention.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "abnormal flexion" or "decorticate posturing" and specifies the assessment occurred "in the field" by EMS.
• Do not confuse with other GCS motor responses like withdrawal from pain (score 4) or extension to pain (score 2).
• This code is a symptom code and should be sequenced after the definitive diagnosis, if known, or as a primary diagnosis if the underlying cause is undetermined at the time of coding.