Injury of acoustic nerve, left side, initial encounter

This code signifies damage to the eighth cranial nerve, specifically on the left side, occurring at the time of the initial injury. The acoustic nerve is responsible for transmitting auditory and balance information from the inner ear to the brain. Injury can result in hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, or balance disturbances.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a new injury to the left acoustic nerve, such as from trauma (e.g., temporal bone fracture, head injury), barotrauma, or iatrogenic causes. Supporting documentation should specify the left side and confirm this is the first encounter for this particular injury.

• Ensure laterality (left side) is explicitly documented.
• Verify that the encounter is indeed the "initial encounter" for the injury, not a follow-up.
• Consider co-reporting with external cause codes (V00-Y99) to describe the circumstances of the injury.