Contus/lac/hem brainstem w LOC of 6-24 hrs, sequela

This code signifies a traumatic brain injury involving contusion, laceration, or hemorrhage specifically affecting the brainstem, where the patient experienced a loss of consciousness lasting between 6 and 24 hours. The "S" at the end indicates that this is a sequela code, meaning it describes a late effect or complication of the initial injury.

Apply this code when documenting the long-term effects or complications arising from a brainstem injury that initially presented with a prolonged loss of consciousness (6-24 hours). This is used after the acute phase of the injury has passed and the patient is receiving care for residual conditions. Documentation should clearly state the brainstem involvement, the duration of the initial loss of consciousness, and that the current encounter addresses a sequela.

• Always sequence this sequela code after the code(s) for the specific residual condition(s) being treated.
• Ensure documentation explicitly states "sequela" or "late effect" and confirms the initial loss of consciousness duration.
• Do not use for acute injury encounters; refer to the appropriate acute injury codes for initial treatment.