Major laceration of left vertebral artery, sequela

This code signifies a long-term complication or late effect resulting from a significant tear or cut in the left vertebral artery. This injury, often due to trauma, can lead to persistent neurological deficits, chronic pain, or other ongoing issues even after the initial injury has healed.

Apply this code when documenting a patient presenting with a current condition that is a direct consequence of a previously sustained major laceration of the left vertebral artery. The medical record must clearly link the current sequela to the past arterial injury. This code is appropriate for follow-up care or management of chronic conditions stemming from the original trauma.

• Always sequence the sequela code first, followed by codes for the specific manifestation(s) of the sequela.
• Ensure documentation explicitly states the "sequela" or "late effect" of a past injury to the left vertebral artery.
• Distinguish from acute injuries; this code is for conditions arising after the initial healing phase of the laceration.