Injury of cauda equina, initial encounter

This code signifies damage to the cauda equina, the bundle of spinal nerves extending from the end of the spinal cord. Such injuries can result in a range of neurological deficits, including sensory loss, motor weakness, and bowel/bladder dysfunction in the lower extremities.

Apply this code for initial encounters where a patient presents with a newly diagnosed or acutely sustained injury to the cauda equina. This includes cases resulting from trauma, disc herniation, spinal stenosis, or other compressive etiologies.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "initial encounter" for the injury.
• Always code underlying cause of injury (e.g., fracture, disc displacement) first, if applicable.
• Distinguish from spinal cord injury codes; this specifically refers to the nerve roots below the conus medullaris.