Injury of cauda equina, sequela

This diagnosis code indicates a long-term or residual effect resulting from a past injury to the cauda equina. It signifies that the acute injury has resolved, but the patient continues to experience symptoms or deficits directly attributable to that original damage to the nerve roots at the end of the spinal cord. These sequelae can include chronic pain, sensory disturbances, motor weakness, or bowel/bladder dysfunction.

Apply this code when documenting conditions that are a direct consequence of a previous cauda equina injury, and the acute phase of the injury has passed. This is appropriate for patients presenting with chronic neurological deficits or functional impairments clearly linked to a historical cauda equina trauma. Do not use this code for the initial acute injury.

• Always sequence this sequela code after the code describing the specific nature of the sequela (e.g., chronic pain, neurogenic bladder).
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to a past cauda equina injury.
• Verify the encounter is for the management of the residual effects, not the acute injury.