Cerebral degeneration of childhood in other diseases classified elsewhere

This code signifies a progressive deterioration of brain function occurring in children, where the underlying cause is a separate, identifiable disease process. It describes a secondary cerebral degeneration, not a primary neurological disorder, manifesting as a decline in cognitive, motor, or other neurological abilities.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates cerebral degeneration in a pediatric patient, and the medical record specifies another disease as the etiology. Examples include metabolic disorders, mitochondrial diseases, or certain genetic syndromes that lead to secondary brain degeneration. Ensure the primary underlying disease is also coded.

• Always code the underlying disease responsible for the cerebral degeneration first.
• This code is for secondary cerebral degeneration; do not use for primary neurodegenerative disorders.
• Documentation should explicitly link the cerebral degeneration to another classified disease.