Congenital hydrocephalus

This code represents an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the brain's ventricles, present at birth. This excess fluid leads to ventricular enlargement and increased intracranial pressure, potentially causing neurological impairment.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of hydrocephalus that is congenital in origin. This includes cases identified prenatally or shortly after birth, where the etiology is not acquired later in life.

• Differentiate from acquired hydrocephalus, which has different ICD-9-CM codes based on its etiology.
• Review documentation for specific causes of congenital hydrocephalus (e.g., aqueductal stenosis, spina bifida) as these may require additional codes.
• Ensure the physician explicitly states "congenital" or provides clinical context that confirms the condition's presence at birth.