Neurologic neglect syndrome

This code represents a neurological disorder characterized by a patient's inability to attend to or respond to stimuli on one side of the body or environment, typically the contralateral side to a brain lesion. It is a deficit in attention, not sensory perception, often affecting spatial awareness, motor intention, and personal space.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a patient exhibits symptoms of neurologic neglect, such as ignoring one side of their body, failing to eat food on one side of a plate, or bumping into objects on one side. This is commonly observed following a stroke or other focal brain injury, particularly to the right parietal lobe.

• Ensure documentation specifies "neglect" rather than just hemiparesis or hemianopsia, as these are distinct conditions.
• This code should be sequenced as a secondary diagnosis when the underlying cause (e.g., stroke) is the primary reason for the encounter.
• Differentiate from sensory deficits; neglect is an attentional disorder, not a primary sensory loss.