Search all medical codes

Intracranial hypotension following ventricular shunting

ICD10CM code
#### Name of the Condition
- **Intracranial Hypotension Following Ventricular Shunting**
- Also known as low intracranial pressure post-shunt.

#### Summary
- Intracranial hypotension following ventricular shunting is a condition characterized by abnormally low pressure within the skull, occurring after a surgical procedure known as ventricular shunting. This procedure is typically performed to treat hydrocephalus by diverting excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to another part of the body.

#### Causes
- The primary cause is the excessive drainage of cerebrospinal fluid due to ventricular shunting. This imbalance can lead to inadequate CSF pressure within the skull.

#### Risk Factors
- History of hydrocephalus requiring shunting.
- Multiple shunt surgeries or revisions, which may alter CSF dynamics.
- Any surgical complications that affect CSF flow or absorption.

#### Symptoms
- Headaches that are generally worse when standing and improve when lying down.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Neck pain or stiffness.
- Dizziness or vertigo.
- Fatigue and visual disturbances.

#### Diagnosis
- Clinical evaluation and patient history.
- MRI or CT scans showing signs of brain sagging or CSF leaks.
- Lumbar puncture to assess CSF pressure, although generally less used due to potential risks.

#### Treatment Options
- Adjustment of the shunt to reduce excessive drainage.
- Blood patch procedures to seal potential CSF leaks.
- Surgical revision of the shunt system if necessary.
- Bed rest and increased fluid intake to bolster CSF volume.

#### Prognosis and Follow-Up
- With appropriate treatment, many patients experience symptom relief and improved quality of life.
- Regular follow-ups to monitor shunt function and intracranial pressure are essential.

#### Complications
- Persistent headaches and neurological symptoms.
- Risk of shunt malfunction or infection.
- Potential for chronic CSF leaks if untreated.

#### Lifestyle & Prevention
- There are limited preventive measures; however, careful surgical technique and post-operative management can minimize risk.
- Avoiding unnecessary physical exertion in the immediate post-operative period may be helpful.

#### When to Seek Professional Help
- Persistent or severe headaches, especially if they worsen when upright.
- Signs of shunt malfunction such as increased head circumference in infants, vomiting, or altered consciousness.
- Any new neurological symptoms post-surgery.

#### Additional Resources
- [Hydrocephalus Association](https://www.hydroassoc.org/)
- [American Association of Neurological Surgeons](https://www.aans.org/)

#### Tips for Medical Coders
- Confirm that the hypotension is indeed post-surgical and related to ventricular shunting for accurate coding.
- Avoid confounding this with other causes of intracranial hypotension not linked to shunting procedures (e.g., spontaneous intracranial hypotension).

Medical Policies and Guidelines for Intracranial hypotension following ventricular shunting

Related policies from health plans

Similar Codes