I60.8 Other nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage

ICD10CM code

#### Name of the Condition
- **Other Nontraumatic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH)**
- Also referred to as Spontaneous Subarachnoid Hemorrhage not otherwise specified.

#### Summary
- A nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage involves bleeding in the subarachnoid space, the area between the brain and the tissues covering the brain. Unlike traumatic cases, this type occurs spontaneously without any head injury.

#### Causes
- Often caused by the spontaneous rupture of cerebral aneurysms, but can also occur due to blood vessel malformations or vascular disorders. The exact origin can sometimes remain unidentified in these cases.

#### Risk Factors
- High blood pressure, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, genetic predisposition, and certain medical conditions like polycystic kidney disease.

#### Symptoms
- Sudden, severe headache often described as "the worst headache of one's life," neck stiffness, nausea and vomiting, altered mental state, and sensitivity to light.

#### Diagnosis
- Initial assessment with a CT scan or MRI to detect bleeding. A lumbar puncture may be performed if initial imaging is inconclusive, and angiography is used to identify the bleeding source.

#### Treatment Options
- Treatments aim to stop the bleeding, alleviate symptoms, and prevent complications. Options include surgical intervention such as clipping of aneurysms, endovascular coiling, and medical management for symptom relief and complication prevention.

#### Prognosis and Follow-Up
- Prognosis varies depending on the severity and timeliness of treatment. Regular follow-ups are crucial to monitor recovery, prevent complications, and manage any lifestyle-related risk factors.

#### Complications
- Without treatment, complications such as re-bleeding, cerebral vasospasm leading to ischemic stroke, hydrocephalus, and long-term neurological impairment can occur.

#### Lifestyle & Prevention
- Controlling blood pressure, quitting smoking, moderating alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine can help manage or reduce the risk of developing this condition.

#### When to Seek Professional Help
- Immediate medical attention is necessary if symptoms such as an intense headache, neck pain, or neurological changes occur, as these may indicate a subarachnoid hemorrhage.

#### Additional Resources
- American Stroke Association [stroke.org](https://www.stroke.org)
- Brain Aneurysm Foundation [bafound.org](https://www.bafound.org)

#### Tips for Medical Coders
- Ensure accurate documentation of the diagnosis to differentiate this condition from traumatic variants. Pay attention to details distinguishing it from other types of hemorrhages.
- Common coding errors include misclassification due to lack of clear documentation distinguishing it from traumatic causes.

Medical Policies and Guidelines for Other nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage

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