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Cerebral ischemia

ICD10CM code
#### Name of the Condition
- **Cerebral Ischemia** 
- Technical term: Ischemic Stroke

#### Summary
Cerebral ischemia occurs when there is insufficient blood flow to the brain, leading to decreased oxygen supply and potential damage to brain tissue. It can result in a stroke and can vary in severity, from transient episodes to permanent damage.

#### Causes
- Blockages in the blood vessels, often due to atherosclerosis (narrowing of arteries).
- Blood clots or emboli that obstruct blood flow.
- Conditions like atrial fibrillation, which can increase the risk of clots.

#### Risk Factors
- Advanced age.
- High blood pressure and high cholesterol.
- Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
- Diabetes and obesity.
- Family history of stroke or cardiovascular diseases.

#### Symptoms
- Sudden numbness or weakness, particularly on one side of the body.
- Confusion, trouble speaking, or understanding speech.
- Vision problems in one or both eyes.
- Dizziness, loss of balance, or a severe headache of unknown cause.

#### Diagnosis
- Neurological examination to assess physical and cognitive function.
- Imaging tests like CT or MRI scans to identify blocked or narrowed arteries.
- Doppler ultrasound to evaluate blood flow in the neck arteries.
- Blood tests to check for risk factors like high cholesterol and diabetes.

#### Treatment Options
- Medications such as thrombolytics to dissolve clots, anticoagulants to prevent new clots, and medications to control underlying conditions like hypertension.
- Surgical interventions, such as carotid endarterectomy, to remove plaques.
- Lifestyle modifications including diet and exercise to reduce risk factors.
- Rehabilitation therapies like physical, occupational, or speech therapy to regain lost functions.

#### Prognosis and Follow-Up
- Prognosis varies; immediate treatment can minimize brain damage.
- Ongoing follow-up is important to monitor risk factors and prevent recurrence.
- Rehabilitation can improve outcomes in affected individuals.

#### Complications
- Permanent brain damage leading to disabilities.
- Recurrence of stroke or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs).
- Secondary complications like pneumonia or deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

#### Lifestyle & Prevention
- Maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise routine.
- Quitting smoking and moderating alcohol intake.
- Regular monitoring and management of blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.

#### When to Seek Professional Help
- Sudden onset of the symptoms mentioned under "Symptoms" section.
- Any severe headache with no known cause.
- TIA symptoms that are temporary but are a warning for a possible stroke.

#### Additional Resources
- American Stroke Association ([www.stroke.org](https://www.stroke.org))
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke ([www.ninds.nih.gov](https://www.ninds.nih.gov))

#### Tips for Medical Coders
- Ensure correct assignment of the ICD-10-CM code I67.82 for cerebral ischemia.
- Check accompanying documentation for potential symptoms or secondary conditions to ensure precise coding.
- Avoid coding errors associated with similar cerebrovascular conditions; confirm the type of ischemia.

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