In simple words: This code describes thinking problems that happen after a stroke or other brain blood vessel issue, not caused by a specific type of stroke already coded elsewhere.These thinking problems could be trouble paying attention, remembering things, or with other mental skills.

This code is used to classify cognitive impairments that occur as a consequence of cerebrovascular diseases other than those specifically listed in other I69 codes.These deficits can include, but are not limited to, attention and concentration problems, memory loss, visuospatial impairments, psychomotor difficulties, frontal lobe dysfunction, and cognitive, social, or emotional disturbances.

Example 1: A 65-year-old patient presents with persistent memory problems and difficulty concentrating three months after a diagnosis of cerebral venous thrombosis.I69.81 would be used to code the cognitive deficits, along with a code for cerebral venous thrombosis., A 72-year-old patient experiences a cerebral arteriovenous malformation (AVM) rupture, leading to long-term cognitive difficulties including executive dysfunction. I69.81 is used to reflect the cognitive sequelae, accompanied by a code representing the AVM rupture., An 80-year-old patient suffers from a lacunar stroke, resulting in significant memory impairment and difficulties with spatial orientation. I69.81 captures the resulting cognitive deficits, coupled with a code for the lacunar stroke.

Detailed documentation of the patient's cognitive impairments, including specific symptoms (e.g., memory loss, attention deficits), their onset and duration, and the underlying cerebrovascular disease should be documented. Neuropsychological testing results are highly recommended for accurate coding.

** The seventh character in this code can be used to specify the encounter (A=initial encounter, D=subsequent encounter, S=sequela).If the cognitive deficit is the reason for the encounter, then A would be used.If the cognitive deficit is a condition that persists from a previous encounter, D or S may be used based on the visit.