2025 ICD-10-CM code G45.9
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Diseases of the nervous system - Transient cerebral ischemic attacks and related syndromes 6 Feed
Transient cerebral ischemic attack, unspecified.
Medical necessity for the evaluation and management of a TIA stems from the need to determine the underlying cause, assess the risk of a subsequent stroke, and implement preventative measures.
Signs and symptoms of unspecified TIAs vary but may include weakness, numbness, or paralysis (usually on one side of the body), slurred speech, impaired vision, dizziness, loss of balance, sudden severe headache, temporary painless vision loss in one eye, and temporary memory loss. Diagnosis is based on medical history, signs and symptoms, neurological and physical exams, blood tests (cholesterol and sugar levels), and imaging studies (carotid ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, CT or MR angiography/arteriography, and echocardiography). Treatment focuses on controlling calcium and cholesterol deposits in arteries through medication, reducing stroke risk with aspirin or blood thinners, controlling blood pressure, lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, smoking cessation), and potentially procedures like carotid endarterectomy, carotid angioplasty, and stenting.
In simple words: A transient ischemic attack (TIA), often called a "mini-stroke," is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain.It causes stroke-like symptoms that typically resolve within 24 hours. This particular code is used when the doctor doesn't specify the exact type of TIA.
Unspecified transient cerebral ischemic attacks and related syndromes refer to a sudden, temporary loss of blood flow in the arteries that supply the brain. This is typically due to plaque deposits breaking off from the inner lining of arteries or blood clots blocking blood flow.The specific type of TIA is not documented.
Example 1: A patient presents with sudden onset of right-sided weakness and slurred speech. Symptoms resolve within an hour.The physician diagnoses a TIA but does not specify the affected artery or underlying cause, making G45.9 the appropriate code., A patient experiences temporary vision loss in one eye, lasting about 15 minutes. The physician suspects a TIA but further investigation does not reveal a specific cause or location. The documentation supports G45.9., A patient reports an episode of dizziness, difficulty speaking and understanding and loss of balance which resolved after 30 minutes. The doctor suspects a TIA, but after performing several tests, cannot pinpoint the exact type or location. Therefore, G45.9 is used.
Documentation should include the signs, symptoms, duration of the event, and results of any diagnostic testing or imaging. The physician should clearly state the diagnosis of TIA and, if possible, note the absence of specific characteristics to justify the use of the "unspecified" code.
- Specialties:Neurology, Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine
- Place of Service:Office, Inpatient Hospital, Emergency Room - Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Independent Clinic