2025 ICD-10-CM code S14.1
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes - Injury to the neck 19 Feed
Other and unspecified injuries of cervical spinal cord.
Medical necessity is established by the clinical documentation supporting the diagnosis of a cervical spinal cord injury.This should include evidence of functional impairment and the need for treatment.
Clinicians diagnose this based on medical history, physical exam, and imaging (X-rays, myelogram, CT, MRI). Nerve conduction studies may be used to rule out nerve damage. Treatment can include medication (pain relievers, steroids, anti-seizure drugs, antidepressants, muscle relaxants), immobilization with a cervical collar, physical therapy, and potentially surgery.
In simple words: This code represents injuries to the neck's spinal cord that are not described by other, more specific codes. It is used when the doctor doesn't specify the exact type of injury or the details are not available in the medical records.
This code describes damage to the cervical spinal cord from various causes, where the specific injury isn't covered by another code or isn't documented.It includes injuries where the nature is unspecified.May be associated with a fracture of the cervical vertebra (S12.0--S12.6.-) or an open wound of the neck (S11.-). Transient paralysis (R29.5) may also be present.
Example 1: A patient falls and injures their neck, experiencing pain and numbness. Imaging reveals damage to the cervical spinal cord, but the specific injury type isn't clearly defined. S14.1 would be used., A patient presents with weakness and tingling in their arms after a car accident.Examination and imaging suggest a cervical spinal cord injury, but the precise nature is not documented.S14.1 is appropriate., A patient has a history of neck pain after a fall.They now experience increasing numbness and difficulty with fine motor skills.Diagnostic tests suggest a non-specific injury to the cervical spinal cord.S14.1 is used in the absence of a more specific diagnosis.
Documentation should include details of the injury event, symptoms, physical examination findings, and results of imaging and nerve conduction studies.Any associated fractures or open wounds should also be documented.
- Specialties:Neurology, Orthopedic Surgery, Trauma Surgery, Emergency Medicine, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Emergency Room - Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Physician's Office, Rehabilitation Facility