NIHSS score 38
ICD-10 R29.738 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of nihss score 38.
The NIHSS (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale) score of 38 indicates a severe stroke, reflecting significant neurological impairment. This score is derived from a comprehensive assessment of various neurological functions, including consciousness, language, motor skills, sensory perception, and visual fields. A score of 38 suggests profound deficits, with the patient likely exhibiting symptoms such as complete loss of motor function on one side, severe aphasia, and possibly altered consciousness. The NIHSS is crucial for determining the severity of a stroke and guiding treatment decisions, including the need for thrombolysis or other interventions. Accurate scoring is essential for effective communication among healthcare providers and for research purposes. In clinical practice, a score of 38 necessitates immediate and intensive medical intervention, often in an acute care setting, to optimize patient outcomes and minimize long-term disability.
Detailed documentation of neurological assessments, including NIHSS components and patient history.
Patients presenting with acute stroke symptoms requiring hospitalization and intensive monitoring.
Consideration of comorbidities that may affect neurological assessment.
Immediate documentation of NIHSS score upon patient arrival, including time of onset and treatment administered.
Acute stroke presentations requiring rapid intervention and assessment.
Documentation must reflect the urgency of care and any interventions performed.
Used when a patient with a NIHSS score of 38 is evaluated in the emergency department.
Document the severity of the condition and the NIHSS score.
Emergency medicine providers must ensure timely documentation of neurological assessments.
A NIHSS score of 38 indicates severe neurological impairment, often associated with significant stroke, requiring immediate medical intervention.
