When is cranial nerve contusion coded?

Cranial nerve contusion is coded when there is documented weakness or paresthesia. This is because the presence of weakness or sensory changes indicates that there is a functional alteration in the nervous system where the cranial nerve is implicated. Coding for contusions relies heavily on the clinical findings; hence, when a patient exhibits neurologic deficits such as weakness or paresthesia, it supports the coding of a cranial nerve contusion, highlighting a significant injury or disturbance in nerve function.

The other options do not fulfill the necessary criteria for coding cranial nerve contusion. A visible break in the skull does not automatically correlate with cranial nerve injury, as contusions can occur without any external signs of trauma. Similarly, while cognitive function changes might indicate a more severe brain injury or trauma, they are not the sole basis for coding cranial nerve contusions. Lastly, the performance of a CT scan does not determine whether a cranial nerve contusion should be coded, as the scan may not always reveal the necessary clinical symptoms for such a diagnosis. Thus, properly documenting weakness or paresthesia is crucial for accurate coding and reflects the underlying injury to the cranial nerve.