Dementia due to injury to the head
Demência devida a traumatismo craniano
CategoryDefinition
Dementia due to injury to the head is caused by damage inflicted on the tissues of the brain as the direct or indirect result of an external force. Trauma to the brain is known to have resulted in loss of consciousness, amnesia, disorientation and confusion, or neurological signs. The symptoms characteristic of Dementia due to injury to the head must arise immediately following the trauma or after the individual gains consciousness and must persist beyond the acute post-injury period. Cognitive deficits vary depending on the specific brain areas affected and the severity of the injury but can include impairments in attention, memory, executive functioning, personality, processing speed, social cognition, and language abilities.
Coding Note
Diagnostic Criteria
- All diagnostic requirements for Dementia are met.
- Dementia is presumed to be attributable to an injury to the head, as demonstrated by neuropsychological test data, neuroimaging data, medical tests, and/or clinical history.
- Dementia Due to Injury to the Head is caused by damage inflicted on the tissues of the brain as the direct or indirect result of an external force.
- Trauma to the brain is known to have resulted in loss of consciousness, amnesia, disorientation and confusion, and/or neurological signs.
- The symptoms characteristic of Dementia Due to Injury to the Head arise immediately following the trauma or after the individual gains consciousness and must include persistent cognitive impairments following any recovery of initial cognitive impairment that may be seen in the immediate post-injury period.
- Neurocognitive deficits vary depending on the specific brain areas affected and the severity of the injury but can include impairments in attention, memory, executive functioning, personality, processing speed, social cognition, and language abilities.
Note: A diagnosis of NA07 Intracranial Injury or one of its subcategories should also be assigned.