ICD-10 Code I60.52 – Nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage from left vertebral artery (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code I60.52 – Nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage from left vertebral artery
What it is
This code identifies a nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage that originates from the left vertebral artery. It means blood has leaked into the space around the brain without an injury, and the source is documented as the left vertebral artery.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly, subarachnoid hemorrhage presents with sudden severe headache, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting, or altered consciousness, and imaging may show bleeding in the subarachnoid space.
When to use this code
Use I60.52 when the provider documents a nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage specifically arising from the left vertebral artery. You should also use it when imaging or operative documentation clearly identifies that vessel as the source. If the laterality or vessel source is not stated, check documentation.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for traumatic intracranial hemorrhage or for subarachnoid hemorrhage with an unspecified artery source. Do not assign it if the bleeding is documented from a different vessel.
Coding tip
Verify both nontraumatic cause and left-sided vertebral artery source before assigning I60.52.