ICD-10 Code G83.81 – Brown-Séquard syndrome (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code G83.81 – Brown-Séquard syndrome
What it is
Brown-Séquard syndrome is a spinal cord syndrome caused by damage to one side of the cord. It produces a characteristic pattern of weakness and sensory loss below the level of injury.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include ipsilateral motor weakness and loss of vibration or position sense, with contralateral loss of pain and temperature sensation below the lesion. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use G83.81 when the provider documents Brown-Séquard syndrome or Brown-Séquard-like hemicord dysfunction. Code it when the diagnosis is established and supported by the record, such as after traumatic or compressive spinal cord injury. Check documentation if the note only describes incomplete spinal cord syndrome.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for nonspecific weakness, isolated sensory loss, or spinal cord injury without Brown-Séquard syndrome documented. Check documentation if the hemicord pattern is not clearly stated.
Coding tip
Confirm that the chart identifies Brown-Séquard syndrome explicitly, not just a spinal cord lesion or paralysis pattern.