ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for brain stem herniation
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Herniation › brain (stem)”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding brain stem herniation
The ICD-10-CM code for brain stem herniation is G93.5 (Compression of brain). The official index lists 7 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on G93.5.
Within G93 (other disorders of brain), G93.5 is specifically for compression of brain. Related codes cover cerebral cysts (G93.0), Anoxic brain damage, not elsewhere classified (G93.1), benign intracranial hypertension (G93.2), Postviral and related fatigue syndromes (G93.3), other and unspecified encephalopathy (G93.4), cerebral edema (G93.6), Reye's syndrome (G93.7), other specified disorders of brain (G93.8) and 1 more.
Don't report G93.5 together with the conditions in its Excludes1 note: traumatic compression of brain (S06.A-).
As a secondary diagnosis it is an MCC (major complication or comorbidity), which can move an inpatient stay into the highest-paying "with MCC" MS-DRG of its family, unless the principal diagnosis excludes it.
More specific brain stem herniation codes (official index)
- nontraumatic G93.5 — Compression of brain
- traumatic S06.A1 — Traumatic brain compression with herniation
- cerebellar S06.A1 — Traumatic brain compression with herniation
- subfalcine (cingulate) S06.A1 — Traumatic brain compression with herniation
- tonsillar S06.A1 — Traumatic brain compression with herniation
- transtentorial (central) (upward cerebellar) S06.A1 — Traumatic brain compression with herniation
- uncal S06.A1 — Traumatic brain compression with herniation
Don't confuse with (Excludes1 for G93.5)
- traumatic compression of brain (S06.A-)
Common questions about brain stem herniation ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for brain stem herniation?
- G93.5 — Compression of brain. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: G93.5, S06.A1, S06.A1, S06.A1 and others below.
What is the ICD-10 code for nontraumatic brain stem herniation?
- G93.5 — Compression of brain.
What is the ICD-10 code for traumatic brain stem herniation?
- S06.A1 — Traumatic brain compression with herniation (header code; choose a more specific subcode).
Is G93.5 billable?
- Yes. G93.5 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can G93.5 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict G93.5 as a principal diagnosis.
Is G93.5 a CC or MCC?
- G93.5 is an MCC (major complication or comorbidity) under MS-DRG v44.0, unless excluded by the principal diagnosis.