Question: Regarding the use of 518.5 Respiratory insufficiency following trauma and surgery: Is it appropriate to use this code for respiratory insufficiency following a stroke? I am wondering if a CVA would qualify as the type of trauma intended for this code. California Subscriber Answer: Stroke is not considered a trauma. The respiratory insufficiency as the result of a stroke should be coded as 438.89 (Other late effects of cerebrovascular disease) followed by 786.09 (Other dyspnea and respiratory abnormalities; respiratory insufficiency).