Neuralgic amyotrophy

This diagnosis code represents neuralgic amyotrophy, also known as Parsonage-Turner syndrome or brachial plexopathy. It is an acute, painful, and often debilitating neurological disorder characterized by sudden onset of severe pain in the shoulder and arm, followed by rapid weakness and atrophy of the affected muscles.

This code is appropriate for documenting a patient presenting with the classic symptoms of neuralgic amyotrophy, including acute onset of severe shoulder/arm pain followed by motor weakness and muscle wasting. Documentation should clearly indicate a diagnosis of neuralgic amyotrophy, Parsonage-Turner syndrome, or idiopathic brachial plexopathy.

• Ensure documentation differentiates this from other causes of brachial plexopathy, such as trauma or compression.
• Do not use this code for chronic or congenital forms of amyotrophy unless specifically diagnosed as neuralgic amyotrophy.
• Consider sequencing with codes for associated symptoms like pain (e.g., 729.5) if documented and treated.