Causalgia of upper limb

This code represents causalgia, a chronic burning pain, hyperesthesia, and vasomotor dysfunction affecting the upper extremity. It is a type of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) characterized by severe pain often disproportionate to the initial injury, typically involving nerve damage.

Assign this code when documentation explicitly states a diagnosis of causalgia localized to the upper limb. This diagnosis is typically made after a nerve injury, such as a gunshot wound or trauma, and is supported by clinical signs of autonomic dysfunction and severe burning pain.

• Differentiate from other neuropathic pain syndromes; causalgia specifically implies nerve injury.
• Ensure documentation specifies "upper limb" to distinguish from lower limb involvement.
• Consider sequencing this code as a primary diagnosis when it is the main reason for the encounter.