Acute flaccid myelitis

This code represents a severe neurological condition characterized by sudden onset of weakness or paralysis in one or more limbs, often accompanied by diminished or absent reflexes. It primarily affects the gray matter of the spinal cord, leading to acute flaccid paralysis.

Assign this code for patients diagnosed with acute flaccid myelitis, typically following a viral illness. Documentation should clearly indicate the acute onset of flaccid limb weakness and findings consistent with spinal cord gray matter involvement.

• Differentiate carefully from transverse myelitis (G37.3), which is an Excludes1 condition.
• Ensure documentation specifies "acute flaccid myelitis" to support this specific code.
• Consider sequencing this code as the primary diagnosis when it is the reason for the encounter.