Alcoholic polyneuropathy

This code represents a neurological disorder characterized by widespread nerve damage (polyneuropathy) resulting from chronic and excessive alcohol consumption. It typically manifests as symmetrical sensory, motor, and autonomic dysfunction, primarily affecting the distal extremities. The neuropathy is a direct toxic effect of alcohol and its metabolites, often exacerbated by nutritional deficiencies.

Assign this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of polyneuropathy directly attributed to alcohol abuse or dependence. Supporting documentation should include a history of chronic heavy alcohol intake and clinical findings consistent with peripheral nerve damage, such as paresthesias, weakness, or gait disturbance, in the absence of other primary causes.

• Ensure the physician explicitly links the polyneuropathy to alcohol use; avoid assuming causality.
• Code any co-occurring alcohol dependence or abuse using appropriate F10.x codes.
• Differentiate from other causes of polyneuropathy (e.g., diabetic, nutritional, autoimmune) which would require different codes.