Alcoholic polyneuropathy

This code represents a neurological disorder characterized by widespread peripheral nerve damage resulting from chronic alcohol abuse. It manifests as sensory, motor, and autonomic dysfunction due to the toxic effects of alcohol and associated nutritional deficiencies on the peripheral nervous system.

This code is appropriate for patients diagnosed with polyneuropathy directly attributed to long-term excessive alcohol consumption. Documentation should clearly link the patient's history of alcoholism to the onset and progression of the polyneuropathy, often including evidence of nutritional deficiencies.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "alcoholic polyneuropathy" or clearly establishes the causal link between alcohol abuse and the neuropathy.
• Do not confuse with other forms of polyneuropathy (e.g., diabetic, idiopathic) unless alcohol is the primary etiology.
• Consider coding an additional diagnosis for chronic alcoholism (e.g., 303.9x) if not already documented as resolved.