Injury to brachial plexus

This code signifies a traumatic lesion or damage to the network of nerves originating from the spinal cord in the neck and extending into the arm. This injury can result in varying degrees of motor and sensory deficits in the shoulder, arm, and hand, depending on the specific nerves affected.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of an injury to the brachial plexus due to trauma. This includes conditions such as avulsion, rupture, stretch, or compression of these nerves. Supporting documentation should specify the mechanism of injury and the affected anatomical region.

• Differentiate from peripheral nerve injuries distal to the brachial plexus; this code is specific to the plexus itself.
• Review documentation for laterality (left, right, bilateral) if specified, though this code does not allow for laterality.
• Consider an external cause code (E-code) to describe the circumstances of the injury.