Left arm numbness: Explore causes, symptoms, and treatment options. Find information on related diagnoses like cervical radiculopathy, peripheral neuropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, and thoracic outlet syndrome. Learn about clinical documentation requirements, ICD-10 codes (G54.5, M50.1, G56.0), and medical coding best practices for left arm numbness. Understand potential nerve damage, muscle weakness, tingling sensations, and pain management strategies. Research differential diagnosis considerations, diagnostic testing, and treatment protocols.
Also known as
Symptoms and signs involving skin and subcutaneous tissue
Includes numbness, tingling, and other sensory disturbances of the skin.
Nerve root and plexus disorders
Covers nerve compressions that can cause arm numbness, like cervical radiculopathy.
Dorsalgia
Back pain can sometimes radiate to the arm and cause numbness.
Cerebral palsy and other paralytic syndromes
Certain paralytic syndromes can present with limb numbness as a symptom.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the numbness traumatic in origin?
Yes
Is there a current injury?
No
Is there a known underlying condition?
When to use each related code
Description |
---|
Left arm numbness |
Cervical radiculopathy |
Thoracic outlet syndrome |
Patient presents with complaints of left arm numbness. Onset of numbness is described as (gradual/sudden) and began (duration) ago. The numbness is localized to the (specific location: e.g., entire arm, hand, fingers, specific dermatome) and characterized as (tingling, pins and needles, burning, aching, or other descriptors). Patient denies any associated weakness, pain, or other neurological deficits in the left arm. Medical history includes (list relevant medical conditions: e.g., hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, prior stroke, cervical spondylosis). Surgical history includes (list relevant surgical procedures). Current medications include (list all medications including dosage and frequency). Family history is significant for (list relevant family history, e.g., stroke, cardiovascular disease). Social history includes (tobacco use, alcohol use, illicit drug use). Physical examination reveals (normal/abnormal) sensation to light touch and pinprick in the affected area. Muscle strength and reflexes are (normal/abnormal) in the left arm. Cervical spine range of motion is (normal/limited/painful). Differential diagnosis includes cervical radiculopathy, peripheral neuropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, brachial plexus injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and other neurological conditions. Initial treatment plan includes (conservative management with physical therapy, medication management, imaging studies such as cervical spine X-ray or MRI, referral to neurology or other specialist). Patient education provided regarding potential causes of left arm numbness, treatment options, and importance of follow-up care. Return visit scheduled for (date) to reassess symptoms and discuss further management. ICD-10 code considerations include (list potential ICD-10 codes based on clinical findings, e.g., R20.8, G54.5, M54.12, G56.01). CPT code considerations for evaluation and management will be determined based on complexity of medical decision making.