Experiencing left arm weakness? Learn about potential causes, including stroke, cervical radiculopathy, brachial plexus injury, multiple sclerosis, and peripheral neuropathy. This resource provides information on diagnosis, symptoms, ICD-10 codes (e.g., M54.2, G54.0, G56.0), medical documentation best practices, differential diagnosis considerations, and treatment options for left arm weakness. Explore clinical findings associated with left-sided arm weakness and understand the importance of accurate neurological examination and diagnostic testing.
Also known as
Muscle weakness (generalized)
Includes weakness of left arm as a localized or generalized muscle weakness.
Hemiplegia and hemiparesis
May cause left arm weakness if the dominant side of the brain is affected.
Monoplegia of upper limb
Specifically addresses weakness or paralysis limited to one arm, including the left.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is weakness sudden onset?
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Left arm weakness |
| Left hemiparesis |
| Cervical radiculopathy |
Coding left arm weakness without specifying laterality (dominant vs. non-dominant) can lead to inaccurate reimbursement and data analysis.
Failing to code the underlying cause of left arm weakness (e.g., stroke, nerve compression) impacts quality reporting and case mix index.
Lack of documentation specifying weakness severity (mild, moderate, severe) can lead to coding errors and affect clinical documentation improvement efforts.
Patient presents with complaints of left arm weakness. Onset of weakness was reported as [sudden/gradual] and occurred [duration] ago. Patient describes the weakness as [intermittent/constant] and [localized/radiating]. Associated symptoms include [numbness, tingling, pain, decreased range of motion, difficulty with fine motor skills, muscle atrophy, fasciculations, tremors] or patient denies any associated symptoms. The patient reports difficulty performing activities of daily living such as [dressing, eating, writing, lifting objects]. Medical history includes [relevant medical history, e.g., stroke, transient ischemic attack, cervical radiculopathy, brachial plexus injury, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, peripheral neuropathy, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia]. Surgical history includes [relevant surgical history, e.g., cervical spine surgery, shoulder surgery]. Family history is significant for [relevant family history, e.g., stroke, neurological disorders]. Medications include [list current medications]. Allergies include [list allergies]. Physical examination reveals [muscle strength grading using Medical Research Council scale, e.g., 4/5 strength in left bicep, 3/5 strength in left tricep], [sensory examination findings, e.g., decreased sensation to light touch in left hand], [reflexes, e.g., diminished brachioradialis reflex on the left], [range of motion, e.g., limited range of motion in left shoulder]. Differential diagnosis includes cervical radiculopathy, brachial plexopathy, stroke, transient ischemic attack, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, peripheral neuropathy, myopathy. Plan includes [diagnostic tests, e.g., MRI of cervical spine, electromyography, nerve conduction studies, blood tests], [referral, e.g., referral to neurology, physical therapy], and [treatment, e.g., pain management, corticosteroids, physical therapy]. Patient education provided on [disease process, treatment plan, follow-up care]. Follow-up scheduled in [duration].