Understand paraplegia with comprehensive information on diagnosis, symptoms, treatment, and prognosis. Find resources related to healthcare, clinical documentation, medical coding, ICD-10 codes for paraplegia, spinal cord injury, rehabilitation, and long-term care. Explore neurological assessments, functional limitations, and assistive devices for individuals with paraplegia. This resource offers valuable insights for healthcare professionals, patients, and families seeking information on paraplegia management and support.
Also known as
Paraplegia
Paralysis of the lower half of the body.
Spastic paraplegia
Paraplegia with increased muscle tone and spasms.
Incomplete paraplegia
Partial paralysis of the lower half of the body.
Traumatic paraplegia
Paraplegia resulting from injury to the spine.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is paraplegia due to trauma?
Yes
Specify level of spinal cord injury
No
Is it due to a nontraumatic spinal cord injury?
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Paralysis of lower body |
| Tetraplegia (Quadriplegia) |
| Paraparesis |
Missing specifics about paraplegia cause, level, and completeness impacts code accuracy (e.g., traumatic vs. non-traumatic, sensory/motor involvement).
Failing to document whether paraplegia affects the right, left, or both sides leads to coding errors and potential claim denials.
Overlooking associated conditions like pressure ulcers or spasticity with paraplegia affects accurate DRG assignment and reimbursement.
Patient presents with paraplegia, characterized by paralysis of the lower extremities. Onset of paraplegia was [Date of onset], following [Cause of paraplegia, e.g., traumatic spinal cord injury at T10 level, spinal stenosis, multiple sclerosis exacerbation]. Neurological examination reveals absence of voluntary motor function below the [Neurological level, e.g., T10] level, including diminished or absent patellar and Achilles reflexes. Sensory examination demonstrates [Sensory findings, e.g., loss of sensation below T10 dermatome, diminished proprioception in lower limbs]. Patient reports [Symptoms, e.g., bowel and bladder incontinence, decreased sensation in legs, inability to ambulate]. Imaging studies [Imaging modality, e.g., MRI of the thoracic spine] confirm [Imaging findings, e.g., compression fracture of T10 vertebra with spinal cord impingement, demyelinating plaques consistent with multiple sclerosis]. Diagnostic criteria for paraplegia are met based on clinical findings and imaging results. Differential diagnoses considered include [Differential diagnoses, e.g., cauda equina syndrome, transverse myelitis]. Assessment indicates complete paraplegia [or incomplete paraplegia if applicable - specify ASIA Impairment Scale grade]. Plan includes [Treatment plan, e.g., referral to physical therapy and occupational therapy, medication management for spasticity and neuropathic pain, catheterization program for bladder management, surgical intervention for spinal cord decompression, patient education on paraplegia management, follow-up appointments for neurological assessment]. ICD-10 code [ICD-10 code, e.g., G82.20 for paraplegia, unspecified] is assigned. Patient education provided on paraplegia prognosis, complications such as pressure sores and urinary tract infections, and resources available for support. The patient's functional status and quality of life are significantly impacted by this condition. Continued monitoring and reassessment will be necessary to optimize treatment and manage potential complications.