A36.82

What This Code Means

This is a serious complication of diphtheria where the infection damages the nerve roots and spinal cord, causing weakness, pain, and loss of sensation in the affected areas. It occurs when the diphtheria toxin affects the nervous system.

Coding Tips

• •This code should only be used when diphtheria has progressed to involve radiculomyelitis (nerve root and spinal cord inflammation); verify documentation confirms this neurological complication
• •Ensure the underlying diphtheria infection is also coded separately (typically A36.0, A36.1, A36.2, or A36.3 depending on the site of primary infection)