1. Home
  2. ICD-10-CM Codes List
  3. G00–G99
  4. G50-G59
  5. Nerve root and plexus disorders (G54)

Nerve root and plexus disorders (G54)

ICD-10 code section G54 covers disorders affecting nerve roots and plexuses, which are key nerve structures connecting the spinal cord to limbs and torso. These codes are essential for identifying specific conditions like brachial plexus issues, lumbosacral plexus disorders, and different nerve root problems.

The codes in this group identify various nerve root and plexus disorders such as G54.0 for brachial plexus disorders; which include conditions like thoracic outlet syndrome and brachial neuritis; and G54.1 for lumbosacral plexus issues caused by inflammation, radiation, or neoplasm. Cervical, thoracic, and lumbosacral root disorders are classified under G54.2, G54.3, and G54.4, respectively, often described using synonyms like cervical root neuropathy or lumbar nerve root compression. Neuralgic amyotrophy (G54.5) refers to a painful inflammation of the brachial plexus, sometimes known as Parsonage Turner syndrome. Phantom limb syndromes with and without pain are covered by G54.6 and G54.7. Other less common nerve root and plexus disorders fall under G54.8, and unspecified cases are coded as G54.9. Understanding these distinctions helps in accurate coding of nerve-related conditions for clinical and billing purposes.

Instructional Notations

Type 1 Excludes

A type 1 excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.

  • current traumatic nerve root and plexus disorders - see nerve injury by body region
  • intervertebral disc disorders M50 M51
  • neuralgia or neuritis NOS M79.2
  • neuritis or radiculitis brachial NOS M54.13
  • neuritis or radiculitis lumbar NOS M54.16
  • neuritis or radiculitis lumbosacral NOS M54.17
  • neuritis or radiculitis thoracic NOS M54.14
  • radiculitis NOS M54.10
  • radiculopathy NOS M54.10
  • spondylosis M47

Clinical Terms

The following clinical terms provide additional context, helping users better understand the clinical background and common associations for each diagnosis listed in this section. Including related terms alongside ICD-10-CM codes supports coders, billers, and healthcare professionals in improving accuracy, enhancing documentation, and facilitating research or patient education.

Phantom Limb

Perception of painful and nonpainful phantom sensations that occur following the complete or partial loss of a limb. The majority of individuals with an amputated extremity will experience the impression that the limb is still present, and in many cases, painful. (From Neurol Clin 1998 Nov;16(4):919-36; Brain 1998 Sep;121(Pt 9):1603-30)

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

A neurovascular syndrome associated with compression of the BRACHIAL PLEXUS; SUBCLAVIAN ARTERY; and SUBCLAVIAN VEIN at the superior thoracic outlet. This may result from a variety of anomalies such as a CERVICAL RIB, anomalous fascial bands, and abnormalities of the origin or insertion of the anterior or medial scalene muscles. Clinical features may include pain in the shoulder and neck region which radiates into the arm, PARESIS or PARALYSIS of brachial plexus innervated muscles, PARESTHESIA, loss of sensation, reduction of arterial pulses in the affected extremity, ISCHEMIA, and EDEMA. (Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, pp214-5).