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BETA v.3.0

2025 ICD-10-CM code A52.17

General paresis (also known as dementia paralytica, Bayle disease, or syphilitic meningoencephalitis).

Use additional code to identify resistance to antimicrobial drugs (Z16.-).Exclude certain localized infections (see body system-related chapters), carrier or suspected carrier status (Z22.-), infections complicating pregnancy, childbirth, and the puerperium (O98.-), and perinatal period infections (P35-P39).

Medical necessity for treatment of general paresis stems from the serious and potentially irreversible neurological damage caused by untreated syphilis.Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent further decline and improve patient outcomes.

Clinicians diagnose general paresis based on patient history, physical exam, mental function tests, and blood tests (including serologic tests for syphilis like VDRL and RPR). Imaging studies (CT, MRI) and nerve conduction studies may also be performed. Treatment includes antibiotics and symptomatic care.

In simple words: General paresis is a brain problem that causes forgetfulness and paralysis if syphilis isn't treated. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection.

General paresis is a condition characterized by cognitive impairment and generalized paralysis caused by nerve damage due to untreated syphilis. Syphilis is an infectious, sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum.

Example 1: A patient presents with progressive cognitive decline, memory loss, and personality changes.Serologic testing confirms a diagnosis of untreated syphilis, and the patient is diagnosed with general paresis., A patient with a history of untreated syphilis experiences hallucinations and delusions. Physical examination reveals signs of generalized paralysis, leading to a diagnosis of general paresis., A patient exhibits altered mental status, including mood swings and difficulty with speech.After a thorough evaluation, including blood tests and neurologic examination, the patient is diagnosed with general paresis secondary to late-stage syphilis.

Documentation should include evidence of syphilis infection (e.g., positive serologic tests), neurological findings consistent with general paresis (e.g., cognitive impairment, paralysis), and any relevant diagnostic testing results (e.g., imaging, nerve conduction studies).

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