2025 ICD-10-CM code G72.1
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Diseases of the Nervous System - Diseases of myoneural junction and muscle 6 (Diseases of the Nervous System) Feed
Alcoholic myopathy. Use additional code to identify alcoholism (F10.-).
The medical necessity for treating alcoholic myopathy stems from the impairment of muscle function and potential for serious complications like rhabdomyolysis and heart failure.Treatment aims to restore muscle function, alleviate pain, and prevent further complications resulting from nutritional deficiencies and alcohol-induced muscle damage.
Clinicians should diagnose alcoholic myopathy based on patient history, symptoms, and a thorough physical and neurological examination, which may be supplemented by blood tests (alcohol levels, nutritional deficiencies), muscle biopsy, EMG, NCV tests, and renal function tests.Treatment involves alcohol cessation, dietary changes, nutritional supplements, physical therapy, and often, behavioral therapy and family support.
In simple words: Alcoholic myopathy is a muscle problem caused by drinking too much alcohol over a long time.It can cause muscles to shrink, hurt, and sometimes twitch.It can also cause problems with nerves.This happens because alcohol makes it hard for your body to absorb nutrients from food.If it's caught and treated early, it can often be reversed. Treatment typically involves stopping alcohol use and improving nutrition.
Alcoholic myopathy refers to a muscle disorder characterized by muscle atrophy, pain, and sometimes neurological issues, caused by long-term heavy alcohol consumption.Excessive alcohol use hinders nutrient absorption, leading to muscle and nerve cell damage due to nutritional deficiencies. Alcoholic myopathy can be acute (resulting from consuming a large amount of alcohol in a short period) or chronic (developing from prolonged heavy drinking).Symptoms include muscle wasting, pain, stiffness, twitching, and heat sensitivity. Severe cases can lead to heart failure and stroke. Diagnosis involves medical history, physical and neurological examination, blood tests for alcohol levels and nutritional deficiencies, muscle biopsy, EMG, NCV, and renal function tests. Treatment focuses on alcohol cessation, nutritional supplementation, a balanced diet, and physical therapy.
Example 1: A 50-year-old patient with a history of chronic alcohol abuse presents with muscle weakness, pain, and cramping in the legs., A 30-year-old patient is admitted to the emergency room after a binge drinking episode, experiencing severe muscle pain and dark urine (rhabdomyolysis)., A 60-year-old patient with long-term alcohol dependence exhibits progressive muscle wasting and difficulty walking, along with signs of peripheral neuropathy.
Documentation should include evidence of long-term alcohol abuse, clinical findings of muscle weakness, atrophy, pain, and any associated neurological symptoms. Diagnostic test results, such as EMG, NCV, muscle biopsy, and blood tests, should also be documented. Treatment notes should detail the plan for alcohol cessation, nutritional support, and physical therapy.
- Specialties:Neurology, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Office, Outpatient Hospital