Progressive bulbar palsy
ICD-10 G12.22 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of progressive bulbar palsy.
Progressive bulbar palsy (PBP) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the gradual degeneration of motor neurons in the brainstem, leading to muscle weakness and atrophy in the muscles responsible for speech, swallowing, and facial movements. It is often classified as a type of motor neuron disease (MND) and is closely related to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Patients typically present with dysarthria (slurred speech), dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), and facial weakness. The onset is usually insidious, and symptoms progressively worsen over time. PBP can occur sporadically or as part of a hereditary condition, often linked to mutations in genes associated with familial ALS. The disease can significantly impact the quality of life, leading to complications such as aspiration pneumonia due to swallowing difficulties. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, supported by electromyography (EMG) and imaging studies to rule out other conditions. Management focuses on symptomatic relief and supportive care, including speech therapy and nutritional support.
Detailed neurological examination findings, including muscle strength assessments and cranial nerve evaluations.
Patients presenting with dysarthria and dysphagia, requiring EMG studies for diagnosis.
Documentation must clearly differentiate between PBP and other motor neuron diseases to avoid coding errors.
Assessment reports detailing speech and swallowing evaluations, including functional impact.
Patients undergoing therapy for speech and swallowing difficulties due to PBP.
Therapy notes should correlate with the neurological diagnosis to support billing.
Used to confirm diagnosis of PBP through assessment of muscle and nerve function.
EMG report must be included in the medical record.
Neurologists should ensure that the EMG findings correlate with clinical symptoms.
Progressive bulbar palsy is primarily caused by the degeneration of motor neurons in the brainstem, which can occur sporadically or as part of hereditary motor neuron diseases.
