Acute poliomyelitis
Chapter 1:Certain infectious and parasitic diseases
ICD-10 A80.1 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of acute poliomyelitis.
Acute poliomyelitis is a viral infection caused by the poliovirus, which primarily affects the central nervous system (CNS). The disease can lead to acute flaccid paralysis, muscle weakness, and in severe cases, respiratory failure. Poliomyelitis is transmitted via the fecal-oral route, and the virus can invade the CNS, leading to inflammation of the spinal cord and brainstem. Symptoms typically begin with fever, fatigue, headache, vomiting, and stiffness in the neck and back. As the disease progresses, patients may experience sudden onset of paralysis, which can be permanent. Vaccination has significantly reduced the incidence of poliomyelitis worldwide, but outbreaks can still occur in unvaccinated populations. The World Health Organization recommends routine immunization against poliovirus, and vaccination status is crucial in assessing risk and managing potential outbreaks. Clinicians must be vigilant in diagnosing poliomyelitis, especially in areas where the disease is not eradicated, and must document vaccination history to inform treatment and public health responses.
Detailed patient history, vaccination status, and clinical findings.
Diagnosis of acute poliomyelitis in unvaccinated children or adults.
Consideration of recent travel history to endemic areas.
Neurological examination findings, imaging results, and functional status assessments.
Management of acute flaccid paralysis and its neurological sequelae.
Differentiation from other causes of acute flaccid paralysis.
Used for follow-up visits after initial diagnosis of acute poliomyelitis.
Document history, examination findings, and treatment plan.
Infectious disease specialists may require additional lab results.
Vaccination status is crucial as it helps determine the risk of poliomyelitis and informs public health responses. Accurate documentation can prevent misclassification and ensure appropriate management.
