ICD-10 Code G37.2 – Central pontine myelinolysis (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code G37.2 – Central pontine myelinolysis
What it is
G37.2 identifies central pontine myelinolysis, a demyelinating disorder that affects the pons in the brainstem. It is usually associated with osmotic injury, often after rapid correction of chronic hyponatremia.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly reported findings include dysarthria, dysphagia, weakness, altered mental status, and in severe cases quadriparesis or locked-in syndrome.
When to use this code
Use G37.2 when the provider documents central pontine myelinolysis or osmotic demyelination involving the pons. It may appear in notes describing neurologic decline after sodium correction or MRI-confirmed pontine demyelination. Check documentation if the record only says encephalopathy or hyponatremia.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for nonspecific electrolyte imbalance, general demyelinating disease, or extrapontine myelinolysis without pontine involvement. If the diagnosis is uncertain, check documentation.
Coding tip
Code the documented diagnosis, not the suspected cause alone; if the note names osmotic demyelination syndrome, verify whether pontine involvement is specified.