ICD-10 Code G37.3 – Acute transverse myelitis in demyelinating disease of central nervous system (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code G37.3 – Acute transverse myelitis in demyelinating disease of central nervous system
What it is
This code identifies acute transverse myelitis occurring as part of a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. It refers to inflammation of the spinal cord with disruption of myelin, documented as an acute demyelinating process.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include rapid onset of spinal cord dysfunction such as weakness, sensory changes, and bowel or bladder disturbance. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation and imaging or neurologic assessment when available.
When to use this code
Use G37.3 when the provider documents acute transverse myelitis and links it to a demyelinating CNS disease. Apply it for records describing acute inflammatory myelopathy with demyelination, especially when the spinal cord involvement is clearly stated.
If the note only says myelitis, transverse myelitis, or suspected demyelinating disease without confirmation, check documentation before coding. Make sure the chart supports an acute demyelinating etiology rather than another spinal cord disorder.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for infectious, traumatic, compressive, or unspecified myelitis unless the record specifically documents demyelinating disease. If the condition is chronic or unrelated to the central nervous system, choose a different code.
Coding tip
Code the documented demyelinating cause and acute spinal cord involvement exactly as stated; if either is unclear, check documentation.