ICD-10 Code E72.81 – Disorders of gamma aminobutyric acid metabolism (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code E72.81 – Disorders of gamma aminobutyric acid metabolism
What it is
E72.81 identifies a disorder affecting gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) metabolism, a rare inherited biochemical condition. Use it when documentation specifically names a GABA metabolic disorder.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Reported findings may include neurologic abnormalities, developmental delay, seizures, or other metabolic signs, depending on the specific disorder.
When to use this code
Use E72.81 when the provider documents a disorder of GABA metabolism, including a confirmed inherited metabolic diagnosis. You may also use it when the chart clearly identifies the condition by name, even if the note does not restate the biochemical pathway.
Do not infer this code from nonspecific neurologic symptoms alone. Check documentation if the record only mentions a suspected metabolic disorder or an unrelated seizure diagnosis.
Do not use for
Do not use E72.81 for general seizure disorders, developmental delay, or encephalopathy without documented GABA metabolic disease. Check documentation when the diagnosis is unclear.
Coding tip
Code the documented metabolic disorder itself, not just the symptoms, and verify whether the provider names a specific inherited condition.