ICD-10 Code G96.811 – Intracranial hypotension, spontaneous (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code G96.811 – Intracranial hypotension, spontaneous
What it is
G96.811 identifies spontaneous intracranial hypotension, a condition caused by low cerebrospinal fluid pressure without a known traumatic or procedural cause. It is used when the diagnosis is documented as spontaneous.
Clinical signs
Clinical features commonly include an orthostatic headache that worsens upright and improves when lying down. Nausea, neck pain, tinnitus, or other symptoms may occur; clinical features vary, so refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents spontaneous intracranial hypotension or a low-CSF-pressure syndrome without an identified leak from surgery, trauma, or lumbar puncture. It may also apply when imaging or specialist notes support the diagnosis and the chart clearly states it is spontaneous.
Do not use for
Do not use G96.811 for intracranial hypotension due to a procedure, trauma, or another documented cause. If the cause is unclear, check documentation before assigning this code.
Coding tip
Code the condition only when “spontaneous” is explicitly documented or clearly supported by the record.