ICD-10 Code F18.97 – Inhalant use, unspecified with inhalant-induced persisting dementia (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code F18.97 – Inhalant use, unspecified with inhalant-induced persisting dementia
What it is
This code identifies inhalant use, unspecified, when the documented result is a persisting dementia caused by inhalant exposure. Use it when the record links long-term cognitive decline to inhalant use and no more specific inhalant diagnosis is given.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Persisting dementia may include memory loss, impaired judgment, disorientation, and reduced ability to perform daily tasks, with symptoms continuing after intoxication or acute withdrawal has resolved.
When to use this code
Use this code when the clinician documents inhalant use as the cause of a persistent dementia syndrome and does not specify the inhalant type. It is appropriate for charts describing chronic cognitive impairment, neurocognitive decline, or “inhalant-induced persisting dementia.”
If the record only mentions inhalant use without dementia, or if another substance or medical condition is the documented cause, check documentation before assigning F18.97.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for simple inhalant intoxication, abuse without dementia, or unspecified cognitive symptoms without a documented persistent dementia diagnosis. Check documentation if the cause of dementia is unclear.
Coding tip
Confirm both the inhalant-related etiology and the persisting dementia diagnosis are documented before coding F18.97.