ICD-10 Code G40.823 – Epileptic spasms, intractable, with status epilepticus (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code G40.823 – Epileptic spasms, intractable, with status epilepticus
What it is
This code identifies epileptic spasms that do not respond to treatment and are occurring in status epilepticus. Use it when the record clearly documents both intractability and ongoing seizure activity consistent with status epilepticus.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Typical epileptic spasms are brief, sudden flexion or extension events, often occurring in clusters, and status epilepticus indicates prolonged or repeated seizures without return to baseline.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents epileptic spasms, specifies that they are intractable, and also states status epilepticus. It may appear in neurology, emergency, or inpatient records describing ongoing seizure activity. Check documentation if the note does not clearly confirm all three elements.
Do not use for
Do not use it for epileptic spasms without intractability or without status epilepticus. Do not assign it when the seizure type is unspecified or when the record only says “seizures” or “spasms.”
Coding tip
Verify the seizure subtype and the intractable/status epilepticus wording in the provider note before coding.