ICD-10 Code H81.1 – Benign paroxysmal vertigo (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H81.1 – Benign paroxysmal vertigo
What it is
H81.1 identifies benign paroxysmal vertigo, a brief disorder of recurrent vertigo without evidence of a more serious underlying cause. It is used when the chart documents this specific diagnosis.
Clinical signs
Typical features include sudden, short episodes of spinning sensation or imbalance, often with nausea or unsteadiness. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use H81.1 when the provider clearly documents benign paroxysmal vertigo as the diagnosis. It may fit outpatient or follow-up visits where the complaint is vertigo and the record supports this condition. Check documentation if the note instead describes positional vertigo, dizziness, or another vestibular disorder.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for nonspecific dizziness, syncope, or vertigo from another confirmed cause. If the record does not clearly support benign paroxysmal vertigo, check documentation.
Coding tip
Code the documented diagnosis, not the symptom alone, and verify whether the provider means benign paroxysmal vertigo or another vertigo type.