ICD-10 Code H81.23 – Vestibular neuronitis, bilateral (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H81.23 – Vestibular neuronitis, bilateral
What it is
H81.23 identifies vestibular neuronitis affecting both sides of the vestibular system. It describes inflammation or dysfunction of the balance nerve, causing vertigo without hearing loss as the main feature.
Clinical signs
Common findings include acute vertigo, nausea, vomiting, imbalance, and difficulty walking. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation, and confirm bilateral involvement when the record clearly supports it.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents vestibular neuronitis and specifies that it is bilateral. It may be supported by notes describing acute vestibular symptoms on both sides with no better alternate diagnosis. If laterality is not stated, check documentation before assigning H81.23.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for nonspecific dizziness, benign positional vertigo, or Ménière disease. Do not assign it when the record only states vestibular neuritis without bilateral involvement.
Coding tip
Code laterality only when the documentation explicitly supports bilateral disease; otherwise, query or check documentation.