2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H81.4Vertigo of central origin

ICD-10-CM Codes›H60–H95›H80-H83›H81

ICD-10-CM H81.4
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

H81.4 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for vertigo of central origin. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026). In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Diseases of inner ear and related conditions.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
H81.4
Billable Status
Yes — Valid for Submission
Code Describes
Vertigo of central origin
Short Description
Vertigo of central origin
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Parent Code
H81
Disorders of vestibular function

Code Classification

ChapterH60–H95Diseases of the ear and mastoid process
SectionH80-H83Diseases of inner ear
CategoryH81Disorders of vestibular function
This CodeH81.4Vertigo of central origin

Approximate SynonymsGuidance

Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.

  • Brain stem vertigo
  • Central positional nystagmus
  • Central positional vertigo
  • Cerebellar vertigo
  • Cortical vertigo
  • Downbeat nystagmus
  • Fatigable positional nystagmus
  • Malignant positional vertigo
  • Neck positional nystagmus
  • Non-fatigable positional nystagmus
  • Positional nystagmus
  • Vertical nystagmus
  • Vertigo as late effect of stroke
  • Vertigo as sequela of cerebrovascular disease
  • Vertigo due to brain injury
  • Vertigo of central origin

Tabular List NotesGuidance

Coding notes and annotation back-references applicable to this code.

Inclusion Terms

  • Central positional nystagmus

Index to Diseases and InjuriesGuidance

Alphabetical index entries that point to this code.

External Cause of Injuries IndexGuidance

References for this code in the External Cause of Injuries Index.

    • Nystagmus
      • central positional
    • Nystagmus
      • positional
        • benign paroxysmal
    • Nystagmus
      • positional
        • central
    • Vertigo
      • central (origin)
    • Vertigo
      • cerebral
    • Vertigo
      • malignant positional
    • Vertigo
      • positional
        • malignant

Clinical ClassificationClinical

AHRQ’s CCSR groups this code into broader clinical categories.

CCSR EAR003
Diseases of inner ear and related conditions
Default principal diagnosis: inpatient Yes · outpatient Yes

Patient EducationClinical

Dizziness and Vertigo

When you're dizzy, you may feel lightheaded, woozy, or disoriented. If you feel like you or the room are spinning, you have vertigo. These feelings may make you lose your balance.

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Code History & ChangesHistory

Replacement H81.4 replaces the following previously assigned code(s):

  • H81.41 - Vertigo of central origin, right ear
  • H81.42 - Vertigo of central origin, left ear
  • H81.43 - Vertigo of central origin, bilateral
  • H81.49 - Vertigo of central origin, unspecified ear
FY 2016AddedAdded to the ICD-10-CM code setEffective October 1, 2015, the first year of ICD-10-CM.
FY 2017–2025No changes
FY 2026CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

Questions About H81.4Overview

Is H81.4 (Disorders of vestibular function) a billable code?

Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report vertigo of central origin on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

Footnotes

[1] Chronic - a chronic condition code indicates a condition lasting 12 months or longer and its effect on the patient based on one or both of the following criteria:

  • The condition results in the need for ongoing intervention with medical products,treatment, services, and special equipment
  • The condition places limitations on self-care, independent living, and social interactions.