Abnormalities of gait and mobility (R26)
The ICD-10 code section R26 covers various types of abnormalities in gait and mobility, describing different ways people may experience walking difficulties. These codes help specify the nature of gait problems such as unsteadiness, paralysis, or ataxia to improve diagnosis and treatment.
The general code R26 refers broadly to gait abnormalities. More specific subcodes include R26.0 for Ataxic gait, which involves uncoordinated movements often described by terms like sensory, vestibular, or cerebellar ataxia, as well as Parkinsonian or Charcot’s gait. R26.1 covers Paralytic gait, indicating walking impairments related to muscle weakness or paralysis, sometimes called diplegic or spastic gait. Code R26.2 is used for unspecified difficulties in walking such as loss of control, reliance on walking aids, or inability to navigate steps and slopes. Other codes like R26.81 identify unsteadiness on the feet, linked to balance problems, while R26.89 captures other specific gait abnormalities, including various patterns such as limping, shuffling, or using prosthetics. Finally, R26.9 is for unspecified gait issues, including functional or incongruous gait patterns. Understanding these distinctions aids in accurate coding of the ICD-10 code for gait abnormalities.
Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified (R00–R99)
Symptoms and signs involving the nervous and musculoskeletal systems (R25-R29)
R26 Abnormalities of gait and mobility
- R26.0 Ataxic gait
- R26.1 Paralytic gait
- R26.2 Difficulty in walking, not elsewhere classified
R26.8 Other abnormalities of gait and mobility
- R26.81 Unsteadiness on feet
- R26.89 Other abnormalities of gait and mobility
- R26.9 Unspecified abnormalities of gait and mobility
Abnormalities of gait and mobility (R26)
Instructional Notations
Type 1 Excludes
A type 1 excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.
- ataxia NOS R27.0
- hereditary ataxia G11
- locomotor syphilitic ataxia A52.11
- immobility syndrome paraplegic M62.3
Clinical Terms
The following clinical terms provide additional context, helping users better understand the clinical background and common associations for each diagnosis listed in this section. Including related terms alongside ICD-10-CM codes supports coders, billers, and healthcare professionals in improving accuracy, enhancing documentation, and facilitating research or patient education.
Asthenia
Clinical sign or symptom manifested as debility, or lack or loss of strength and energy.
Gait Apraxia
Impaired ambulation not attributed to sensory impairment or motor weakness. FRONTAL LOBE disorders; BASAL GANGLIA DISEASES (e.g., PARKINSONIAN DISORDERS); DEMENTIA, MULTI-INFARCT; ALZHEIMER DISEASE; and other conditions may be associated with gait apraxia.
Neurocirculatory Asthenia
A clinical syndrome characterized by palpitation, SHORTNESS OF BREATH, labored breathing, subjective complaints of effort and discomfort, all following slight PHYSICAL EXERTION. Other symptoms may be DIZZINESS, tremulousness, SWEATING, and INSOMNIA. Neurocirculatory asthenia is most typically seen as a form of anxiety disorder.
