Dizziness and giddiness (R42) ICD-10-CM
The R42 code range covers dizziness and giddiness with 1 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. 1 of them are billable and valid for claim submission in fiscal year 2026, and the category headers group them but cannot themselves be billed.
Inclusion Terms
These terms are the conditions for which that code is to be used. The terms may be synonyms of the code title, or, in the case of "other specified" codes, the terms are a list of the various conditions assigned to that code. The inclusion terms are not necessarily exhaustive. Additional terms found only in the Alphabetic Index may also be assigned to a code.
- Light-headedness
- Vertigo NOS
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.
Codes in the R42 Range 1 codes · 1 billable
- R42 Dizziness and giddiness
Clinical Terms in This Code Range
Definitions from the National Library of Medicine for conditions coded in the R42 range.
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
Idiopathic recurrent VERTIGO associated with POSITIONAL NYSTAGMUS. It is associated with a vestibular loss without other neurological or auditory signs. Unlike in LABYRINTHITIS and VESTIBULAR NEURONITIS, inflammation in the ear is not observed.
Betahistine
A histamine analog and H1 receptor agonist that serves as a vasodilator. It is used in MENIERE DISEASE and in vascular headaches but may exacerbate bronchial asthma and peptic ulcers.
Brain Ischemia
Localized reduction of blood flow to brain tissue due to arterial obstruction or systemic hypoperfusion. This frequently occurs in conjunction with brain hypoxia (HYPOXIA, BRAIN). Prolonged ischemia is associated with BRAIN INFARCTION.
Dimenhydrinate
A drug combination that contains diphenhydramine and theophylline. It is used for treating VERTIGO, MOTION SICKNESS, and NAUSEA associated with PREGNANCY.
Dizziness
An imprecise term which may refer to a sense of spatial disorientation, motion of the environment, or lightheadedness.
Meniere Disease
A disease of the inner ear (LABYRINTH) that is characterized by fluctuating SENSORINEURAL HEARING LOSS; TINNITUS; episodic VERTIGO; and aural fullness. It is the most common form of endolymphatic hydrops.
Sulpiride
A dopamine D2-receptor antagonist. It has been used therapeutically as an antidepressant, antipsychotic, and as a digestive aid. (From Merck Index, 11th ed)
Syncope
A transient loss of consciousness and postural tone caused by diminished blood flow to the brain (i.e., BRAIN ISCHEMIA). Presyncope refers to the sensation of lightheadedness and loss of strength that precedes a syncopal event or accompanies an incomplete syncope. (From Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, pp367-9)
Vertigo
An illusion of movement, either of the external world revolving around the individual or of the individual revolving in space. Vertigo may be associated with disorders of the inner ear (EAR, INNER); VESTIBULAR NERVE; BRAINSTEM; or CEREBRAL CORTEX. Lesions in the TEMPORAL LOBE and PARIETAL LOBE may be associated with FOCAL SEIZURES that may feature vertigo as an ictal manifestation. (From Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, pp300-1)
Vestibular Neuronitis
Idiopathic inflammation of the VESTIBULAR NERVE, characterized clinically by the acute or subacute onset of VERTIGO; NAUSEA; and imbalance. The COCHLEAR NERVE is typically spared and HEARING LOSS and TINNITUS do not usually occur. Symptoms usually resolve over a period of days to weeks. (Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, p304)
About the R42 Code Range
The ICD-10 code R42 is used to classify conditions involving dizziness and giddiness, covering a wide range of symptoms where a person feels off-balance or experiences vertigo. This code specifically addresses various forms of dizziness rather than underlying causes.
R42 encompasses many common terms such as postural dizziness, essential vertigo, chronic vertigo, lightheadedness, and subjective vertigo. It includes sensations like feeling faint, multisensory dizziness, or vertigo triggered by actions like standing up, chewing, or neck movement. Medical coders will find this code applicable for documenting symptoms like acute vertigo with vomiting, episodic recurrent vertigo, or vertigo as a sequela of cerebrovascular disease or brain injury. The ICD-10 code for dizziness and giddiness helps capture these nonspecific balance and spatial orientation disorders, facilitating accurate reporting of symptoms when the exact diagnosis is unclear or when dizziness presents as a primary complaint without a specified cause.
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the R42 range?
Of the 1 codes in this range, 1 are billable and valid for claim submission from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. Category header codes group them but cannot be reported on claims.
What does the R42 range classify?
The range classifies dizziness and giddiness. Each code links to its own reference page with billing status, MS-DRG grouping, coding notes, and clinical information.
Related References
Source: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM Tabular List and order file, effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
