Hemiplegia and hemiparesis (G81)
The ICD-10 code G81 and its subcodes are used to classify various types of hemiplegia and hemiparesis, which involve paralysis or weakness on one side of the body. These codes specify the type and side affected, helping healthcare providers accurately document and diagnose these conditions.
Hemiplegia and hemiparesis refer to paralysis and partial weakness, respectively, typically resulting from neurological damage. The ICD-10 code for hemiplegia includes detailed distinctions such as flaccid (G81.0) or spastic (G81.1) hemiplegia, indicating the muscle tone affected. Further subdivisions differentiate whether the right or left side is impacted and whether the side is dominant or nondominant. For example, G81.01 represents flaccid hemiplegia affecting the right dominant side. Additionally, unspecified hemiplegia codes (G81.9 series) cover cases where the exact nature or side is not clearly defined. Synonyms like "Hemiparesis," "Cerebral hemiparesis," or "Facial hemiplegia" correspond with these codes, guiding coders to select the most precise code for documentation and billing purposes.
Diseases of the nervous system (G00–G99)
Cerebral palsy and other paralytic syndromes (G80-G83)
G81 Hemiplegia and hemiparesis
G81.0 Flaccid hemiplegia
- G81.00 Flaccid hemiplegia affecting unspecified side
- G81.01 Flaccid hemiplegia affecting right dominant side
- G81.02 Flaccid hemiplegia affecting left dominant side
- G81.03 Flaccid hemiplegia affecting right nondominant side
- G81.04 Flaccid hemiplegia affecting left nondominant side
G81.1 Spastic hemiplegia
- G81.10 Spastic hemiplegia affecting unspecified side
- G81.11 Spastic hemiplegia affecting right dominant side
- G81.12 Spastic hemiplegia affecting left dominant side
- G81.13 Spastic hemiplegia affecting right nondominant side
- G81.14 Spastic hemiplegia affecting left nondominant side
G81.9 Hemiplegia, unspecified
- G81.90 Hemiplegia, unspecified affecting unspecified side
- G81.91 Hemiplegia, unspecified affecting right dominant side
- G81.92 Hemiplegia, unspecified affecting left dominant side
- G81.93 Hemiplegia, unspecified affecting right nondominant side
- G81.94 Hemiplegia, unspecified affecting left nondominant side
Hemiplegia and hemiparesis (G81)
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.
- congenital cerebral palsy G80
- hemiplegia and hemiparesis due to sequela of cerebrovascular disease I69.05 I69.15 I69.25 I69.35 I69.85 I69.95
- This category is to be used only when hemiplegia (complete)(incomplete) is reported without further specification, or is stated to be old or longstanding but of unspecified cause. The category is also for use in multiple coding to identify these types of hemiplegia resulting from any cause.
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.
Hemiplegia
Severe or complete loss of motor function on one side of the body. This condition is usually caused by BRAIN DISEASES that are localized to the cerebral hemisphere opposite to the side of weakness. Less frequently, BRAIN STEM lesions; cervical SPINAL CORD DISEASES; PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM DISEASES; and other conditions may manifest as hemiplegia. The term hemiparesis (see PARESIS) refers to mild to moderate weakness involving one side of the body.
