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  5. Hereditary ataxia (G11)

Hereditary ataxia (G11)

ICD-10 code G11 covers a group of hereditary ataxias, which are inherited disorders causing progressive problems with coordination and balance due to cerebellar dysfunction. These codes are used specifically to classify various genetic forms of ataxia, differing by age of onset, associated symptoms, and genetic causes.

Within the G11 category, codes range from congenital nonprogressive ataxia (G11.0) to late-onset cerebellar ataxia (G11.2), as well as specialized diagnoses like Friedreich ataxia (G11.11), hereditary spastic paraplegia (G11.4), and conditions involving defective DNA repair (G11.3). Synonyms like “Spinocerebellar ataxia” and “Ataxia-telangiectasia syndrome” help medical coders link common disease names to the appropriate codes, aiding in accurate classification. Other hereditary ataxias (G11.8) and unspecified hereditary ataxias (G11.9) cover less common or genetically undefined forms. These codes enable detailed documentation of diverse inherited ataxia syndromes, supporting both clinical care and research.

Instructional Notations

Type 2 Excludes

A type 2 excludes note represents "Not included here". An excludes2 note indicates that the condition excluded is not part of the condition represented by the code, but a patient may have both conditions at the same time. When an Excludes2 note appears under a code, it is acceptable to use both the code and the excluded code together, when appropriate.

  • cerebral palsy G80
  • hereditary and idiopathic neuropathy G60
  • metabolic disorders E70 E88

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.

Cerebellar Ataxia

Incoordination of voluntary movements that occur as a manifestation of CEREBELLAR DISEASES. Characteristic features include a tendency for limb movements to overshoot or undershoot a target (dysmetria), a tremor that occurs during attempted movements (intention TREMOR), impaired force and rhythm of diadochokinesis (rapidly alternating movements), and GAIT ATAXIA. (From Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, p90)

Frataxin

A protein involved in the transfer of iron and sulfur to iron-sulfur cluster (ISC) assembly complex for de novo synthesis of a [2Fe-2S] cluster, the first step of the mitochondrial iron-sulfur protein biogenesis. Deficiency leads to the neurodegenerative disease FRIEDREICH ATAXIA.

Friedreich Ataxia

An autosomal recessive disease, usually of childhood onset, characterized pathologically by degeneration of the spinocerebellar tracts, posterior columns, and to a lesser extent the corticospinal tracts. Clinical manifestations include GAIT ATAXIA, pes cavus, speech impairment, lateral curvature of spine, rhythmic head tremor, kyphoscoliosis, congestive heart failure (secondary to a cardiomyopathy), and lower extremity weakness. Most forms of this condition are associated with a mutation in a gene on chromosome 9, at band q13, which codes for the mitochondrial protein frataxin. (From Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, p1081; N Engl J Med 1996 Oct 17;335(16):1169-75) The severity of Friedreich ataxia associated with expansion of GAA repeats in the first intron of the frataxin gene correlates with the number of trinucleotide repeats. (From Durr et al, N Engl J Med 1996 Oct 17;335(16):1169-75)

Myoclonic Cerebellar Dyssynergia

A condition marked by progressive CEREBELLAR ATAXIA combined with MYOCLONUS usually presenting in the third decade of life or later. Additional clinical features may include generalized and focal SEIZURES, spasticity, and DYSKINESIAS. Autosomal recessive and autosomal dominant patterns of inheritance have been reported. Pathologically, the dentate nucleus and brachium conjunctivum of the CEREBELLUM are atrophic, with variable involvement of the spinal cord, cerebellar cortex, and basal ganglia. (From Joynt, Clinical Neurology, 1991, Ch37, pp60-1)

Narcolepsy

A condition characterized by recurrent episodes of daytime somnolence and lapses in consciousness (microsomnias) that may be associated with automatic behaviors and AMNESIA. CATAPLEXY; SLEEP PARALYSIS, and hypnagogic HALLUCINATIONS frequently accompany narcolepsy. The pathophysiology of this disorder includes sleep-onset rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which normally follows stage III or IV sleep. (From Neurology 1998 Feb;50(2 Suppl 1):S2-S7)

Spinocerebellar Degenerations

A heterogenous group of degenerative syndromes marked by progressive cerebellar dysfunction either in isolation or combined with other neurologic manifestations. Sporadic and inherited subtypes occur. Inheritance patterns include autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, and X-linked.