Vestibular neuronitis, unspecified ear

This code signifies inflammation of the vestibular nerve, a condition characterized by sudden onset of severe vertigo, nausea, and vomiting, without associated hearing loss or neurological deficits. It is believed to be caused by a viral infection affecting the vestibular portion of the eighth cranial nerve.

Apply this code when documentation explicitly states a diagnosis of vestibular neuronitis, vestibular neuritis, or labyrinthitis (when hearing is intact), and the affected ear is not specified. This diagnosis is typically made clinically based on the characteristic symptoms and exclusion of other causes of vertigo.

• Ensure the documentation clearly distinguishes vestibular neuronitis from other causes of vertigo, such as Meniere's disease or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).
• Do not use this code if hearing loss is present; consider codes for labyrinthitis with hearing loss (H83.0-) or other inner ear disorders.
• If the affected ear (left or right) is specified in the medical record, use the more specific codes H81.21 (right ear) or H81.22 (left ear).