Vestibular neuronitis, right ear

This code signifies inflammation of the vestibular nerve in the right ear, leading to sudden onset of severe vertigo, nausea, vomiting, and imbalance. It typically occurs without associated hearing loss, differentiating it from labyrinthitis. The condition is often attributed to a viral infection affecting the vestibular portion of the eighth cranial nerve.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of vestibular neuronitis affecting the patient's right ear. Supporting clinical notes should describe acute, severe vertigo, often accompanied by nystagmus, and an absence of auditory symptoms. This diagnosis is typically made after ruling out other causes of vertigo.

• Ensure laterality is explicitly documented as "right ear" to support this specific code.
• Differentiate from labyrinthitis (H83.2-) which includes hearing loss, and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (H81.1-) which has different triggers and duration.
• Do not use for non-specific vertigo (R42) when a definitive diagnosis of vestibular neuronitis is established.