ICD10
ICD-10 Code H81.1: Benign paroxysmal vertigo
Reviewed by HealthAssure Clinical TeamUpdated 26 May 2026
What is this code?
ICD-10 entries help standardize how diagnoses are organized for coding, reporting, analytics, and documentation. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Diseases of the ear and mastoid process (H60-H95).
When is it used?
- May be used when a clinician documents benign paroxysmal vertigo in a patient's medical record.
- May appear in hospital records, claims, referrals, and clinical documentation.
- This code may act more like a grouping or parent code, so a more specific child code may be used in final documentation when available.
What it does not mean
- A code alone does not explain severity, treatment plan, or outcome.
- A medical code should not be treated as a substitute for a doctor's diagnosis or advice.
- This entry may represent a broader category rather than the most specific billable code.
Code hierarchy
chapter
8Diseases of the ear and mastoid process (H60-H95)
block
H80-H83Diseases of inner ear
category
H81Disorders of vestibular function
currentH81
Where you may see this code
You may see this entry in coding references, medical records, or claims workflows when a broader diagnosis category is being reviewed before a more specific code is chosen.
Related specialists
ENT Specialist
Related codes
Sibling codes
Mapped diagnoses and classifications
SNOMED_CT 111541001high
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 71305001high
Benign paroxysmal vertigo of childhood
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 1010672007high
Benign positional paroxysmal vertigo lateral canal
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 1010673002high
Benign positional paroxysmal vertigo posterior canal
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 232285008high
Benign recurrent vertigo
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 1344976008high
Nystagmus due to benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
Coding guidelines
Compatibility
Legacy code aligns to an official FY 2026 category. Frontend should resolve to the official category page and surface the billable child codes.
Legacy codes
H81.1
Replacement codes
H81.10 — Benign paroxysmal vertigo, unspecified earH81.11 — Benign paroxysmal vertigo, right earH81.12 — Benign paroxysmal vertigo, left earH81.13 — Benign paroxysmal vertigo, bilateral
Common synonyms
Benign paroxysmal vertigo
Frequently asked questions
About this content
This page is prepared by HealthAssure's clinical team using official coding standards from ICD-10. AI tools assist with drafting explanations, which are then reviewed and verified by healthcare professionals for accuracy. This content is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Meet our team.