ICD 10 CM G32.81 | Description & Clinical Information
ICD 10 G32.81 describes a medical condition characterized by the inflammation or damage to the cerebellum, the part of the brain responsible for controlling muscle coordination and gait, resulting in the loss of voluntary movement control, also known as ataxia, and it is reported as a secondary diagnosis when it is a component of other diseases classified elsewhere, with the primary disease being coded first according to the official guidelines for included and excluded underlying disorders.
Official Description Of G32.81
The ICD 10 CM book defines ICD 10 code G32.81 as:
celiac disease (with gluten ataxia) (K90.0)
cerebellar ataxia (in) neoplastic disease (paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration) (C00-D49)
non-celiac gluten ataxia (M35.9)
systemic atrophy primarily affecting the central nervous system in myxedema (G13.2)
Excludes1: superior hemorrhagic polioencephalitis [Wernicke’s encephalopathy] (E51.2)
Code first underlying disease, such as:
amyloidosis cerebral degeneration (E85.-)
cerebral degeneration (due to) hypothyroidism (E00.0-E03.9)
cerebral degeneration (due to) neoplasm (C00-D49)
cerebral degeneration (due to) vitamin B deficiency, except thiamine (E52-E53.-)
When To Use G32.81
The diagnosis describes by the ICD-10 CM G32.81 code is cerebellar ataxia. This condition may occur due to various diseases or conditions related to the nervous system or other factors such as exposure to toxins or vitamin deficiencies.
Patients with cerebellar ataxia may experience reduced coordination in their arms and legs, frequent stumbling, balance problems while walking, abnormal eye movements, difficulty eating, loss of fine motor skills, slurred speech, and dizziness. The diagnosis of cerebellar ataxia is typically made by evaluating the patient’s medical history, signs, and symptoms through a neurological and physical examination.
To help identify the cause of cerebellar ataxia, laboratory tests may be ordered such as a complete blood count (CBC), tests to check vitamin B levels, and a lumbar puncture to test for cerebrospinal fluid abnormalities. Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction velocity (NCV) tests can evaluate the electrical activity in the muscles and nerves surrounding the cerebellum. CT scans and MRIs may also be used to rule out any brain damage related to the condition.
The appropriate treatment for cerebellar ataxia depends on its underlying cause. For instance, if cerebellar ataxia is caused by a viral infection, it may resolve naturally without additional treatment. However, if the condition persists, physicians may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. In case of a stroke, anticoagulants may be used while cerebellar inflammation may be treated with steroids. In situations where cerebellar ataxia is related to a deficiency in vitamins B1, B12, or E, high-dose supplementation of these vitamins may be prescribed.
In some instances, cerebellar ataxia may be caused by gluten sensitivity, and therefore a gluten-free diet may be suggested to the patient. It is essential to understand that the G32.81 code should not be used as the primary diagnosis. Instead, it should be reported in addition to a primary disease or condition code that has caused cerebellar ataxia.
In conclusion, cerebellar ataxia is a neurological condition that can be caused by various factors such as infections, exposure to toxins, and vitamin deficiencies. Proper diagnosis and identification of the underlying causes can help determine the appropriate treatment for the condition. Therefore, it is essential that physicians, medical coders, and other healthcare professionals understand its various aspects, including its diagnosis, signs and symptoms, laboratory studies, and treatment options.
