ICD-11 Codes
for 8A00.00 - Sporadic Parkinson disease

Teodor Jurukovski January 1, 1970

Fact checked by: Teodor Jurukovski

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Understanding Sporadic Parkinson Disease

Sporadic Parkinson disease, identified by the ICD-11 code 8A00.00, is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that occurs without an apparent mode of inheritance. It is a form of Parkinsonism, a clinical syndrome characterized by a combination of motor symptoms. While the exact causes are not fully understood, it is believed that most sporadic cases arise from a combination of genetic factors that, individually, do not confer significant risk, suggesting a polygenic influence.

Recognising the Signs of Sporadic Parkinson Disease

The hallmark motor symptoms of Sporadic Parkinson disease, collectively termed parkinsonism, include:

• Bradykinesia: Slowness of movement and a reduction in spontaneous movements. This can manifest as difficulty with fine motor tasks, a quieter or monotonous voice (hypophonia), reduced facial expression (hypomimia), and decreased blinking.
• Rigidity: Stiffness in the limbs, often described as a 'lead-pipe' resistance or a 'cogwheel' sensation during passive movement.
• Tremor: Typically a resting tremor, which may be present even when the limb is at rest.
• Postural Instability: Difficulties with balance that can lead to an increased risk of falls.

Non-motor symptoms are also common and can precede motor symptoms. These may include depression, constipation, loss of smell (anosmia), and REM sleep behaviour disorder. Gait disturbances, such as shuffling steps, shorter steps (festination), and freezing of gait, can also occur.

Factors Contributing to Sporadic Parkinson Disease

The primary risk factor for developing Parkinson's disease is advancing age. Men are also more likely to be affected than women. While Sporadic Parkinson disease occurs without a clear inherited pattern, genetic factors are thought to play a role, often in combination. The degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra is the underlying pathology, though the specific triggers in sporadic cases remain under investigation. Environmental factors and pharmacotherapy are also considered potential contributors.

Diagnosing Sporadic Parkinson Disease

The diagnosis of Sporadic Parkinson disease is primarily clinical, as there is no definitive diagnostic test available during a patient's lifetime; a definitive diagnosis is only possible postmortem. Clinicians establish the diagnosis by identifying the characteristic features of parkinsonism – specifically, bradykinesia in combination with either tremor or rigidity. It is crucial to exclude other conditions that can cause parkinsonism. Supportive evidence for a diagnosis of Parkinson disease includes the asymmetrical presentation of symptoms and a positive response to dopaminergic therapy, such as levodopa. Advanced imaging techniques like cerebral scintigraphy of dopamine transporters may also be used.

Managing Sporadic Parkinson Disease

Management of Sporadic Parkinson disease focuses on alleviating symptoms and improving quality of life. A key aspect of treatment involves dopaminergic therapy, with levodopa often being a primary medication, particularly effective for bradykinesia and rigidity. Other treatments may include dopamine receptor agonists. For some individuals, advanced interventions such as deep brain stimulation or stereotactic surgery might be considered. The response to treatment is a significant factor in confirming the diagnosis.

Coding Sporadic Parkinson Disease (ICD-11: 8A00.00)

The official ICD-11 code for Sporadic Parkinson disease is 8A00.00. This code falls under the broader category of Parkinsonism (8A00). When documenting, it is important to use the precise ICD-11 terminology. Postcoordination can be employed to add further detail to the diagnosis, such as specifying severity or temporal patterns. Related conditions include Vascular parkinsonism (8A00.23) and Secondary parkinsonism, unspecified (8A00.2Z). This code is used for billing and statistical reporting purposes.