ICD-11 Codes
for 8A00.2 - Secondary parkinsonism

Teodor Jurukovski January 1, 1970

Fact checked by: Teodor Jurukovski

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Understanding Secondary Parkinsonism (ICD-11 Code 8A00.2)

Secondary parkinsonism, identified by the ICD-11 code 8A00.2, refers to a condition where symptoms resembling Parkinson's disease arise due to a known external cause. Unlike primary Parkinson's disease, which is a neurodegenerative disorder, secondary parkinsonism is a consequence of identifiable factors such as certain medications, infections, exposure to toxins, or structural damage to the brain. This distinction is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.

Identifying the Causes of Secondary Parkinsonism

The development of secondary parkinsonism can be attributed to several factors. These include:

• Medications: Certain drugs, particularly antipsychotics (like piperazine side chain neuroleptics) and some cardiovascular medications such as calcium channel blockers, are known to induce parkinsonian symptoms.
• Toxins: Exposure to environmental toxins can also lead to the condition.
• Infections: Certain infections affecting the brain can result in secondary parkinsonism.
• Structural Lesions: Brain injuries, strokes (cerebrovascular insults), lacunar infarcts, or other vascular damage impacting areas like the substantia nigra or cerebral white matter can cause parkinsonism.

While cardiovascular risk factors are often associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, some, like smoking and elevated cholesterol, have been inversely linked to the risk of Parkinson's disease and secondary parkinsonism.

Recognising the Symptoms of Secondary Parkinsonism

The symptoms of secondary parkinsonism are often similar to those of Parkinson's disease, typically including:

• Tremor, often at rest
• Bradykinesia (slowness of movement)
• Rigidity (stiffness of the limbs)
• Postural instability (impaired balance)

In some cases, additional symptoms may be present, such as urinary incontinence, dementia, or symmetrical involvement predominantly affecting the lower limbs. The presentation can vary depending on the underlying cause.

Diagnosing Secondary Parkinsonism

The diagnosis of secondary parkinsonism involves a comprehensive medical evaluation. This typically includes a detailed patient history to identify potential exposures to causative agents like medications or toxins, as well as a review of medical history for conditions such as stroke or infections. Clinical examination focuses on assessing the characteristic motor symptoms. Medical registries are often used to track diagnoses and aid in understanding the prevalence and associations of conditions like secondary parkinsonism.

Managing Secondary Parkinsonism

Management strategies for secondary parkinsonism primarily focus on addressing the underlying cause. If medication-induced, discontinuing or adjusting the offending drug may alleviate symptoms. For parkinsonism caused by toxins or infections, treatment targets the specific agent. Symptomatic treatment, similar to that used for Parkinson's disease, may also be employed to manage motor symptoms. The effectiveness of treatment often depends on the reversibility of the underlying cause.

Coding and Reporting Secondary Parkinsonism (ICD-11 8A00.2)

In medical coding, secondary parkinsonism is represented by the ICD-11 code 8A00.2. This code is used for billing and documentation purposes when a patient's condition is parkinsonism resulting from a known cause. It is important to distinguish this from other related conditions, such as Parkinson disease (ICD-11: 8A00.0), atypical parkinsonism (ICD-11: 8A00.1), and functional parkinsonism (ICD-11: 8A00.3). Vascular parkinsonism, a subtype often linked to cerebrovascular events, may also be coded under or in conjunction with 8A00.2, depending on specific clinical details and coding guidelines.