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ICD Hub / Diseases of the nervous system (G00–G99) / 8A00 - Parkinsonism
ICD-11

ICD-11 Codes
for 8A00 - Parkinsonism
Teodor Jurukovski January 1, 1970
Fact checked by: Teodor Jurukovski
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Key Symptoms of Parkinsonism

Parkinsonism is a clinical syndrome characterised by a specific set of motor symptoms. Individuals experiencing this condition often present with a combination of the following cardinal features:
  • Rest Tremor: Involuntary shaking that typically occurs when a limb is at rest.
  • Muscular Rigidity: Stiffness or inflexion in the muscles, which can lead to a reduced range of motion and discomfort.
  • Bradykinesia/Akinesia: Slowness of voluntary movement or difficulty initiating movement. Bradykinesia is a core feature required for diagnosis.
  • Postural Instability: Problems with balance and coordination, which may manifest as a shuffling gait, a tendency to fall, or a flexed posture.

Understanding Parkinsonism

Parkinsonism refers to a group of neurological disorders that affect movement. It is defined by the presence of bradykinesia (slowness of movement) and at least one other cardinal symptom such as tremor, rigidity, or postural instability. This syndrome can arise from various underlying causes, including neurodegenerative diseases, structural lesions in the brain, or as a side effect of certain medications. The official ICD-11 code for Parkinsonism is 8A00. This classification helps in standardising diagnosis and reporting for this complex neurological condition.

Documentation and Coding Considerations for Parkinsonism

Accurate medical documentation and coding are essential for patient care, statistical analysis, and billing. The International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision (ICD-11) provides specific codes for Parkinsonism. The primary code is 8A00. This general code can be further specified using sub-codes to denote particular types of Parkinsonism, such as Parkinson disease (8A00.0), atypical parkinsonism (8A00.1), or secondary parkinsonism (8A00.2). Proper clinical documentation by healthcare providers is crucial to ensure the most precise ICD-11 code is assigned, facilitating effective health information management.

Approaches to Managing Parkinsonism

Management strategies for Parkinsonism are tailored to the underlying cause and the specific symptoms experienced by the patient. For neurodegenerative forms, treatments often focus on increasing dopamine levels or mimicking its effects through medication. Non-pharmacological interventions, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, play a vital role in managing motor and non-motor symptoms, improving functional independence, and enhancing the patient's quality of life. In cases of secondary parkinsonism, addressing the causative agent, such as adjusting medication or treating a structural lesion, is the primary therapeutic goal.

Potential Causes of Parkinsonism

Parkinsonism can stem from several distinct sources. Progressive neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson disease itself or atypical parkinsonian syndromes, are common culprits, involving the gradual degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. Secondary parkinsonism can result from other identifiable conditions, including cerebrovascular lesions (strokes), brain tumours, or exposure to certain toxins. Additionally, some medications, particularly neuroleptics that block dopamine receptors, can induce parkinsonian symptoms. Identifying the specific cause is critical for effective diagnosis and treatment planning.

Other Terms for Parkinsonism

While "Parkinsonism" is the primary clinical and coding term, various related conditions and descriptive phrases are frequently used in medical contexts. These may include:
  • Parkinsonian syndrome
  • Extrapyramidal syndrome (often used more broadly but can overlap)
  • Parkinson disease (when referring to the specific neurodegenerative cause)
  • Atypical parkinsonism
  • Secondary parkinsonism
  • Drug-induced parkinsonism
These alternative terms are important for comprehensive understanding and searchability.

Diagnosing Parkinsonism

The diagnosis of Parkinsonism is primarily clinical, relying on a thorough neurological examination to identify the characteristic motor symptoms. Healthcare professionals assess for the presence of rest tremor, muscular rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability. A detailed medical history is also essential, gathering information on symptom onset, progression, medication use, and any potential exposures to toxins or other causative agents. While imaging studies like MRI or CT scans may be used to rule out structural causes such as tumours or strokes, the diagnosis of Parkinsonism itself is largely based on the clinical presentation.

Frequently asked questions

What is the ICD-11 classification meaning of Parkinsonism?
Parkinsonism is a clinical syndrome characterized by the cardinal features of rest tremor, muscular rigidity, akinesia or bradykinesia, and postural disturbances. A diagnosis requires bradykinesia and at least one other cardinal feature.
How is Parkinsonism classified within ICD-11?
ICD-11 classifies Parkinsonism under code 8A00, with specific subcategories including Parkinson disease (8A00.0), atypical parkinsonism (8A00.1), secondary parkinsonism (8A00.2), and functional parkinsonism (8A00.3). Residual categories for 'other specified' (8A00.Y) and 'unspecified' (8A00.Z) are also available.
When are unspecified or 'other specified' categories used for Parkinsonism in ICD-11 coding?
The 'unspecified' category (8A00.Z) is used when the documentation does not provide sufficient detail to assign a more specific Parkinsonism code. The 'other specified' category (8A00.Y) is used when the documentation is specific but does not fit into a pre-defined subcategory.
Can postcoordination be used to add detail to Parkinsonism codes in ICD-11?
Yes, postcoordination can be used to add detail to Parkinsonism codes. For instance, secondary parkinsonism (8A00.2) can be further specified by combining stem codes and extension codes to fully describe the documented clinical concept.
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