2025 ICD-10-CM code G11
(Valid) Effective Date: N/A Diseases of the nervous system - G10-G14 6 Feed
Hereditary ataxia
Medical necessity for diagnostic testing and management is established by the presence of signs and symptoms suggestive of hereditary ataxia, such as progressive gait disturbance, coordination difficulties, and other neurological manifestations. Genetic testing is medically necessary to confirm the diagnosis and guide management and prognosis.
Diagnosis and management of hereditary ataxia typically involve neurologists, geneticists, and other specialists depending on the affected systems.The clinical evaluation includes a thorough neurological examination, assessment of family history, genetic testing to identify the specific type of ataxia, and imaging studies (such as MRI) to assess the extent of neurological involvement.
In simple words: Hereditary ataxia is a group of inherited conditions that affect movement and coordination. These conditions cause problems with walking, speaking, and swallowing, and they may also affect vision, hearing, and other body systems. The symptoms usually get worse over time, with the specific problems and their severity varying based on the individual condition.
Hereditary ataxia refers to a group of genetic disorders characterized by progressive degeneration of the cerebellum and other parts of the nervous system. This leads to impaired coordination, balance, and movement. Symptoms may include unsteady gait, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, involuntary eye movements, and muscle stiffness. Specific types include Friedreich's ataxia, ataxia-telangiectasia, and spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs). The age of onset, progression, and associated symptoms vary depending on the specific type.
Example 1: A 15-year-old patient presents with progressive difficulty walking, slurred speech, and frequent falls. Genetic testing confirms a diagnosis of Friedreich's ataxia., A 30-year-old patient exhibits unsteady gait, difficulty with fine motor tasks, and involuntary eye movements.Family history reveals similar symptoms in older relatives, suggesting a spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA)., A 3-year-old child demonstrates delayed motor development, poor balance, and frequent respiratory infections.Telangiectasias are observed in the eyes and on the cheeks, raising suspicion for ataxia-telangiectasia (AT).
Documentation should include detailed neurological examination findings, family history, genetic testing results, imaging reports, and other relevant clinical findings to support the specific type of hereditary ataxia.
** Excludes2: cerebral palsy (G80.-), hereditary and idiopathic neuropathy (G60.-), metabolic disorders (E70-E88)
- Specialties:Neurology, Genetics, Pediatrics, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Cardiology (for cardiac complications)
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