Dizziness and giddiness

This code signifies a subjective sensation of lightheadedness, unsteadiness, or a feeling of impending faintness, often without a true rotational component. It encompasses a broad range of non-vertiginous balance disturbances and feelings of disorientation.

Apply this code when documentation describes general dizziness, giddiness, or lightheadedness without specifying vertigo or a more precise underlying cause. It is appropriate when the patient reports feeling "woozy" or "unsteady" but does not describe a spinning sensation.

• Differentiate carefully from true vertigo (e.g., 386.1x, 386.2) which involves a rotational sensation.
• Always seek more specific documentation if available, as dizziness is often a symptom of an underlying condition.
• This code is often used as a primary diagnosis when the cause of the dizziness is unknown or not yet determined.