Slurred Speech ICD-10-CM Codes | 2023

Read this short guide to learn about Slurred Speech ICD codes you can use!

By Nate Lacson on Aug 8, 2025.

What Slurred Speech ICD-10 codes can I use?

If you’re looking for Slurred Speech ICD codes, only one is meant for it, and it’s R47.81 - Slurred speech. This ICD-10 code is meant to be used on patients confirmed to have slurred speech.

Please note that this ICD-10 code is considered invalid as a principal diagnosis. Slurred speech is not a central problem but a symptom of an underlying condition.

An example of a problem that can cause slurred speech is cerebral infarction (stroke). Another example is dysarthria, the weakening and loss of control over the muscles used for speech. Please use the appropriate ICD-10 code for the cause as the principal diagnosis.

Is this lone Slurred Speech ICD-10 code billable?

Yes. While it’s not valid as a principal diagnosis, this ICD-10 code for Slurred Speech is valid in general and billable.

Clinical Information About Slurred Speech:

Slurred speech is a speech problem that makes it difficult for others to understand what a person is saying because their speech is distorted because they mumble and speak too slowly or fast. It sounds like they’re chewing their words while conversing with others.

An underlying problem causes this speech problem. It’s most commonly dysarthria, which is a condition characterized by the weakness of muscles used for speaking. The loss of control of these muscles also characterizes it.

Other causes include being fatigued, consuming too much alcohol, taking too many drugs (recreational or for medication), and neurological problems like stroke and Parkinson’s disease.

Synonyms Include:

Episodic ataxia
Episodic ataxia with slurred speech
Finding of intelligibility of articulation
Unintelligible articulation
Dysarthria
Slurred speech ICD 10
ICD 10 code for slurred speech
ICD 10 slurred speech
ICD 10 code for slurred speech due to CVA
ICD 10 for slurred speech

Commonly asked questions

It depends on the cause. If it’s caused by fatigue, resting and regaining energy should solve it. If it’s caused by alcoholic consumption or drug use, their speech should return after they’re no longer intoxicated.

If a speech or neurological disorder causes it, the person should take speech therapy to help improve the clarity and articulation of their speech. Their underlying condition must also be managed.

To diagnose slurred speech, a healthcare professional will examine, observe, and assess a person’s voice, breathing, and ability to move the face, lips, and tongue. They might also conduct blood, urine, and imaging tests to determine or rule out underlying causes.

The complications it’ll lead to are not medical. Slurred speech can impact relationships and mental health because they will have difficulty communicating with their loved ones, friends, colleagues, and more. This might impact their home, school, and/or work lives. They might also become depressed and anxious.

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