2025 ICD-10-CM code A17.81
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Infectious and Parasitic Diseases - Tuberculosis of nervous system Certain infectious and parasitic diseases Feed
Tuberculoma of the brain and spinal cord.This condition involves firm, spherical masses in the brain and spinal cord, a manifestation of tuberculosis.
Medical necessity for services related to A17.81 is established by the presence of signs and symptoms of neurological involvement due to TB, confirmed by appropriate diagnostic testing. This may include imaging studies, CSF analysis, and clinical evaluation.Treatment is medically necessary to prevent further neurological damage and complications.
Clinicians diagnose tuberculoma of the brain and spinal cord based on patient history, symptoms (fever, headache, stiff neck, neurological deficits), cerebrospinal fluid analysis for M. tuberculosis, tuberculin skin test, and imaging studies (MRI or CT scans). Treatment decisions include antituberculous chemotherapy regimens, adjunctive steroid therapy, and consideration of surgical intervention.
In simple words: Tuberculoma of the brain and spinal cord is a form of tuberculosis (TB) where firm lumps form in the brain and spinal cord.Symptoms can include fever, headache, stiff neck, and changes in behavior or mental state.Doctors can diagnose this condition using tests like a spinal tap, skin test, and MRI or CT scans.Treatment usually involves antibiotics and sometimes surgery.
Tuberculoma of the brain and spinal cord refers to firm, avascular, spherical masses in the brain and spinal cord, a manifestation of tuberculosis (TB) caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This can occur even with appropriate antitubercular therapy.Symptoms include fever, headache, stiff neck, focal neurological deficits, behavioral changes, and altered mental status. Children may experience seizures and abdominal symptoms. Diagnosis is based on CSF analysis for M. tuberculosis, tuberculin skin test, and medical history. MRI or CT scans reveal the tuberculomas. Treatment includes antituberculous chemotherapy (isoniazid, rifampin, rifabutin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol initially, followed by isoniazid, rifabutin, and rifampin for maintenance). Adjunctive steroid therapy may be used for inflammation, and surgical removal of the tuberculoma(s) might be necessary.
Example 1: A 30-year-old patient with a history of untreated TB presents with new-onset seizures, headaches, and altered mental status. MRI reveals multiple tuberculomas in the brain. A17.81 is used for diagnosis coding., A child with a known TB contact exhibits fever, vomiting, and stiff neck.CSF analysis is positive for M. tuberculosis, and a CT scan shows a spinal cord tuberculoma. A17.81 is applied., A patient undergoing treatment for pulmonary TB develops focal neurological deficits. An MRI shows a solitary tuberculoma in the brain, even though the patient is compliant with medication. A17.81 is utilized.
Documentation should include evidence of active TB infection (positive culture, nucleic acid amplification test), neuroimaging findings (MRI or CT scan showing tuberculoma(s)), and clinical presentation (neurological symptoms, signs of meningeal irritation). Any history of prior TB treatment, drug susceptibility testing, and treatment plan should also be documented.
- Specialties:Infectious Disease, Neurology, Neurosurgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital