2025 ICD-10-CM code A17.82
(Valid) Effective Date: N/A Certain infectious and parasitic diseases - Tuberculosis of nervous system 1 Feed
Tuberculous meningoencephalitis.
Medical necessity for treatment of tuberculous meningoencephalitis is established by the confirmation of M. tuberculosis infection affecting the nervous system, as this condition poses a significant risk of serious neurological complications and death if left untreated.
Physicians diagnose tuberculous meningoencephalitis based on patient’s cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for M. tuberculosis, tuberculin skin test, and medical history. MRI or CT scan is also indicated. Treatment includes standard antituberculous chemotherapy, starting with isoniazid, rifampin, rifabutin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol for two months followed by longer term (9–12 months) isoniazid, rifabutin, and rifampin for maintenance; other drugs may be tried if these drugs are ineffective. Sometimes, steroid therapy helps treat symptoms of swelling and inflammation. In severe cases, surgical therapy is indicated to treat hydrocephalus, tuberculous tumors (tuberculomas), and abscess.
In simple words: Tuberculous meningoencephalitis is a serious infection of the brain and its lining caused by tuberculosis bacteria. It can lead to symptoms like fever, headache, stiff neck, weakness, and changes in mental state. Treatment involves strong antibiotics and sometimes surgery.
Tuberculous meningoencephalitis is a form of tuberculosis that affects the nervous system, specifically the meninges (membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord) and the brain itself. It is caused by infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Symptoms include fever, weakness, loss of appetite, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, neurological deficits, behavioral changes, and altered mental status. Children may experience night sweats, seizures, and abdominal symptoms. Diagnosis involves testing cerebrospinal fluid for M. tuberculosis, tuberculin skin test, and imaging studies like MRI or CT. Treatment includes antituberculous chemotherapy, sometimes with adjunctive steroid therapy. Severe cases may require surgery.
Example 1: A 30-year-old male with a history of untreated tuberculosis presents with fever, headache, stiff neck, and altered mental status. CSF analysis confirms the presence of M. tuberculosis, leading to a diagnosis of tuberculous meningoencephalitis., A 5-year-old child with a recent exposure to tuberculosis develops fever, night sweats, seizures, and vomiting. Imaging studies reveal inflammation in the brain and meninges, and a diagnosis of tuberculous meningoencephalitis is made., A patient undergoing treatment for tuberculosis experiences worsening neurological symptoms, including weakness and behavioral changes. Further investigation reveals the development of tuberculous meningoencephalitis as a complication of the existing infection.
Documentation should include evidence of M. tuberculosis infection in the CSF, results of tuberculin skin test, imaging findings (MRI or CT), and clinical presentation of neurological symptoms.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Infectious Disease, Neurology
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital