2025 ICD-10-CM code B05.1
Measles complicated by meningitis. This condition occurs when a measles infection spreads to the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Medical necessity for managing measles complicated by meningitis includes diagnostic testing to confirm the diagnosis, supportive care to manage symptoms, and treatment of any secondary infections or complications that may arise.
Physicians diagnose measles meningitis based on patient history, symptoms, and physical examination. Laboratory tests like IgM and IgG antibody tests, RT-PCR, and virus isolation in cell culture are used to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment is primarily supportive, including pain and fever management, rest, and medications to alleviate nausea and vomiting. There is no specific treatment for measles or meningitis.
In simple words: Measles can sometimes lead to meningitis, which is a swelling of the lining around the brain and spinal cord. This can cause headaches, a stiff neck, fever, and other symptoms.
Measles complicated by meningitis is a serious complication of measles, a highly contagious viral infection. It occurs when the measles virus spreads to the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, causing inflammation and a range of neurological symptoms. Measles is characterized by a rash, cough, fever, and muscle aches. Meningitis symptoms include headaches, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, and fatigue.
Example 1: A child presents with fever, cough, runny nose, and a characteristic measles rash. A few days later, they develop a stiff neck, headache, and sensitivity to light, indicating meningitis as a complication., An unvaccinated adult develops measles with high fever and respiratory symptoms. Subsequently, they experience severe headaches, stiff neck, and altered mental status, prompting a diagnosis of measles meningitis., A teenager with a recent history of measles develops persistent headaches, fever, and vomiting.A lumbar puncture reveals elevated white blood cells and confirms the diagnosis of measles meningitis.
Documentation should include signs and symptoms of both measles (rash, cough, fever, Koplik spots) and meningitis (headache, stiff neck, Kernig's sign, Brudzinski's sign). Laboratory results confirming measles infection and evidence of meningeal involvement (e.g., from lumbar puncture) should also be documented.
- Specialties:Infectious Disease, Pediatrics, Neurology
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Office