Late congenital syphilitic encephalitis

This code represents neurological damage resulting from congenital syphilis that manifests later in life, typically after the age of two. It encompasses a range of central nervous system disorders, including intellectual disability, seizures, and psychiatric disturbances, directly attributable to an untreated or inadequately treated syphilitic infection acquired in utero.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of encephalitis or other severe neurological sequelae in a patient with a confirmed history of congenital syphilis, where the onset of these neurological symptoms occurred in late childhood or adulthood. Supporting documentation should include a definitive diagnosis from a neurologist, infectious disease specialist, or pediatrician, linking the neurological condition to the congenital syphilitic infection.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "late" or specifies onset after early childhood to differentiate from early congenital syphilitic encephalitis.
• Always sequence this code as the primary diagnosis when it is the reason for the encounter, followed by codes for specific neurological manifestations if applicable.
• Do not confuse with acquired neurosyphilis; this code is strictly for congenital cases.