Meningococcal encephalitis

This code represents an acute inflammation of the brain caused by Neisseria meningitidis. It is a severe form of meningococcal disease characterized by neurological symptoms resulting from direct bacterial invasion and inflammation of brain tissue.

Use this code for documented cases of encephalitis specifically attributed to meningococcal infection. This diagnosis is typically supported by positive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cultures or PCR for N. meningitidis in conjunction with clinical signs of encephalitis (e.g., altered mental status, seizures, focal neurological deficits).

• Differentiate from meningococcal meningitis (inflammation of meninges only) unless encephalitis is also present.
• Always code the underlying meningococcal infection first, if applicable, as the primary diagnosis, followed by this code.
• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "encephalitis" and links it to Neisseria meningitidis to support this specific code.