Syphilitic meningitis

This code represents inflammation of the meninges (the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord) caused by a Treponema pallidum infection. It is a manifestation of neurosyphilis, occurring when the syphilis spirochete invades the central nervous system. This condition can lead to various neurological deficits if left untreated.

Assign this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of syphilitic meningitis. This typically involves a positive serological test for syphilis (e.g., VDRL, RPR, FTA-ABS) in conjunction with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) abnormalities consistent with meningitis (e.g., elevated protein, pleocytosis) and neurological symptoms.

• Always sequence this code as the primary diagnosis when it is the reason for the encounter.
• Consider additional codes for specific neurological manifestations or complications of the meningitis.
• Ensure documentation specifies "syphilitic" to differentiate from other forms of meningitis.