Eosinophilic meningitis

This code represents inflammation of the meninges (the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord) characterized by an abnormal accumulation of eosinophils in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). It is a rare form of meningitis often associated with parasitic infections, allergic reactions, or certain medications.

Use this code when documentation explicitly states eosinophilic meningitis, typically confirmed by CSF analysis showing elevated eosinophil counts. This diagnosis is often made after excluding other causes of meningitis through laboratory testing and imaging.

• Ensure documentation specifies "eosinophilic" meningitis; general meningitis codes are inappropriate.
• Always code the underlying cause (e.g., parasitic infection) first, if known and documented, as this condition is often a manifestation of another disease.
• Review pathology reports and CSF analysis results for definitive eosinophil counts to support the diagnosis.