1. Home
  2. ICD-10-CM Codes List
  3. A00–B99
  4. A15-A19
  5. Tuberculosis of nervous system (A17)

Tuberculosis of nervous system (A17)

The ICD-10 code section A17 covers various types of tuberculosis affecting the nervous system, including specialized forms such as tuberculous meningitis and brain tuberculomas. These codes specifically classify tuberculosis infections that involve the brain, spinal cord, meninges, and related nervous tissues.

This section helps identify precise conditions such as A17.0 tuberculous meningitis, also known as tuberculosis of the central nervous system or tuberculous leptomeningitis, which affects the protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord. A17.1 meningeal tuberculoma refers to localized tuberculosis masses in the meninges. For abscesses or granulomas in the brain or spinal cord caused by tuberculosis, A17.81 is used, covering terms like tuberculous abscess of brain and tuberculoma of spinal cord. Tuberculous meningoencephalitis (A17.82) and tuberculous neuritis (A17.83) identify infection and inflammation of brain tissue or nerves. When the specific site is unclear, codes like A17.89 or A17.9 capture other or unspecified tuberculosis of the nervous system. This detailed coding aids healthcare providers and coders in accurately documenting tuberculosis-related neurological diseases for targeted treatment and epidemiological tracking.

Clinical Terms

The following clinical terms provide additional context, helping users better understand the clinical background and common associations for each diagnosis listed in this section. Including related terms alongside ICD-10-CM codes supports coders, billers, and healthcare professionals in improving accuracy, enhancing documentation, and facilitating research or patient education.

Arachnoiditis

Acute or chronic inflammation of the arachnoid membrane of the meninges most often involving the spinal cord or base of the brain. This term generally refers to a persistent inflammatory process characterized by thickening of the ARACHNOID membrane and dural adhesions. Associated conditions include prior surgery, infections, trauma, SUBARACHNOID HEMORRHAGE, and chemical irritation. Clinical features vary with the site of inflammation, but include cranial neuropathies, radiculopathies, and myelopathies. (From Joynt, Clinical Neurology, 1997, Ch48, p25)

Tuberculoma

A tumor-like mass resulting from the enlargement of a tuberculous lesion.

Tuberculoma, Intracranial

A well-circumscribed mass composed of tuberculous granulation tissue that may occur in the cerebral hemispheres, cerebellum, brain stem, or perimeningeal spaces. Multiple lesions are quite common. Management of intracranial manifestations vary with lesion site. Intracranial tuberculomas may be associated with SEIZURES, focal neurologic deficits, and INTRACRANIAL HYPERTENSION. Spinal cord tuberculomas may be associated with localized or radicular pain, weakness, sensory loss, and incontinence. Tuberculomas may arise as OPPORTUNISTIC INFECTIONS, but also occur in immunocompetent individuals.