Tuberculous neuritis

This code represents inflammation of a nerve or nerves caused by an infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It signifies a neurological manifestation of tuberculosis, where the bacteria directly affect the peripheral or cranial nerves, leading to symptoms such as pain, weakness, or sensory disturbances.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of neuritis directly attributed to a tuberculous infection. This diagnosis is typically supported by positive tuberculosis tests (e.g., culture, PCR, acid-fast bacilli stain) from affected nerve tissue or cerebrospinal fluid, in conjunction with clinical signs of nerve involvement.

• Ensure documentation specifies "tuberculous" neuritis; otherwise, a non-specific neuritis code may be more appropriate.
• Always code the underlying tuberculosis infection (e.g., A15.-, A16.-, A17.-) as the primary diagnosis, with this code as a secondary diagnosis.
• Distinguish from other forms of neuritis not caused by tuberculosis; the etiology must be clearly stated.