Meningococcal encephalitis

This code represents inflammation of the brain parenchyma specifically caused by Neisseria meningitidis. It is a severe form of meningococcal disease, distinct from meningitis, characterized by neurological dysfunction.

Assign this code when documentation explicitly states meningococcal encephalitis. This typically occurs in patients presenting with signs of encephalitis (e.g., altered mental status, seizures, focal neurological deficits) and a confirmed Neisseria meningitidis infection identified through CSF culture or PCR.

• Do not use this code for meningococcal meningitis without evidence of brain parenchymal involvement.
• Always sequence this code as the primary diagnosis when it is the reason for the encounter.
• Ensure documentation clearly differentiates encephalitis from meningitis to support code assignment.