Plasmodium falciparum malaria with cerebral complications

This code identifies a severe form of malaria caused by the parasite Plasmodium falciparum, specifically when it has progressed to involve the central nervous system. Cerebral malaria is characterized by neurological symptoms such as impaired consciousness, seizures, or coma, directly attributable to the malarial infection. It represents a life-threatening complication requiring urgent medical intervention.

Assign this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of Plasmodium falciparum malaria with evidence of cerebral involvement. This includes cases where the patient presents with neurological signs or symptoms (e.g., unarousable coma, multiple seizures, abnormal posturing) in the context of confirmed P. falciparum infection. Supporting documentation should specify both the causative agent and the cerebral complication.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states Plasmodium falciparum as the causative organism and details the cerebral complications.
• Do not use this code for other forms of malaria or for P. falciparum malaria without cerebral involvement.
• Consider co-reporting codes for specific neurological manifestations if further specificity is warranted and documented.