Pneumococcal meningitis

This code represents an acute inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, specifically caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. It is a severe form of bacterial meningitis that can lead to significant neurological complications.

Assign this code when the patient's medical record clearly documents a diagnosis of meningitis due to pneumococcal infection. Supporting documentation should include laboratory confirmation of Streptococcus pneumoniae from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or blood cultures, or a strong clinical suspicion in the presence of typical symptoms and risk factors.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly states "pneumococcal" meningitis; do not assume based on general bacterial meningitis.
• Do not confuse with other forms of bacterial meningitis (e.g., meningococcal, staphylococcal), which have distinct codes.
• Code any associated neurological complications (e.g., hydrocephalus, cranial nerve palsies) as secondary diagnoses.