Postmeasles encephalitis

This code represents inflammation of the brain that occurs as a complication following a measles infection. It is a serious neurological sequela of rubeola, characterized by symptoms such as altered mental status, seizures, and focal neurological deficits.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates encephalitis developing after a confirmed or presumed measles infection. This typically involves a patient presenting with neurological symptoms following a recent history of measles. Ensure the medical record specifies the causal link between the measles and the encephalitis.

• Always sequence the measles infection code (e.g., 055.x) before this code, if the measles is still active.
• Distinguish from subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), which is a late, rare complication of measles and has a different code.
• Ensure documentation specifies "postmeasles" or "due to measles" to support the causal relationship.