ICD-10 Code A17 – Tuberculosis of nervous system (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code A17 – Tuberculosis of nervous system
What it is
A17 identifies tuberculosis involving the nervous system, including infection of the brain, meninges, or spinal cord. Use it when documentation clearly states nervous system tuberculosis rather than a pulmonary or other site.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly reported findings include meningitis-like symptoms, neurologic deficits, headache, altered mental status, or spinal cord involvement consistent with central nervous system infection.
When to use this code
Use A17 when the provider documents tuberculosis affecting the nervous system, such as tuberculous meningitis or other CNS tuberculosis. Apply it when the record supports nervous system involvement, even if another TB site is also mentioned. Check documentation for the most specific diagnosis available.
Do not use for
Do not use A17 for pulmonary tuberculosis without nervous system involvement. Do not assign it when the chart only says “TB” or when a different organ system is documented; check documentation.
Coding tip
Confirm that the record names nervous system involvement, because unspecified tuberculosis should not be coded to A17.