ICD-10 Code B02.24 – Postherpetic Myelitis (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code B02.24 – Postherpetic myelitis
What it is
B02.24 identifies myelitis caused by herpes zoster after a shingles infection. Use it when the record shows spinal cord inflammation linked to postherpetic disease.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Typical findings may include spinal cord dysfunction such as weakness, sensory changes, or bowel and bladder involvement after herpes zoster.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents postherpetic myelitis or clearly links myelitis to a prior zoster infection. It may apply in neurology or infectious disease records describing delayed spinal cord complications after shingles.
Check documentation if the note only says “myelitis” without a zoster cause. You need an explicit postherpetic relationship to support B02.24.
Do not use for
Do not use B02.24 for uncomplicated shingles, other forms of myelitis, or nonspecific neurologic symptoms without documented postherpetic causation.
Coding tip
Confirm both the myelitis diagnosis and the herpes zoster linkage in the provider note before assigning B02.24.