ICD-10 Code A17.0 – Tuberculous meningitis (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code A17.0 – Tuberculous meningitis
What it is
Tuberculous meningitis is tuberculosis infection of the meninges, the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Use A17.0 when documentation identifies TB meningitis or meningeal tuberculosis.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly reported findings include headache, fever, neck stiffness, altered mental status, cranial nerve involvement, or other signs of central nervous system infection.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents tuberculous meningitis, meningeal TB, or TB involving the meninges. It may also apply when meningitis is confirmed as part of active tuberculosis affecting the central nervous system. Check documentation for the site and specificity.
Do not use for
Do not use A17.0 for nonspecific meningitis without tuberculosis, or for pulmonary TB alone. If the record does not clearly identify meningeal involvement, check documentation before assigning this code.
Coding tip
Look for explicit provider wording linking meningitis to tuberculosis before coding A17.0.