ICD-10 Code A17.82 – Tuberculous meningoencephalitis (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code A17.82 – Tuberculous meningoencephalitis
What it is
This code identifies tuberculosis infection involving both the meninges and brain tissue. Use it when documentation states tuberculous meningoencephalitis or a closely equivalent diagnosis.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly reported findings include meningitis symptoms with altered mental status, focal neurologic deficits, or other evidence of brain involvement from tuberculosis.
When to use this code
Use A17.82 when the provider documents tuberculous inflammation affecting the meninges and brain. It is appropriate for confirmed or clearly documented tuberculous meningoencephalitis, not for vague “TB of the CNS” wording without specificity.
If the record only supports tuberculous meningitis, encephalitis, or another CNS tuberculosis site, code the documented condition instead. Check documentation when the anatomic extent is unclear.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for non-tuberculous meningitis, isolated tuberculosis elsewhere, or unspecified central nervous system tuberculosis. Check documentation when the note does not clearly state meningoencephalitis.
Coding tip
Assign the code only when both meninges and brain involvement are documented; otherwise, select the more specific tuberculosis CNS code supported by the record.