ICD-10 Code D86.81 – Sarcoid meningitis (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code D86.81 – Sarcoid meningitis
What it is
D86.81 identifies meningitis caused by sarcoidosis, a granulomatous inflammatory disease. Use it when the central nervous system involvement is documented as sarcoid meningitis.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly, patients may have meningeal irritation, headache, cranial nerve findings, or other neurologic deficits consistent with inflammatory involvement of the meninges.
When to use this code
Use D86.81 when the provider documents sarcoid meningitis or neurosarcoidosis affecting the meninges. It is appropriate for confirmed or clearly stated sarcoid involvement, even if the note also describes broader systemic sarcoidosis.
If the record only says sarcoidosis with neurologic symptoms, check documentation before assigning this code. Code the condition only when the meningitis component is explicitly supported.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for meningitis from infection, trauma, or other non-sarcoid causes. Check documentation if the chart mentions sarcoidosis without meningeal involvement.
Coding tip
Look for explicit wording such as “sarcoid meningitis” or “neurosarcoidosis with meningeal involvement” before coding D86.81.