Tuberculous neuritis
ICD-10 A17.83 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of tuberculous neuritis.
Tuberculous neuritis is a rare complication of tuberculosis (TB) that affects the peripheral nervous system. It occurs when the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria invade the nerve tissues, leading to inflammation and damage. Patients may present with symptoms such as pain, weakness, and sensory disturbances in the affected areas. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and laboratory tests, including sputum tests for acid-fast bacilli, chest X-rays to identify pulmonary TB, and possibly nerve conduction studies. Treatment primarily focuses on the administration of antitubercular medications, such as isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide, often for an extended duration to ensure complete resolution of the infection. Monitoring for drug resistance is crucial, as multidrug-resistant TB can complicate treatment. Public health implications include the need for contact tracing and isolation procedures to prevent transmission, especially in cases where the patient is infectious. Overall, tuberculous neuritis requires a multidisciplinary approach for effective management and to mitigate potential long-term neurological deficits.
Detailed history of TB exposure, diagnostic test results, and treatment plans.
Patients presenting with neurological symptoms following a TB diagnosis.
Need for thorough documentation of drug resistance testing and treatment adherence.
Neurological examination findings, imaging results, and correlation with TB diagnosis.
Patients with unexplained neuropathic pain or weakness in the context of known TB.
Differentiating tuberculous neuritis from other neuropathies and ensuring accurate coding.
Used to evaluate nerve function in patients with suspected tuberculous neuritis.
Document the clinical rationale for the study and findings.
Neurology specialists should ensure comprehensive reporting of results.
Common symptoms include pain, weakness, and sensory disturbances in the affected limbs, often following a TB diagnosis.
Diagnosis involves clinical evaluation, imaging studies, nerve conduction studies, and laboratory tests for TB.
Treatment typically includes a regimen of antitubercular medications, monitored for effectiveness and drug resistance.