Herpesviral Meningitis
ICD-10 B33.2 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of herpesviral meningitis.
Herpesviral meningitis is a viral infection of the meninges, the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, primarily caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). This condition can manifest as a complication of primary herpes infection or as a reactivation of latent virus. Symptoms typically include fever, headache, neck stiffness, and altered mental status. Diagnosis is often confirmed through lumbar puncture, where cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis reveals pleocytosis, elevated protein levels, and normal glucose levels. PCR testing of the CSF is the gold standard for identifying HSV. Antiviral treatment, primarily with acyclovir, is initiated promptly to reduce morbidity and improve outcomes. Early recognition and treatment are crucial, as herpesviral meningitis can lead to severe neurological complications if left untreated. The condition is more common in immunocompromised patients and can also occur in neonates born to mothers with active genital herpes. Understanding the clinical presentation and diagnostic methods is essential for effective management and coding.
Detailed patient history, laboratory results, and treatment plans.
Patients presenting with fever, headache, and neck stiffness; patients with known HSV infection.
Ensure accurate documentation of HSV status and any prior episodes of meningitis.
Neurological examination findings, imaging studies, and CSF analysis results.
Patients with altered mental status and neurological deficits.
Document any neurological sequelae and the patient's response to antiviral therapy.
Used to obtain CSF for analysis in suspected meningitis cases.
Document indication for procedure, patient consent, and results of CSF analysis.
Neurology specialists should ensure thorough documentation of neurological assessments.
Herpesviral meningitis is primarily caused by the herpes simplex virus, which can be either type 1 or type 2.
Diagnosis is typically made through lumbar puncture and analysis of cerebrospinal fluid, with PCR testing confirming the presence of HSV.
The main treatment for herpesviral meningitis is antiviral therapy, primarily with acyclovir, which should be initiated as soon as the diagnosis is suspected.
