A50.49

What This Code Means

This code describes syphilis that was passed from mother to child before birth and is now causing problems with the nervous system, but doesn't fit into other specific late congenital syphilis categories. It represents complications of untreated maternal syphilis that affect the child's brain and nerves later in life.

Coding Tips

• •Verify that the syphilis is congenital (passed from mother to child) and late-onset (typically appearing after age 2) rather than early congenital syphilis to ensure correct code selection
• •Use this code only when the neurological manifestation doesn't fit more specific late congenital neurosyphilis codes (A50.40-A50.48), and always document the specific neurological complications present in the medical record