A52.14

What This Code Means

This is a serious brain infection caused by syphilis that develops years after the initial infection. It occurs when untreated syphilis progresses to affect the brain and nervous system, potentially causing inflammation and neurological damage.

Coding Tips

• •This code is used for late-stage neurosyphilis; ensure documentation confirms the patient has late syphilis (typically occurring 2+ years after initial infection) with specific encephalitis involvement
• •Do not use this code for early syphilitic encephalitis (A51.41) or general paresis of the insane (A52.17); verify the clinical stage and manifestation in the medical record