G04: ICD10 Code for Encephalitis, myelitis and encephalomyelitis

G04 refers to Encephalitis, myelitis and encephalomyelitis, which includes inflammatory conditions of the brain and spinal cord caused by infections, autoimmune reactions, or complications from other systemic diseases. These disorders can lead to life-threatening or long-term neurological impairment if untreated.

Symptoms

• Severe headache – Often seen in meningitis and encephalitis
• Neck stiffness – A classic sign of meningitis
• Fever and chills – Present in bacterial and viral infections
• Seizures or altered mental state – Common in encephalitis (G04)
• Neurological deficits – From abscesses or inflammation affecting motor or sensory pathways
• Nausea or vomiting – Frequently accompanies intracranial infections
• Residual cognitive or motor issues – Found in G09 sequelae cases

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Encephalitis, myelitis and encephalomyelitis involves cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis via lumbar puncture, MRI or CT imaging of the brain/spinal cord, blood cultures, inflammatory markers, and sometimes biopsy of abscesses. Accurate identification of the infectious agent is essential for targeted treatment.

ICD10 Code Usage

ICD10 code G04 is used in neurology, infectious disease, emergency medicine, and intensive care settings. It supports hospitalization documentation, antimicrobial stewardship, diagnostic categorization, and long-term follow-up coding for post-infectious complications.

Related Codes

• G00 – Bacterial meningitis, not elsewhere classified
• G01 – Meningitis in bacterial diseases classified elsewhere
• G02 – Meningitis in other infectious and parasitic diseases classified elsewhere
• G03 – Meningitis due to other and unspecified causes
• G05 – Encephalitis, myelitis and encephalomyelitis in diseases classified elsewhere
• G06 – Intracranial and intraspinal abscess and granuloma
• G07 – Intracranial and intraspinal abscess and granuloma in diseases classified elsewhere
• G08 – Intracranial and intraspinal phlebitis and thrombophlebitis
• G09 – Sequelae of inflammatory diseases of central nervous system

FAQs

Q1: What is ICD10 code G04?
A: It refers to Encephalitis, myelitis and encephalomyelitis, a category of inflammatory disorders affecting the brain, meninges, or spinal cord often due to infection or systemic disease.

Q2: Are these conditions emergencies?
A: Yes, many such as bacterial meningitis (G00) or encephalitis (G04) are medical emergencies requiring immediate intervention.

Q3: Can these conditions cause permanent damage?
A: Without early treatment, they may result in seizures, paralysis, cognitive impairment, or even death.

Q4: What treatments are used?
A: Antibiotics, antivirals, corticosteroids, surgery for abscess drainage, and supportive ICU care depending on cause and severity.

Q5: Who manages these conditions?
A: Neurologists, infectious disease specialists, intensivists, and rehabilitation therapists for long-term recovery.

Conclusion

ICD10 code G04 ensures precise diagnosis and treatment of Encephalitis, myelitis and encephalomyelitis. It enables multidisciplinary care, helps track infectious disease trends, and supports recovery planning for patients with central nervous system inflammation.