Conditions that are included under intracranial infection:
(1) brain abscess
(2) brain abscess with meningitis
(3) subdural infection
(4) epidural infection
(5) encephalitis
The presence of one or both of the following can be used to diagnose an intracranial infection:
(1) micro-organisms cultured from brain tissue
(2) an abscess or other sign of intracranial infection is seen at surgery
(3) an abscess or other sign of intracranial infection is seen on histopathologic exam of brain tissue
(4) all of the following:
(4a) 2 or more of the following:
(4a1) fever (> 38°C, rectal if <= 1 years)
(4a2) hypothermia if <= 1 year (rectal temperature < 37°C)
(4a3) apnea if <= 1 year of age
(4a4) bradycardia if <= 1 year of age
(4a5) localizing signs
(4a6) dizziness if > 1 year of age
(4a7) changing level of consciousness
(4a8) confusion if > 1 year of age
(4a9) headache if > 1 year of age
(4b) one or more of the following:
(4b1) microorganisms seen on microscopic exam
(4b2) positive antigen test on blood or urine
(4b3) radiographic evidence of infection
(4b4) diagnostic serum serology (single IgM antibody titer or 4-fold increase in IgG in paired serum specimens
(4c) no other explanation
(4d) The physician started appropriate antibiotic therapy if the diagnosis was made antemortem.
