2025 ICD-10-CM code G50.0
(Valid) Effective Date: N/A Diseases of the nervous system - Nerve, nerve root and plexus disorders 6 Feed
Trigeminal neuralgia, a disorder of the fifth cranial nerve characterized by paroxysmal attacks of pain in the face.
Medical necessity must be established by documenting the presence of characteristic symptoms, impact on the patient's quality of life, and failure of conservative management (if applicable). The documentation should support the need for diagnostic testing, medication, injections, or surgical interventions.
Diagnosis and management of trigeminal neuralgia typically falls under the purview of neurologists, pain specialists, or oral and maxillofacial surgeons.The clinician is responsible for taking a detailed history, conducting a physical and neurological examination, ordering appropriate imaging studies (like MRI), and determining the best course of treatment. This may involve prescribing medication, recommending injections, or referring the patient for surgical intervention.
In simple words: Trigeminal neuralgia causes sudden, severe, stabbing pain on one side of your face. It feels like an electric shock and can be triggered by simple things like touching your face or chewing. It happens because of a problem with the trigeminal nerve, which controls feeling in the face.
Trigeminal neuralgia (TN), also known as tic douloureux, is a chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from your face to your brain.There are two main types: Type 1 (classic) TN involves episodes of severe, shooting or jabbing pain that may feel like an electric shock.Type 2 (atypical) TN involves a constant aching, burning, or stabbing pain that is less intense but more persistent. The pain of TN is typically felt on one side of the face and can be triggered by everyday activities such as touching the face, chewing, speaking, or brushing teeth. While the exact cause is often unknown, it can sometimes be linked to a blood vessel compressing the trigeminal nerve or conditions such as multiple sclerosis.
Example 1: A 60-year-old female presents with sudden, sharp, electric shock-like pain on the right side of her face, triggered by light touch.She is diagnosed with Type 1 trigeminal neuralgia., A 45-year-old male experiences constant, burning pain in his left cheek and jaw, along with facial numbness.An MRI reveals a blood vessel compressing the trigeminal nerve., A patient with multiple sclerosis develops persistent facial pain, diagnosed as Type 2 trigeminal neuralgia secondary to demyelination of the trigeminal nerve.
Documentation should include: Detailed description of the pain (onset, location, character, duration, triggers).Presence of any sensory or motor deficits.Results of physical and neurological examinations.Imaging reports (MRI, CT).Medication history.Response to treatment.Impact on daily activities.
- Specialties:Neurology, Pain Management, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Place of Service:Office, Outpatient Hospital, Inpatient Hospital