Injury of facial nerve, unspecified side, sequela

This code signifies a long-term complication or residual effect stemming from a past injury to the facial nerve. It indicates that the initial acute injury has resolved, but the patient continues to experience lasting symptoms or deficits related to the facial nerve damage. This could include persistent facial weakness, paralysis, or altered sensation.

Apply this code when documenting a patient presenting with a current condition that is a direct consequence of a previous facial nerve injury, and the acute phase of that injury has passed. Documentation should clearly state the sequela (e.g., "residual facial paralysis due to old facial nerve trauma") and the link to the prior injury. This code is appropriate for follow-up visits addressing these chronic issues.

• Always use this code as a secondary diagnosis, following the code for the specific sequela (e.g., G51.0 for Bell's Palsy if it's a residual paralysis).
• Ensure documentation explicitly states "sequela," "residual effect," or "late effect" of a facial nerve injury.
• Do not use this code for acute or current facial nerve injuries; those require the acute injury codes (S04.5- without the 'S' seventh character).