Trigeminal neuralgia

This code represents trigeminal neuralgia, a chronic pain condition affecting the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from the face to the brain. It is characterized by sudden, severe, electric shock-like or stabbing pain, typically on one side of the face.

Use this code for documented cases of trigeminal neuralgia, often described as tic douloureux. Supporting documentation should clearly indicate the diagnosis of this specific neuropathic facial pain.

• Differentiate from other facial pain syndromes; this code is specific to trigeminal nerve involvement.
• Ensure documentation specifies "trigeminal neuralgia" to avoid confusion with atypical facial pain or other facial pain not definitively linked to the trigeminal nerve.
• Consider laterality if specified in the clinical documentation, although this ICD-9 code does not allow for laterality distinction.