G50: Disorders of trigeminal nerve
G50.0: Trigeminal neuralgia
The trigeminal nerve is on each side of the body, starting in your brain and coursing down the face to the masseter muscles (chewing muscles). The trigeminal nerve enables us to feel sensations on the skin of the face and on the tongue. These sensations include, for example, touch, heat and pain. The trigeminal nerve also runs to the chewing muscles so that we can chew.
Because your trigeminal nerve is damaged you keep getting severe facial pain. When this happens the muscles in the face may sometimes contract, or the eyes may water. The pain usually comes on suddenly. The pain can be triggered by touch, speaking or eating, for example.
The trigeminal nerve may get damaged when a blood vessel presses on it, for example.
Patient Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not intended for self-diagnosis and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns about your health.
If you see an ICD diagnosis code (e.g., on a medical report), be aware that doctors may also include additional indicators to express diagnostic certainty. Only a healthcare professional can interpret these codes accurately in the context of your individual case.
For a complete understanding of your condition and what the diagnosis means for you, please speak directly with your doctor.