G50-G59: Nerve, nerve root and plexus disorders

G51: Facial nerve disorders

Facial nerve disorders, categorized under the ICD-10 group G51, encompass a range of conditions that affect the function of the facial nerve. The facial nerve is responsible for carrying signals from the brain to the muscles of the face, allowing expressions and certain movements. When this nerve is damaged or impaired, it can lead to symptoms such as facial weakness, changes in sense of taste, excessive tearing or drooling, and increased sensitivity to sound in one ear. Factors that might contribute to these disorders include infections, physical trauma, congenital defects, tumors, and conditions like Bell's palsy or Ramsay Hunt syndrome. The severity and progression of symptoms can vary greatly, ranging from mild muscular twitching to extensive facial paralysis. Many facial nerve disorders can also impact other systems in the body, depending on the underlying cause.