ICD Code M54.81

ICD code M54.81 is occipital neuralgia, which refers to nerve pain originating from the occipital nerves located at the back of the head, often causing headaches and scalp tenderness.

1. Persistent or paroxysmal stabbing pain in the distribution of the greater, lesser, or third occipital nerves

2. Pain localized to the posterior scalp, often radiating to the vertex

3. Tenderness over the affected occipital nerve(s) upon palpation

4. Pain often unilateral but can be bilateral

5. Associated symptoms may include dysesthesia or altered sensation in the affected area

6. Pain aggravated by neck movement or sustained head positioning

7. Relief of pain following local anesthetic nerve block of the occipital nerve(s)

8. Absence of other underlying causes such as mass lesions, infection, or trauma

Relevant CPT codes for ICD code M54.81 include:

- 64405 (Injection, anesthetic agent; greater occipital nerve)

- 64640 (Destruction by neurolytic agent; other peripheral nerve or branch)

- 20552 (Injection(s); single or multiple trigger point(s), 1 or 2 muscle(s))

- 20553 (Injection(s); single or multiple trigger point(s), 3 or more muscles)

- 96372 (Therapeutic, prophylactic, or diagnostic injection; subcutaneous or intramuscular)

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