G51.0 — Bell's palsy

G51.0

ICD-10 Chapter 6: Nervous System — illustrative image — Chapter 6: Diseases of the nervous system (G00–G99) — illustrative image

What this code means

Bell's palsy is sudden weakness or paralysis of one side of the face caused by inflammation of the facial nerve.

Also called: bells palsy, facial palsy.

When this code is used

Used for Bell's palsy.

Where it sits in ICD-10-CM

Code G51.0 belongs to Chapter 6: Diseases of the nervous system, which covers codes G00–G99 in the FY2027 ICD-10-CM tabular list. The official description above is copied verbatim from the CDC/NCHS FY2027 code file.

Related symptoms

One-sided facial weakness

Watch: related videos

▶ WatchFacial palsy

Frequently asked questions

What is ICD-10-CM code G51.0?

G51.0 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for “Bell's palsy”. Bell's palsy is sudden weakness or paralysis of one side of the face caused by inflammation of the facial nerve.

When is code G51.0 used?

Used for Bell's palsy. It belongs to Chapter 6 of ICD-10-CM (Diseases of the nervous system).

This guide explains ICD-10-CM codes in plain language for patients, students and other readers. It is educational information only — not coding, billing or medical advice. The code recorded for any real encounter is assigned from the full clinical documentation by the treating team and qualified coders, and only they can decide which code fits a specific case.