RE: [TMIC] Weird feelings around eyes

[Karen Doyle]

A note about the “encephalitis” diagnosis…   When providers bill insurance companies, they need proper diagnosis coding in order to get paid.  There IS NO code for TM because it is not considered a “disease” – it is a “syndrome”.  Nonetheless, providers code it up as something “close” and often use the code for encephalitis (though there are better ones).  There is a current request to add an ICD-9 Code specifically for TM, but that has not been approved by CMS (Medicare/Federal Government)   Karen Doyle TM 09/26/05   From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, May 17, 2006 2:53 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; TMIC-LIST@eskimo.com Subject: Re: [TMIC] Weird feelings around eyes   In a message dated 5/17/2006 8:36:17 AM Central Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: When TM first came to take up residence, most of my symptoms were in my left arm and lower trunk and legs. But there was one very very sensitive spot right on top of my head (made getting haircuts interesting -- I felt like I was going to jump out of my skin) and one of my eyelids was at half-mast. The neurologist I saw the first couple of days was puzzled over the eyelid, saying that that was "a brain thing." The MRI and CAT scan showed everything was ok with my brain, though. But when I had PT, the therapist said her chart listed TM and encephalitis -- but nothing had ever been said to me about the latter. I never really went back to question it, though, because I was out of the hospital then and on the road to improvement (and it may be that in my lists of questions I'd take when I saw the neuro, I just didn't think to ask about it).   Eventually my eyelid righted itself, although the sensitive spot in my head remained.   It seems like I remember reading here that TM usually doesn't affect the head. Is that right? Would symptoms in your face or head indicate brain involvement?   Over the past few months I've had these weird feelings around my eyes. I'll look in the mirror, squint, wink, etc., and everything seems to function -- just feels weird. It isn't constant, but off and on. Then last week during one of those weird feelings, one eyelid was a little lower, and the other was open way wider than usual (looked very strange). It righted itself within a few minutes.   I asked my dr. about it, and it said it must be related to the TM. I do have weird little muscle spasm or twitchy things going on in other muscle groups.   Do you think this is just one of those TM things or does it warrant further investigation? Anyone else experience this?   Barbara H. Hmm...very strange indeed.  I also have encephalitis written in my chart, but at no special mention has ever been mentioned.  I don't have "eye spasms," but have had, since day one, a black spot that follows wherever I look.  I've had this 24/7, consistently.  My optometrist told me that this is normal in paraplegic patients, but no one knows why.   Your developments almost sound like little strokes.  Maybe they are spasms.  What do you take for them?  Baclofen?  Lyrica?  ?? It seems as though if they are spasms, that the medication would lessen them.   I would certainly mention them to your doctor.  It doesn't cost any more to ask an additional question.   Best of luck to you. Peace, Jude