Headache (R51)
ICD-10 code R51 and its subcodes are used to classify various types of headaches, including general headache symptoms, headaches triggered by posture changes, and unspecified headache conditions. These codes help healthcare providers accurately report and document headache-related diagnoses.
The primary code R51 refers broadly to headaches without further specification. For headaches that specifically include an orthostatic component; commonly called postural headache or orthostatic headache; the code R51.0 is used. The code R51.9 covers unspecified headaches, which may include a wide variety of headache types and causes often described by terms such as sinus headache, migraine, or chronic orofacial pain. This unspecified code captures conditions from headaches caused by environmental factors, pressure changes, or neurological issues, to those with different pain locations and characteristics. Using these specific ICD-10 codes for headaches aids both clinical documentation and billing, ensuring clear communication about the patient’s particular headache condition.
Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified (R00–R99)
General symptoms and signs (R50-R69)
R51 Headache
- R51.0 Headache with orthostatic component, not elsewhere classified
- R51.9 Headache, unspecified
Headache (R51)
Instructional Notations
Type 2 Excludes
A type 2 excludes note represents "Not included here". An excludes2 note indicates that the condition excluded is not part of the condition represented by the code, but a patient may have both conditions at the same time. When an Excludes2 note appears under a code, it is acceptable to use both the code and the excluded code together, when appropriate.
Clinical Terms
The following clinical terms provide additional context, helping users better understand the clinical background and common associations for each diagnosis listed in this section. Including related terms alongside ICD-10-CM codes supports coders, billers, and healthcare professionals in improving accuracy, enhancing documentation, and facilitating research or patient education.
Cluster Headache
A primary headache disorder that is characterized by severe, strictly unilateral PAIN which is orbital, supraorbital, temporal or in any combination of these sites, lasting 15-180 min. occurring 1 to 8 times a day. The attacks are associated with one or more of the following, all of which are ipsilateral: conjunctival injection, lacrimation, nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, facial SWEATING, eyelid EDEMA, and miosis. (International Classification of Headache Disorders, 2nd ed. Cephalalgia 2004: suppl 1)
Headache
The symptom of PAIN in the cranial region. It may be an isolated benign occurrence or manifestation of a wide variety of HEADACHE DISORDERS.
Headache Disorders
Various conditions with the symptom of HEADACHE. Headache disorders are classified into major groups, such as PRIMARY HEADACHE DISORDERS (based on characteristics of their headache symptoms) and SECONDARY HEADACHE DISORDERS (based on their etiologies). (International Classification of Headache Disorders, 2nd ed. Cephalalgia 2004: suppl 1)
Headache Disorders, Primary
Conditions in which the primary symptom is HEADACHE and the headache cannot be attributed to any known causes.
Headache Disorders, Secondary
Conditions with HEADACHE symptom that can be attributed to a variety of causes including BRAIN VASCULAR DISORDERS; WOUNDS AND INJURIES; INFECTION; drug use or its withdrawal.
Migraine Disorders
A class of disabling primary headache disorders, characterized by recurrent unilateral pulsatile headaches. The two major subtypes are common migraine (without aura) and classic migraine (with aura or neurological symptoms). (International Classification of Headache Disorders, 2nd ed. Cephalalgia 2004: suppl 1)
Post-Dural Puncture Headache
A secondary headache disorder attributed to low CEREBROSPINAL FLUID pressure caused by SPINAL PUNCTURE, usually after dural or lumbar puncture.
Post-Traumatic Headache
Secondary headache attributed to TRAUMA of the HEAD and/or the NECK.
Tension-Type Headache
A common primary headache disorder, characterized by a dull, non-pulsatile, diffuse, band-like (or vice-like) PAIN of mild to moderate intensity in the HEAD; SCALP; or NECK. The subtypes are classified by frequency and severity of symptoms. There is no clear cause even though it has been associated with MUSCLE CONTRACTION and stress. (International Classification of Headache Disorders, 2nd ed. Cephalalgia 2004: suppl 1)
Vascular Headaches
Secondary headache disorders attributed to a variety of cranial or cervical vascular disorders, such as BRAIN ISCHEMIA; INTRACRANIAL HEMORRHAGES; and CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM VASCULAR MALFORMATIONS.
