Other headache syndromes (G44) ICD-10-CM
The G44 code range covers other headache syndromes with 60 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. 40 of them are billable and valid for claim submission in fiscal year 2026, and the category headers group them but cannot themselves be billed.
Type 1 Excludes
A type 1 excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.
- headache NOS R51.9
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.
Codes in the G44 Range 60 codes · 40 billable
- G44 Other headache syndromesNon-billable
- G44.0 Cluster headaches and other trigeminal autonomic cephalgias (TAC)Non-billable
- G44.00 Cluster headache syndrome, unspecifiedNon-billable
- G44.001 Cluster headache syndrome, unspecified, intractable
- G44.009 Cluster headache syndrome, unspecified, not intractable
- G44.01 Episodic cluster headacheNon-billable
- G44.011 Episodic cluster headache, intractable
- G44.019 Episodic cluster headache, not intractable
- G44.02 Chronic cluster headacheNon-billable
- G44.021 Chronic cluster headache, intractable
- G44.029 Chronic cluster headache, not intractable
- G44.03 Episodic paroxysmal hemicraniaNon-billable
- G44.031 Episodic paroxysmal hemicrania, intractable
- G44.039 Episodic paroxysmal hemicrania, not intractable
- G44.04 Chronic paroxysmal hemicraniaNon-billable
- G44.041 Chronic paroxysmal hemicrania, intractable
- G44.049 Chronic paroxysmal hemicrania, not intractable
- G44.05 Short lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT)Non-billable
- G44.051 Short lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT), intractable
- G44.059 Short lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT), not intractable
- G44.09 Other trigeminal autonomic cephalgias (TAC)Non-billable
- G44.091 Other trigeminal autonomic cephalgias (TAC), intractable
- G44.099 Other trigeminal autonomic cephalgias (TAC), not intractable
- G44.1 Vascular headache, not elsewhere classified
- G44.2 Tension-type headacheNon-billable
- G44.20 Tension-type headache, unspecifiedNon-billable
- G44.201 Tension-type headache, unspecified, intractable
- G44.209 Tension-type headache, unspecified, not intractable
- G44.21 Episodic tension-type headacheNon-billable
- G44.211 Episodic tension-type headache, intractable
- G44.219 Episodic tension-type headache, not intractable
- G44.22 Chronic tension-type headacheNon-billable
- G44.221 Chronic tension-type headache, intractable
- G44.229 Chronic tension-type headache, not intractable
- G44.3 Post-traumatic headacheNon-billable
- G44.30 Post-traumatic headache, unspecifiedNon-billable
- G44.301 Post-traumatic headache, unspecified, intractable
- G44.309 Post-traumatic headache, unspecified, not intractable
- G44.31 Acute post-traumatic headacheNon-billable
- G44.311 Acute post-traumatic headache, intractable
- G44.319 Acute post-traumatic headache, not intractable
- G44.32 Chronic post-traumatic headacheNon-billable
- G44.321 Chronic post-traumatic headache, intractable
- G44.329 Chronic post-traumatic headache, not intractable
- G44.4 Drug-induced headache, not elsewhere classifiedNon-billable
- G44.40 Drug-induced headache, not elsewhere classified, not intractable
- G44.41 Drug-induced headache, not elsewhere classified, intractable
- G44.5 Complicated headache syndromesNon-billable
- G44.51 Hemicrania continua
- G44.52 New daily persistent headache (NDPH)
- G44.53 Primary thunderclap headache
- G44.59 Other complicated headache syndrome
- G44.8 Other specified headache syndromesNon-billable
- G44.81 Hypnic headache
- G44.82 Headache associated with sexual activity
- G44.83 Primary cough headache
- G44.84 Primary exertional headache
- G44.85 Primary stabbing headache
- G44.86 Cervicogenic headache
- G44.89 Other headache syndrome
Clinical Terms in This Code Range
Definitions from the National Library of Medicine for conditions coded in the G44 range.
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)
Paroxysmal Hemicrania
A primary headache disorder that is similar to the CLUSTER HEADACHE with unilateral head pain, but differs by its multiple short severe attacks. It is usually seen in females, and may be responsive to non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS).
About the G44 Code Range
The ICD-10 codes in the G44 section cover a variety of other headache syndromes, including cluster headaches, tension-type headaches, post-traumatic headaches, and several specialized headache disorders. These codes help healthcare providers classify and document these less common headache conditions accurately.
This section includes codes like G44.0 for cluster headaches and other trigeminal autonomic cephalgias, which encompass conditions known as Cluster headache, Ciliary neuralgia, and Cluster tic syndrome. It differentiates episodic, chronic, intractable, and non-intractable forms. Tension-type headaches (G44.2) are categorized by episodic or chronic forms, sometimes called intermittent headache. Post-traumatic headaches (G44.3) specify acute or chronic headaches resulting from head injuries, with terms like posttraumatic headache. Drug-induced headaches (G44.4) cover headaches caused by medication overuse or withdrawal. Additional codes describe complicated syndromes such as Hemicrania continua, New daily persistent headache, and various primary headache types like Hypnic headache and Primary thunderclap headache. Using these codes ensures precise identification of headache types in clinical and billing contexts, facilitating appropriate treatment and documentation.
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the G44 range?
Of the 60 codes in this range, 40 are billable and valid for claim submission from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. Category header codes group them but cannot be reported on claims.
What does the G44 range classify?
The range classifies other headache syndromes. Each code links to its own reference page with billing status, MS-DRG grouping, coding notes, and clinical information.
Related References
Source: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM Tabular List and order file, effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
