ICD-10 Code G44.04 – Chronic paroxysmal hemicrania (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code G44.04 – Chronic paroxysmal hemicrania
What it is
G44.04 identifies chronic paroxysmal hemicrania, a primary headache disorder with repeated severe attacks on one side of the head. The condition is marked by brief, frequent episodes and typically responds to indomethacin.
Clinical signs
Attacks are usually unilateral and may include eye redness, tearing, nasal congestion, or eyelid droop on the affected side. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for attack frequency, duration, and response to indomethacin.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents chronic paroxysmal hemicrania specifically, or clearly describes a compatible headache syndrome with recurrent short unilateral attacks. Code it from the confirmed diagnosis, not from headache pain alone. Check documentation if the record does not distinguish it from other trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for migraine, cluster headache, or nonspecific headache complaints. If the provider has not identified chronic paroxysmal hemicrania, check documentation before assigning G44.04.
Coding tip
Confirm the exact headache type in the assessment, because laterality and autonomic features alone are not enough to select G44.04.