ICD-10 Code G44.041 – Chronic paroxysmal hemicrania, intractable (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code G44.041 – Chronic paroxysmal hemicrania, intractable
What it is
This code identifies chronic paroxysmal hemicrania that does not respond well to treatment. It is a primary headache disorder marked by repeated, short attacks of severe unilateral head pain.
Clinical signs
Attacks are typically brief, frequent, and occur on one side of the head, often with autonomic features such as tearing, eye redness, nasal congestion, or eyelid swelling. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use G44.041 when the provider documents chronic paroxysmal hemicrania and specifically notes it is intractable or refractory. Apply it when the diagnosis is established and the record supports persistent attacks despite usual management. If the note only says headache, do not assume this diagnosis.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for other headache disorders, such as migraine, cluster headache, or unspecified headache. Do not assign it if intractable status is not documented; check documentation.
Coding tip
Code the condition only when both the diagnosis and intractable status are clearly documented by the provider.