ICD-10 Code G44.051 – Short lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT), intractable (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code G44.051 – Short lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT), intractable
What it is
This code identifies an intractable SUNCT headache disorder, a rare trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia with brief, one-sided attacks of severe head pain. The “intractable” label means the condition is not responding as expected to treatment.
Clinical signs
Typical episodes are short, unilateral, and accompanied by conjunctival injection and tearing on the same side. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for attack duration, frequency, and associated autonomic symptoms.
When to use this code
Use G44.051 when the provider documents SUNCT and specifies that it is intractable or refractory. Code it when the diagnosis is clearly established in the record, not merely suspected. Check documentation if the note describes a different short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache subtype.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for SUNCT without documentation of intractability. It is also not appropriate for other headache disorders, migraine, or facial pain syndromes unless the provider specifically diagnoses SUNCT.
Coding tip
Confirm both the SUNCT diagnosis and the “intractable” descriptor in the provider note before assigning G44.051.