ICD-10 Code G44.3 – Post-traumatic headache (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code G44.3 – Post-traumatic headache
What it is
G44.3 identifies headache that develops after head injury or trauma. Use it when the headache is documented as post-traumatic and not better explained by another headache disorder.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly, you will see headache beginning after a documented head injury, with possible persistent or recurrent pain and associated concussion-type complaints.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider links the headache to a recent or prior traumatic event, such as a concussion or other head injury. It may apply to acute or persistent post-traumatic headache, depending on the record. If the documentation does not clearly connect the headache to trauma, check documentation.
Do not use for
Do not use G44.3 for primary headache disorders, such as migraine or tension-type headache, unless the provider specifically documents a post-traumatic cause. Avoid it when the headache is unrelated to injury.
Coding tip
Confirm that the record explicitly states the headache is post-traumatic and capture the associated injury code when documented.