Chronic cluster headache, not intractable

This code signifies a persistent, severe headache disorder characterized by recurrent, unilateral pain, typically around the eye or temple, accompanied by autonomic symptoms such as lacrimation, rhinorrhea, or ptosis. The "chronic" designation indicates that these attacks occur frequently over an extended period, and "not intractable" means the condition is responsive to treatment or management.

Apply this code when documentation confirms a patient experiences cluster headaches that have been ongoing for at least a year, with pain-free periods lasting less than three months. This diagnosis is supported by a history of characteristic headache attacks and associated autonomic features, where the patient's condition is manageable with current therapies.

• Differentiate from episodic cluster headache (G44.01-) based on the frequency and duration of headache periods and remissions.
• Ensure documentation explicitly states the "chronic" nature and confirms the headache is "not intractable."
• Consider sequencing this code as a primary diagnosis when the cluster headache is the main reason for the encounter.