Shrt lst unil nerlgif hdache w cnjnct inject/tear, ntrct

This code represents a rare, severe primary headache disorder characterized by frequent, short-lived attacks of unilateral head pain, accompanied by prominent ipsilateral conjunctival injection and lacrimation. The "intractable" designation indicates that the condition is resistant to conventional medical treatment, significantly impacting the patient's quality of life.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states a diagnosis of Short-lasting Unilateral Neuralgiform Headache with Conjunctival injection and Tearing (SUNCT) and explicitly notes that the condition is intractable or refractory to treatment. This diagnosis is typically made by a neurologist based on specific diagnostic criteria.

• Ensure documentation specifies "intractable" or "refractory" to accurately assign this code; otherwise, a non-intractable code should be used.
• Distinguish SUNCT from other trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias (TACs) like paroxysmal hemicrania or cluster headache, as their clinical presentations can overlap.
• Do not code additional headache types unless clearly documented as co-occurring and distinct from the SUNCT.