2025 ICD-10-CM code G44.3
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Diseases of the nervous system - G44 6 Feed
Post-traumatic headache. This condition refers to a headache that develops within seven days of a head injury or after regaining consciousness.
Medical necessity for PTH treatment is established by the presence of headaches causally related to a head injury, impacting the patient's daily activities and quality of life.
Clinicians diagnose PTH based on medical history, symptoms, and a physical exam. Imaging tests like MRI or CT scans may be used to rule out other conditions. Treatment options include pain relievers, preventive medications (such as antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and anticonvulsants), cognitive behavioral therapy, biofeedback, nerve stimulation, and physical therapy.
In simple words: A post-traumatic headache is a headache that starts within a week after a head injury. It can last for a short time or become a long-term problem. The headache can range from mild to severe and might feel like a migraine or a tension headache. Other symptoms can include nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and trouble concentrating.
Post-traumatic headache (PTH) is defined as a headache developing within seven days of a head injury or after regaining consciousness. The exact cause is unknown, but potential factors include the release of brain chemicals, damage to head and neck structures, nerve inflammation, dysfunction of pain-inhibition pathways, brain swelling, or shrinkage. PTH can be acute (less than 3 months) or chronic (more than 3 months). Symptoms can mimic migraines or tension-type headaches and may include moderate to severe pain, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, dizziness, sleep problems, cognitive issues, fatigue, and psychological symptoms.
Example 1: A 25-year-old male experiences a mild concussion after a fall. Three days later, he develops persistent headaches, dizziness, and sensitivity to light, consistent with post-traumatic headache., A 40-year-old female involved in a car accident suffers whiplash and develops chronic headaches lasting over six months. She exhibits symptoms of both tension-type and migraine headaches, diagnosed as chronic post-traumatic headache., A 60-year-old male experiences a head injury after slipping on ice. He develops headaches within a week, accompanied by nausea, difficulty concentrating, and sleep disturbances. These symptoms persist for several weeks and are consistent with post-traumatic headache.
Documentation should include details of the head injury, onset and duration of headaches, headache characteristics (location, type, severity, frequency), associated symptoms, and any neurological deficits.
- Specialties:Neurology, Pain Management, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Primary Care
- Place of Service:Office, Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Emergency Room - Hospital,Telehealth Provided in Patient’s Home, Telehealth Provided Other than in Patient’s Home