Short lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT), intractable
ICD-10 G44.051 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of short lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with conjunctival injection and tearing (sunct), intractable.
Short lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT) is a rare type of headache disorder characterized by recurrent, brief episodes of unilateral pain that typically lasts from a few seconds to several minutes. The pain is often described as severe and is accompanied by autonomic symptoms such as conjunctival injection (redness of the eye) and tearing. Intractable SUNCT refers to cases where the headaches are resistant to standard treatments, significantly impacting the patient's quality of life. The exact pathophysiology of SUNCT is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve dysfunction in the trigeminal autonomic reflex pathways. Triggers for SUNCT can include physical exertion, changes in temperature, and certain stimuli. Preventive treatments may include medications such as lamotrigine, topiramate, or gabapentin, but the efficacy can vary among patients. Due to the intractable nature of this condition, patients often require a multidisciplinary approach for management, including pain specialists and neurologists.
Detailed history of headache episodes, including duration, severity, and associated symptoms.
Patients presenting with recurrent unilateral headaches and autonomic symptoms.
Documentation should clearly differentiate SUNCT from other headache disorders.
Records of treatment plans, medication trials, and patient responses.
Management of patients with intractable headache pain requiring multimodal approaches.
Focus on the effectiveness of interventions and patient quality of life.
Used for follow-up visits for SUNCT management.
Document history of present illness, examination findings, and treatment plan.
Neurology specialists should provide detailed headache diaries.
Common triggers for SUNCT include physical exertion, temperature changes, and certain sensory stimuli. Identifying triggers can help in managing the condition.
