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Hemicrania continua is not that rare
M F Peres1, S D Silberstein, S Nahmias
1Jefferson Headache Center, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA. marioperes@yahoo.com
Neurology
|October 2, 2001
Summary
Hemicrania continua, a unilateral headache disorder, presents with continuous background pain and severe attacks. Early indomethacin treatment is recommended for chronic unilateral headaches, as this condition is not rare.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Headache Medicine
Background:
- Hemicrania continua is an indomethacin-responsive headache disorder.
- Characterized by continuous, moderate to severe, unilateral headache.
- Clinical features require further elucidation despite over 90 reported cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare clinical features of new hemicrania continua cases with previously reported ones.
- To further define the characteristics of this headache disorder.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of 34 new cases with existing literature.
- Assessment of baseline continuous headache and exacerbation attacks.
- Evaluation of patient demographics, symptoms, and treatment response.
Main Results:
- Baseline headaches were mild-moderate; exacerbations were severe with associated symptoms (photophobia, phonophobia, nausea).
- Autonomic symptoms (74%) and jabs/jolts (41%) were common.
- Many patients (70.6%) met criteria for migraine during exacerbations; occipital tenderness was noted in 67.6%.
Conclusions:
- Hemicrania continua is not a rare disorder.
- An early indomethacin trial is crucial for all chronic unilateral daily headaches.
- This supports prompt diagnosis and treatment initiation.