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SUNCT syndrome: VII. Ocular and related variables
O Sjaastad1, P Kruszewski, K Fostad
1Department of Neurology, Regionsykehuset i Trondheim University Hospital, Norway.
Headache
|November 1, 1992
Summary
Short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks (SUNCT) involve increased intraocular pressure and corneal temperature on the affected side. These findings suggest increased blood flow to the eye during SUNCT episodes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Ophthalmology
- Pain Medicine
Background:
- Short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks (SUNCT) are characterized by unilateral headaches with autonomic symptoms.
- The pathophysiology of SUNCT, particularly ocular and temperature changes, remains incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate ocular parameters and temperature variations in patients experiencing SUNCT.
- To differentiate SUNCT-related changes from those observed in other facial pain conditions like trigeminal neuralgia.
Main Methods:
- Measurements included intraocular pressure (IOP), corneal indentation pulse (CIP) amplitudes, and temperature (corneal, tympanic, facial).
- Data were collected from 6 patients with SUNCT, both during and outside of headache attacks.
Main Results:
- IOP and CIP amplitudes significantly increased on the painful side during SUNCT attacks.
- Corneal temperature showed a tendency to increase bilaterally during attacks and was higher on the symptomatic side between attacks.
- Facial temperature in the periocular area was similar or slightly higher on the symptomatic side, contrasting with trigeminal neuralgia findings.
Conclusions:
- The observed ocular and temperature changes in SUNCT likely result from increased blood flow and vasodilation in the periocular region.
- These findings suggest involvement of the arteriolar vascular bed in the ocular manifestations of SUNCT.