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Deep brain stimulation to relieve drug-resistant SUNCT.
Massimo Leone1, Angelo Franzini, Giovanni D'Andrea
1Department of Neurology and Headache Centre, Milano, Italy. leone@istituto-besta.it
Annals of Neurology
|June 2, 2005
Summary
Short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT) is a rare headache. Deep brain stimulation of the posterior inferior hypothalamus effectively controlled severe SUNCT pain in a patient.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT) is a rare primary headache disorder.
- SUNCT is characterized by frequent, severe unilateral orbital pain attacks.
Observation:
- Functional MRI revealed increased blood flow in the posterior inferior hypothalamus during SUNCT attacks.
- A patient experienced 70 daily attacks of severe, intractable SUNCT pain.
Findings:
- The first reported case of successful treatment for SUNCT using deep brain stimulation.
- Continuous stimulation of the posterior inferior hypothalamus via electrode implantation provided significant pain relief.
Implications:
- Posterior inferior hypothalamus stimulation is a potential therapeutic target for intractable SUNCT.
- This case highlights a novel surgical approach for managing rare headache disorders.