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Hemicrania continua evolving from episodic paroxysmal hemicrania
F Castellanos-Pinedo1, M Zurdo, E Martínez-Acebes
1Department of Neurology, Hospital Virgen del Puerto, Plasencia, Spain. fernando.castellanos@ya.com
Cephalalgia : an International Journal of Headache
|August 22, 2006
Summary
A patient experienced both episodic paroxysmal hemicrania and remitting hemicrania continua, both responding to indomethacin. This case suggests a potential link between these distinct primary headache disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Headache Medicine
- Clinical Neuroscience
Background:
- Episodic paroxysmal hemicrania and hemicrania continua are distinct primary headache disorders.
- Indomethacin is a first-line treatment for both conditions.
- Understanding the relationship between different headache types can improve diagnosis and treatment.
Observation:
- A 45-year-old woman presented with a history of episodic paroxysmal hemicrania.
- Two years later, she developed a remitting form of ipsilateral hemicrania continua.
- Both headache types showed a complete response to indomethacin and did not co-occur.
Findings:
- The patient also had a history of probable migraine without aura and a family history of headache.
- The sequential occurrence and similar treatment response suggest a possible pathogenic relationship.
- This case highlights the complex interplay between different primary headache disorders.
Implications:
- The findings suggest a potential shared pathophysiology between episodic paroxysmal hemicrania and hemicrania continua.
- This could lead to revised diagnostic criteria or treatment strategies for primary headaches.
- Further research is warranted to explore the link between these headache types.
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