Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 12, 2026
04:11
Endolymphatic Duct Blockage as a Surgical Treatment Option for Ménière's Disease
Published on: April 28, 2023
Headaches after acoustic neuroma surgery
T Rimaaja1, M Haanpää, G Blomstedt
1Institute of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland. tuomas.rimaaja@gmail.com
Cephalalgia : an International Journal of Headache
|August 23, 2007
Summary
Acoustic neuroma surgery significantly increases headache prevalence, often causing chronic postoperative headaches. These headaches, typically severe and triggered by exertion, are a distinct type of postcraniotomy headache.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Neurology
- Pain Medicine
Background:
- Acoustic neuroma surgery can lead to significant postoperative complications.
- Headache is a common complaint following cranial surgery, but its specific characteristics after acoustic neuroma resection are not well-defined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence, characteristics, and impact of headache and depression in patients following acoustic neuroma surgery.
- To differentiate postoperative headaches from preoperative headaches and classify them within the spectrum of postcraniotomy pain.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire assessing headache and depression (Beck Depression Inventory) was administered to 228 patients who underwent acoustic neuroma surgery.
- Response rate was 84% (192 patients). Data on preoperative and postoperative headache, including type, duration, triggers, and treatment efficacy, were collected.
Main Results:
- Preoperative headache was reported by 32% of patients; postoperative headache by 64%, doubling the prevalence.
- New postoperative headaches were chronic in 86%, typically severe, short-lasting attacks triggered by exertion.
- Depression occurred in 24%, significantly more common in patients with prolonged postoperative headaches.
Conclusions:
- Acoustic neuroma surgery substantially increases headache incidence, creating a specific subgroup of postcraniotomy headache.
- Postoperative headaches are often chronic and exertional, responding to NSAIDs.
- Headache is a significant factor in the quality of life post-surgery, with a notable association with depression.
