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Published on: June 2, 2014
Cluster headache attacks and multiple sclerosis
Salvatore Gentile1, Margherita Ferrero, Giovanna Vaula
1Neurology II - Headache Centre, Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, I-10126, Torino, Italy. sgentile@molinette.piemonte.it
Abstract:
We report the case of a patient who developed typical cluster headache attacks and was diagnosed as having multiple sclerosis (MS) at the same time. The headache attacks resolved after i.v. treatment with methylprednisolone. MR imaging showed a pontine demyelinating lesion involving the trigeminal nerve root inlet area, on the same side as the pain. The association between cluster headache and MS has been rarely described before. This case suggests that in patients with cluster headache neuroimaging is often useful in order to exclude structural lesions.
Insights
Cluster headache attacks in a patient resolved after methylprednisolone treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS). This case highlights the importance of neuroimaging for cluster headache patients to rule out structural lesions.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroimmunology
Background:
- Cluster headache is a primary headache disorder.
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system.
Observation:
- A patient presented with typical cluster headache attacks.
- The patient was concurrently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
- Headache attacks resolved following intravenous methylprednisolone treatment.
Findings:
- Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging revealed a pontine demyelinating lesion.
- The lesion involved the trigeminal nerve root inlet area ipsilateral to the headache pain.
- This case represents a rare association between cluster headache and MS.
Implications:
- The co-occurrence of cluster headache and MS is infrequently reported.
- This case underscores the utility of neuroimaging in evaluating cluster headache.
- Neuroimaging can help exclude structural lesions in patients with cluster headache.
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