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Cluster headache and intracranial aneurysm

Marcelo Moraes Valença1, Luciana P A Andrade-Valença, Carolina Martins

  • 1Division of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Department of Neuropsychiatry, Federal University of Pernambuco, 50670-420, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil. mmvalenca@yahoo.com.br

The Journal of Headache and Pain
|October 24, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Cluster-like headaches may stem from intracranial carotid artery aneurysms. Surgical clipping of these aneurysms effectively resolved pain in two patients, suggesting a direct link.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Neurosurgery
  • Vascular Neurology

Background:

  • Cluster-like headaches are a debilitating neurological condition.
  • Intracranial carotid artery aneurysms are vascular abnormalities that can pose significant health risks.

Observation:

  • Two patients presented with cluster-like headaches associated with intracranial carotid artery aneurysms.
  • One patient experienced headache relief with verapamil treatment.

Findings:

  • Surgical clipping of the intracranial carotid artery aneurysm led to complete resolution of cluster-like pain in both patients.
  • These cases indicate a strong pathophysiological connection between intracranial carotid artery aneurysms and cluster-like headaches.

Implications:

  • The findings suggest that intracranial carotid artery aneurysms should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cluster-like headaches.
  • Further research into the pathophysiological mechanisms linking aneurysms and cluster headaches is warranted.
  • This study may inform treatment strategies for patients with co-occurring aneurysms and cluster-like headache symptoms.

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