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Headache associated with ischemic cerebrovascular disease
H C Diener1, Z Katsarava, C Weimar
1Department of Neurology and Headache Center, University Hospital Essen, Hufelendstrass 55, 45112 Essen, Germany. h.diener@uni-essen.de
Revue Neurologique
|September 2, 2008
Summary
Headache is a common symptom in acute ischemic stroke, occurring in up to 40% of cases, particularly with posterior circulation strokes. This symptom may also occur with transient ischemic attacks (TIA).
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Stroke Medicine
- Pain Research
Background:
- Headache is frequently reported by patients experiencing acute ischemic stroke.
- Observational studies show headache occurs in 15-40% of acute ischemic stroke patients.
- Headache is more prevalent in posterior circulation strokes compared to other vascular territories.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the occurrence and characteristics of headache in acute ischemic stroke.
- To explore the association between headache and transient ischemic attacks (TIA).
- To review the underlying pathophysiology of stroke-related headaches.
Main Methods:
- Review of observational studies on headache in acute ischemic stroke.
- Analysis of stroke vascular territories and headache prevalence.
- Examination of potential pathophysiological mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Headache is a common symptom in acute ischemic stroke, with reported rates between 15% and 40%.
- Onset headache is significantly more frequent in posterior circulation strokes.
- Headache can also be associated with transient ischemic attacks (TIA).
Conclusions:
- Headache is a relevant clinical feature in acute ischemic stroke and TIA.
- Understanding the pathophysiology, including edema and trigeminovascular changes, is crucial.
- Further research into the mechanisms of stroke-associated headache is warranted.
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