Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 25, 2026

3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache
10:39

3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache

Published on: June 2, 2014

Secondary hemicrania continua: Case reports and a literature review

Sanjay Prakash1, Nilima D Shah, Ritu Kanchan Soni

  • 1Department of Neurology, Medical College, Baroda, Gujarat 390001, India. drprakashs@yahoo.co.in

Journal of the Neurological Sciences
|February 14, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Hemicrania continua (HC) can be secondary to other diseases. Early diagnosis is key, with MRI brain recommended for suspected secondary causes of this headache disorder.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Headache Medicine

Background:

  • Hemicrania continua (HC) is a primary headache disorder responsive to indomethacin.
  • Secondary or symptomatic HC indicates an association with another underlying neurological or non-neurological disease.

Observation:

  • This report details three cases of secondary HC.
  • A literature review identified clinical predictors suggesting an underlying disease entity.

Findings:

  • Key suspected underlying conditions include intracranial structural lesions, head and neck vessel pathology, and lung carcinoma.
  • Predictive factors for secondary HC encompass elderly age, male sex, smoking, constitutional/respiratory symptoms, frequent/nocturnal exacerbations, trauma history, miosis, elevated ESR, and diminished indomethacin response.

Implications:

  • MRI brain is recommended for all patients presenting with HC or HC-like headaches.
  • Further investigations like angiography and CT chest are advised for high-risk patients to detect vascular pathology and lung carcinoma.

More Related Videos

Dural Stimulation and Periorbital von Frey Testing in Mice As a Preclinical Model of Headache05:40

Dural Stimulation and Periorbital von Frey Testing in Mice As a Preclinical Model of Headache

Published on: July 29, 2021

Related Concept Videos

Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology01:29

Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology

Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) refers to a potentially life-threatening rise in pressure inside the skull. This usually happens when there is a major change in the volume of brain tissue, blood, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — the three components inside the skull. According to the Monro-Kellie doctrine, if the volume of one component increases, the volumes of the other components must decrease to maintain normal pressure. If this does not happen, ICP rises.The process often begins with...
Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction01:14

Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction

Intracranial hypertension is a sustained elevation of intracranial pressure (ICP) above 22 mm Hg. In supine adults, normal ICP is ~7–15 mm Hg.The rigid, nonexpandable cranium contains three components—brain tissue, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)—that total ~1,700 mL in a typical adult: 1,400 mL brain (~80%), 150 mL blood (~10%), and 150 mL CSF (~10%). According to the Monro–Kellie doctrine, total intracranial volume is effectively fixed. When one component expands, CSF and venous blood...
Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction01:17

Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction

A hemorrhagic stroke is an acute neurological event that occurs when a weakened cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to accumulate within or around the brain. The sudden release of blood forms a focal hematoma that increases intracranial pressure, displaces neural tissue, and can obstruct cerebrospinal fluid pathways. These effects may be compounded by intraventricular extension of the hemorrhage, cerebral edema, or compression of adjacent structures, all of which contribute to...
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:21

Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Thoracic, aortic arch and abdominal aneurysms are significant vascular conditions that can present with various clinical manifestations and lead to serious complications. Understanding these manifestations and the appropriate diagnostic studies is essential for effective management and treatment.Thoracic Aortic AneurysmsThoracic aortic aneurysms often remain asymptomatic until they reach a size that impinges on adjacent structures. They typically cause deep, diffuse chest pain that radiates to...
Case Studies01:22

Case Studies

There are many research methods available to psychologists in their efforts to understand, describe, and explain behavior and the cognitive and biological processes that underlie it.
Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:30

Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Hypertension is asymptomatic and also referred to as the "silent killer" until it progresses to a severe stage or causes target organ disease. Patients may experience symptoms stemming from the strain on blood vessels and tissues in various organs or the heart's increased workload.Physical exams might show no abnormalities other than high blood pressure. Signs of vascular damage, when present, correspond to the organs supplied by the affected vessels, leading to target organ damage. For...