Attack-related brainstem activation in a patient with SUNCT syndrome: an ictal fMRI study

The authors report functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study data of a 60-year-old patient having short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT) syndrome. Three consecutive pain attacks were detected during the imaging session and strong brainstem activation was found. It was concluded that the brainstem can be involved in the pain signal transmission in SUNCT syndrome.