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Headache and malaria: a brief review
1Wiwanitkit House, Bangkhae, Bangkok, Thailand. wviroj@yahoo.com
Acta Neurologica Taiwanica
|June 23, 2009
Summary
Headache is a common symptom in malaria, potentially caused by cytokines during acute infection or as a side effect of antimalarial drugs. It can also indicate post-malaria neurological issues.
Area of Science:
- Tropical Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
Background:
- Malaria is a significant tropical mosquito-borne disease.
- Headache is a frequent clinical manifestation in malaria patients.
- Understanding headache mechanisms in malaria is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the headache profile in malaria patients.
- To explore the underlying mechanisms of malaria-associated headaches.
- To discuss the role of cytokines and drug-induced headaches.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of malaria and headache.
- Analysis of clinical presentations of headache in malaria.
- Discussion of pathomechanisms involving cytokines and drug effects.
Main Results:
- Headache is a key symptom in both cerebral and non-cerebral malaria.
- Cytokines are implicated as a major factor in acute malaria-induced headaches.
- Headaches can also result from certain antimalarial medications and appear in post-malaria neurological syndromes.
Conclusions:
- Headache is a critical symptom requiring attention in malaria diagnosis and treatment.
- Further research into cytokine pathways may reveal new therapeutic targets.
- Awareness of drug-induced headaches and post-malaria syndromes is essential for comprehensive care.
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