Cerebral arteriovenous malformation and cluster-like headache
1Department of Neurology, Malmö General Hospital, Sweden.
Headache
|September 1, 1991
Summary
Cluster headache can be mimicked by arteriovenous malformations. A case study found a large arteriovenous malformation in a patient with prolonged, unilateral headaches unresponsive to typical cluster headache treatments.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Vascular Neurology
Background:
- Cluster headache is a primary headache disorder characterized by distinct clinical features and typically lacks underlying gross pathology.
- Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are rare vascular anomalies that can present with various neurological symptoms, including headache.
Observation:
- A 49-year-old male presented with severe, prolonged unilateral headaches mimicking cluster headache, but with minor autonomic features.
- Standard cluster headache treatments, including ergotamine tartrate and pizotifen, were ineffective in managing the patient's headache attacks.
Findings:
- Diagnostic imaging revealed a large ipsilateral arteriovenous malformation as the cause of the patient's severe headaches.
- The headache attacks, upon prospective evaluation, did not exhibit true clustering patterns.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering vascular abnormalities like AVMs in the differential diagnosis of refractory or atypical cluster headache presentations.
- Accurate diagnosis of AVMs is crucial for appropriate management and to prevent potential complications associated with these vascular lesions.
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