Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026
Chronic Constriction Injury of the Rat's Infraorbital Nerve (IoN-CCI) to Study Trigeminal Neuropathic Pain
Published on: September 21, 2015
Probable trigeminal autonomic cephalgia in a 3-month-old male infant
1Warwick Hospital, UK. irene.vaz@swh.nhs.uk <irene.vaz@swh.nhs.uk>
Insights
Trigeminal autonomic cephalgias (TACs) are rarely diagnosed in infants. A case study highlights how parental photographs can confirm this rare headache disorder in a 3-month-old, aiding diagnosis when symptoms are transient.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Trigeminal autonomic cephalgias (TACs) are a group of rare headache disorders.
- Diagnosis in infants is challenging due to communication barriers and transient symptoms.
Observation:
- A 3-month-old infant presented with screaming episodes and facial changes suggestive of TACs.
- Standard investigations including MRI, EEG, and urinary catecholamines were normal.
Findings:
- A photograph taken by parents during an episode confirmed the clinical diagnosis of probable trigeminal autonomic cephalgia.
- This case represents a potential new presentation of TACs in infancy.
Implications:
- Photographic evidence is crucial for diagnosing rare, transient conditions in preverbal children.
- Further research is needed on the management of TACs in infants and young children.
Abstract:
To my knowledge trigeminal autonomic cephalgias (TACs) have not previously been reported in infancy. The diagnosis is dependent on an accurate history, including parents noting any physical signs at the time of the episode. Obtaining a clear history can be challenging when such symptoms occur in preverbal children. Similarly, physical signs, being transient, may have resolved by the time the parents take the child to a doctor. In addition, the investigations may also be normal. In such circumstances, taking a photograph during an episode can confirm the diagnosis. I describe a case of probable trigeminal autonomic cephalgia starting in a 3-month-old male infant who presented with screaming episodes associated with characteristic changes seen on his face. Investigations, including cranial magnetic resonance imaging, electroencephalography, and urinary catecholamines, were normal. The diagnosis was confirmed from a photograph taken by the parents at the time of the attack. As the condition is very rare in young children, there is little information available in the literature on using treatment for prophylaxis or for aborting acute episodes in this age group.
