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Recurrent prolonged coma due to basilar artery migraine. A case report
S T Frequin1, W H Linssen, J W Pasman
1Institute of Neurology, University Hospital Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Headache
|February 1, 1991
Summary
A young patient experienced recurrent, prolonged comas due to basilar artery migraine (BAM). Severe basilar artery spasm caused brainstem ischemia, leading to these life-threatening episodes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Vascular Neurology
Background:
- Basilar artery migraine (BAM) is a rare neurological condition.
- It can manifest with diverse and severe symptoms.
Observation:
- A 25-year-old presented with recurrent, prolonged coma episodes (3-10 days).
- Clinical recovery was notably slow after each episode.
- Electroencephalogram (EEG) showed suppression-burst and FIRDA patterns during coma.
Findings:
- Diagnosis of basilar artery migraine (BAM) was established.
- Severe basilar artery spasm was identified via arteriography.
- Ischemic dysfunction in the brainstem's rostral part is the presumed cause of coma.
Implications:
- This case highlights BAM as a cause of prolonged coma.
- Severe basilar artery spasm can lead to significant neurological deficits.
- Understanding BAM's severe manifestations is crucial for diagnosis and management.