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Headache attributed to cranial or cervical vascular disorders

Siddharth Kapoor1

  • 1University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA. sidkapoor@uky.edu

Current Pain and Headache Reports
|April 16, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Headaches can signal serious cranial or cervical vascular diseases, including vasculitis. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent disability, though management remains challenging.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Vascular Medicine
  • Headache Medicine

Background:

  • Cranial and cervical vascular diseases frequently manifest as headaches, ranging from subarachnoid hemorrhage to tension-type headache.
  • These headaches can be the sole indicator of serious conditions like vasculitis, necessitating a high clinical suspicion.
  • Delayed diagnosis and treatment of secondary headaches can lead to permanent disability.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in the diagnosis and management of secondary headaches attributed to cranial or cervical vascular disease.
  • To highlight the importance of clinical suspicion in identifying potentially serious underlying vascular disorders.
  • To discuss the challenges and controversies in treating these conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on secondary headaches.
  • Analysis of diagnostic criteria and imaging techniques for vascular causes.
  • Evaluation of current treatment strategies and their efficacy.

Main Results:

  • Recent advances have improved diagnostic accuracy for vascular-related secondary headaches.
  • Treatment protocols are evolving, but many remain controversial due to limited high-quality evidence.
  • Effective management strategies are crucial for preventing long-term neurological deficits.

Conclusions:

  • Secondary headaches associated with cranial or cervical vascular disease require prompt recognition and management.
  • Further research is needed to establish evidence-based treatment guidelines.
  • A multidisciplinary approach is often necessary for optimal patient outcomes.

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