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Cluster-like headache and head injury: case report
R Formisano1, A Angelini, G De Vuono
1Dipartimento di Science Neurologiche, Università La Sapienza di Roma.
Italian Journal of Neurological Sciences
|June 1, 1990
Summary
Cluster-like headaches can arise from subdural hematomas after head injuries. Computed tomography (CT) scans are valuable for diagnosing this rare secondary headache cause.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Cluster headache is a primary headache disorder.
- Subdural hematomas are collections of blood between the dura mater and the arachnoid mater.
- Head trauma is a known cause of subdural hematomas.
Observation:
- A 39-year-old male presented with right-sided, cluster-like headaches.
- The headache onset occurred 45 days after a right frontotemporal region injury.
- A CT scan revealed a chronic subdural hematoma in the right frontotemporal region.
Findings:
- This case represents the first report of cluster-like headache secondary to post-traumatic subdural hematoma.
- A direct correlation between the head injury, subdural hematoma, and subsequent headache is suggested.
- The diagnostic utility of CT scanning in identifying subdural hematomas as a cause of secondary cluster headaches is highlighted.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider subdural hematomas in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with secondary cluster headaches, especially after head trauma.
- CT scanning is crucial for the accurate diagnosis and management of such cases.
- This finding expands the understanding of secondary headache etiologies and their management.