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Updated: May 9, 2026

3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache
10:39

3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache

Published on: June 2, 2014

Central nervous system venulitis presenting as migraine

Serena L Orr1, Marlise P Dos Santos, Roman Jurencak

  • 1Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, ON, Canada; University of Ottawa, ON, Canada.

Headache
|July 25, 2013
PubMed

Insights

This case study highlights pediatric central nervous system (CNS) venulitis, a rare condition presenting as severe migraines and hemiplegia. Early diagnosis and treatment with immunosuppressants led to significant clinical improvement in a young patient.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pediatrics
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Primary angiitis of the CNS is a rare cause of pediatric morbidity, typically affecting arteries.
  • Isolated central nervous system (CNS) venulitis in pediatric patients is exceptionally rare, with limited documented cases.

Observation:

  • A 17-year-old female presented with worsening migraines and right-sided hemiplegia.
  • Brain MRI revealed multiple rim-enhancing lesions suggestive of calcifications in the deep white matter.
  • Brain biopsy confirmed an inflammatory process affecting small veins and venules.

Findings:

  • The patient's symptoms, including migraines and hemiplegia, were attributed to pediatric CNS venulitis.
  • Diagnostic workups for infectious, hematologic, and rheumatologic causes were negative.
  • Histopathological examination of brain biopsy revealed venulitis.

Implications:

  • This case expands the understanding of CNS venulitis presentation in pediatric populations.
  • Prompt immunosuppressive therapy, including steroids and cyclophosphamide, can effectively manage pediatric CNS venulitis.
  • Migraine presentation should prompt consideration of CNS venulitis in pediatric differential diagnoses.
Abstract

Keywords:
central nervous system vasculitiscentral nervous system venulitisheadachemigrainepediatricprimary angiitis of the central nervous system

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