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Cluster headache associated with acute maxillary sinusitis.
1Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Skane University Hospital, Lund, S-221 85 Sweden.
Springerplus
|October 18, 2013
Summary
Acute maxillary sinusitis can mimic cluster headache, a primary headache disorder. Prompt neuroimaging, including sinuses, is crucial for diagnosing secondary causes, even with a normal neurological exam, to ensure appropriate treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Cluster headache is typically a primary headache disorder without identifiable structural pathology.
- Symptomatic cases of cluster headache have been linked to underlying conditions like tumors, malformations, and infections.
- The diagnostic evaluation of cluster headache remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate a case where cluster headache symptoms were potentially triggered by acute maxillary sinusitis.
- To highlight the importance of considering secondary causes in cluster headache presentations.
Main Methods:
- A case study of a 24-year-old male presenting with symptoms consistent with cluster headache.
- Diagnostic workup included a low-dose computed tomography scan.
- Treatment involved antibiotics and sinus puncture for the identified sinusitis.
Main Results:
- The patient's cluster headache attacks resolved completely after treatment for acute maxillary sinusitis.
- The resolution of headache post-sinus treatment suggests a causal or triggering relationship.
- Response to typical cluster headache medications does not rule out a secondary etiology.
Conclusions:
- Neuroimaging, including sinus evaluation, is recommended for patients with cluster headache, even with a normal neurological examination.
- Acute maxillary sinusitis can present with symptoms indistinguishable from cluster headache, necessitating thorough investigation.
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