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Trigeminal autonomic headaches caused by a multinodular goiter--a case report
Roelof A J Smit1, Frank E E Treurniet, Hille Koppen
1Department of Neurology, Haga Teaching Hospital, The Hague, The Netherlands.
Headache
|March 18, 2014
Summary
Thyroid growths can cause Horner's syndrome and headache attacks. This case highlights how an enlarged thyroid can mimic serious neurological conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Endocrinology
- Headache Medicine
Background:
- Horner's syndrome is a known complication of thyroid growths.
- Concurrent headache attacks are less commonly associated with thyroid masses.
Observation:
- A 63-year-old woman experienced daily unilateral headaches and ipsilateral Horner's syndrome.
- Imaging revealed a multinodular goiter compressing the left common carotid artery.
Findings:
- The patient's symptoms were attributed to mechanical pressure from the enlarged thyroid gland.
- The presentation mimicked carotid dissection and trigeminal autonomic cephalgias, such as paroxysmal hemicrania.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering thyroid pathology in patients presenting with headache and Horner's syndrome.
- It highlights the diagnostic challenge posed by thyroid-induced compression syndromes.
- Early recognition can prevent misdiagnosis and guide appropriate management.
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