Hemicrania Continua-Like Headache Related to Transdermal Nitroglycerine Therapy

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Hemicrania continua (HC) is a rare, continuous, one-sided headache disorder.
• While several symptomatic cases of HC exist, medication-induced triggers are less commonly reported.

Observation:

• A 66-year-old male with a history of migraine without aura developed a new headache meeting HC criteria.
• The headache onset was directly linked to the use of a transdermal nitroglycerine patch (TNP).

Findings:

• Discontinuation of the TNP led to prompt resolution of the HC-like headache.
• Headache recurrence was observed upon reintroduction of nitroglycerine, confirming the causal link.
• The patient remained headache-free at one-year follow-up after permanent TNP cessation.

Implications:

• This case suggests that transdermal nitroglycerine patches can potentially induce hemicrania continua-like headaches.
• Clinicians should consider medication history, including transdermal patches, in the differential diagnosis of new-onset continuous headaches.
• Further research may be warranted to explore the mechanisms underlying nitroglycerine-induced headaches.