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Hemicrania Continua: An Update

Haidar M Al-Khazali1,2,3,4, Rune Häckert Christensen1,2,3, Giorgio Lambru5,6

  • 1Department of Neurology, Danish Headache Center, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.

Current Pain and Headache Reports
|August 11, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Hemicrania Continua (HC) is a rare headache disorder. Diagnosis requires a complete response to indomethacin, but more research is needed for better understanding and management of this condition.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Headache Medicine

Background:

  • Hemicrania Continua (HC) is a rare, disabling primary headache disorder.
  • Characterized by persistent unilateral headache with autonomic symptoms and agitation.
  • Diagnosis relies on an absolute response to indomethacin.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive overview of Hemicrania Continua.
  • To cover epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management.
  • To highlight areas needing further research.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of Hemicrania Continua.
  • Analysis of diagnostic criteria and treatment response.
  • Synthesis of current knowledge on HC.

Main Results:

  • HC diagnosed in approximately 1.8% of adult headache patients in tertiary care.
  • Common symptoms include lacrimation, conjunctival injection, and agitation.
  • Existing literature is limited by methodological issues and unclear diagnostic criteria.

Conclusions:

  • More rigorous studies are essential for a better understanding of HC.
  • Improved understanding will facilitate better disease management.
  • Current diagnostic clarity regarding indomethacin response needs enhancement.
Abstract

Keywords:
Clinical CharacteristicsEpidemiologyHeadacheHemicrania ContinuaIndomethacinTrigeminal Autonomic Cephalalgias

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