Abstract
We examined 59 consecutive patients presenting between 1993 and 2006 at our centre diagnosed with headache associated with spontaneous intracranial hypotension syndrome (SIH). Thirty-six (61%) patients were women; the mean age was 47 years (range 20-68). Cerebral MRI with contrast confirmed SIH in all patients. Headache characteristics were obtained by direct semistructured interview; in a minority of cases information was completed retrospectively through a phone call. All SIH patients suffered from headache. Early recognition of SIH may avoid dangerous worsening due to delayed diagnosis. Orthostatic headache, the main symptom, suggests the diagnosis.
MeSH terms
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Adult
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Aged
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Brain / pathology
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Brain / physiopathology
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Cerebral Veins / pathology
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Cerebral Veins / physiopathology
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Cerebrospinal Fluid Pressure / physiology
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Diagnosis, Differential
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Diagnostic Errors / prevention & control*
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Dura Mater / pathology
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Dura Mater / physiopathology
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Female
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Headache Disorders / diagnosis*
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Headache Disorders / etiology*
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Headache Disorders / physiopathology
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Humans
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Intracranial Hypotension / complications*
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Intracranial Hypotension / diagnosis*
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Intracranial Hypotension / physiopathology
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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Male
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Middle Aged
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Migraine Disorders / diagnosis
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Predictive Value of Tests
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Retrospective Studies
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Subdural Effusion / diagnosis
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Subdural Effusion / etiology
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Subdural Effusion / physiopathology
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Subdural Space / pathology
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Subdural Space / physiopathology
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Tension-Type Headache / diagnosis