Stroke-like migraine attacks after radiation therapy syndrome: Case report and review of the literature

Neuroradiol J. 2017 Dec;30(6):568-573. doi: 10.1177/1971400917690009. Epub 2017 Jun 23.

Abstract

A 26-year-old female presented with vision loss accompanied by migraine-like headaches. A contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of the brain was performed which revealed findings suggestive of stroke-like migraine attacks after radiation therapy (SMART) syndrome. SMART syndrome is a delayed complication of brain radiation characterized by neurologic symptoms including migraine-like headaches, seizures, and hemispheric impairment. The purpose of this article is to make the readers aware of this rare complication of brain irradiation. Appropriate diagnosis of SMART syndrome is essential to avoid invasive tests.

Keywords: Delayed complication; SMART syndrome; brain radiation; gyriform enhancement; stroke-like migraine attacks after radiation therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Levetiracetam
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Migraine Disorders / diagnostic imaging*
  • Migraine Disorders / drug therapy
  • Migraine Disorders / etiology*
  • Nootropic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Piracetam / analogs & derivatives
  • Piracetam / therapeutic use
  • Radiation Injuries / complications*
  • Radiation Injuries / diagnostic imaging*
  • Syndrome

Substances

  • Nootropic Agents
  • Levetiracetam
  • Piracetam