Short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with cranial autonomic symptoms (SUNA) secondary to epidermoid cyst in the right cerebellopontine angle successfully treated with surgery

J Headache Pain. 2011 Jun;12(3):385-7. doi: 10.1007/s10194-011-0326-4. Epub 2011 Mar 16.

Abstract

Short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT) syndrome is a rare headache syndrome classified among the trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias. It is usually idiopathic, although infrequent secondary forms have been described. Recently, the term short-lasting unilateral headache with cranial autonomic symptoms (SUNA) has been defined by the International Headache Society (ICHD-2) as similar to SUNCT with less prominent absent conjunctival injection and lacrimation. We report a patient with paroxysmal orbito-temporal pains, phenotypically suggesting SUNA, secondary to epidermoid cyst in the cerebellopontine angle which disappeared after tumor resection. Neuroimaging should be considered in all patients with SUNA, notably in those with atypical presentation as our patient who presented on examination trigeminal hypoesthesia and tinnitus. Realization of a brain MRI would rule out injuries that causes this type of syndrome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Autonomic Nervous System Diseases / etiology*
  • Autonomic Nervous System Diseases / pathology
  • Cerebellopontine Angle / pathology
  • Cerebellopontine Angle / surgery*
  • Epidermal Cyst / complications*
  • Epidermal Cyst / pathology
  • Epidermal Cyst / surgery*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Neurosurgical Procedures
  • SUNCT Syndrome / classification
  • SUNCT Syndrome / diagnosis
  • SUNCT Syndrome / etiology*