Postoperative hemicrania continua-like headache - a case series

J Headache Pain. 2015:16:526. doi: 10.1186/s10194-015-0526-4. Epub 2015 May 6.

Abstract

Background: Hemicrania continua (HC) is a rare chronic headache disorder, typically accompanied by cranial autonomic features and responding to therapeutic doses of indomethacin. The pathophysiology of hemicrania continua is not fully understood.

Findings: We report a series of three patients who developed a continuous hemicranial headache after cranial surgery. Each case presented a similar phenotype of continuous half-sided headache, cranial autonomic symptoms with exacerbations (2/3), and a response to indomethacin.

Conclusion: The biology of hemicrania continua may be activated post-craniotomy just as can be seen with other primary headache disorders.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Headache Disorders / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Indomethacin / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Migraine Disorders / drug therapy
  • Migraine Disorders / etiology*
  • Neurosurgical Procedures / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Indomethacin