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Chowdhury D, Datta D, Mundra A. Role of Greater Occipital Nerve Block in Headache Disorders: A Narrative Review. Neurol India 2021; 69:S228-S256. [PMID: 34003170 DOI: 10.4103/0028-3886.315993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Background The proximity of sensory neurons in the upper cervical spinal cord to the trigeminal nucleus caudalis (TNC) neurons and the convergence of sensory input to TNC neurons from both cervical and trigeminal fibers underscore the rationale of using greater occipital nerve block (GON-block) for acute and preventive treatment in various headache disorders. Objective The aim of this study was to critically review the existing literature regarding the safety and efficacy of GON-block in various headache disorders. Methods We searched the eligible studies in English by searching in PubMed till December 31, 2020 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), observational studies, open-label studies, case series, and case reports on the efficacy and the safety of GON-block for the treatment of headache disorders using the keywords "greater occipital nerve block", "headache" and "treatment". Studies using combination of GON-block and other peripheral nerve blocks (PNBs) and C2/C3 blocks were excluded. Results Seventy-two eligible studies were reviewed. Based on RCTs and open-label studies, good evidence of the efficacy of GON-block was found for migraine, cluster headache (CH), post-dural puncture headache (PDPH), cervicogenic headache (CGH), and occipital neuralgia (ON). The analgesic effect of GON-block outlasted its anesthetic effect by days to weeks. Evidence for acute and short-term (transitional) treatment was more robust than for long-term prevention. GON-block was found to be safe and the treatment-emergent adverse effects (TEAEs) were generally mild and transient. Conclusion GON-block is a useful modality of treatment in various headache disorders because of many attractive features such as its early effect in reducing the severity of pain, sustained effect following a single injection, easy technique, minimum invasiveness, minimum TEAE, no drug-to-drug interactions, and negligible cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debashish Chowdhury
- Department of Neurology, GB Pant Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Debabrata Datta
- Department of Neurology, GB Pant Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Ankit Mundra
- Department of Neurology, GB Pant Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, New Delhi, India
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Gonzalez FL, Blasco IB, Ferri CM. Pulsed radiofrequency on the occipital nerve for treatment of short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache: A case report. CEPHALALGIA REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1177/2515816320908262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache (Short-lasting Unilateral Neuralgiform headache attacks with Conjunctival injection and Tearing (SUNCT)/Short-lasting Unilateral Neuralgiform headache attacks with Autonomic Symptoms) is a trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia with difficult treatment and its management is based on neuromodulator drugs and sometimes ablative procedures on the trigeminal nerve. A positive response to occipital anesthetic blocks and peripheral and deep neurostimulation has also been described. We present the case of a patient with criteria of left SUNCT and transient response to occipital anesthetic blocks, satisfactorily controlled with pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) of the occipital nerve. Upon examination, the patient had tenderness in the left greater occipital nerve (GON). Blockade was performed with anesthetic and corticosteroid, obtaining a highly positive but transient response. After several nerve blocks, the patient was referred to the Pain Unit where pulsed radiofrequency on the left GON was performed. After two sessions, more than 90% of reduction of pain was achieved, maintained for 12 months. There haven’t been found data in the literature on the use of GON PRF for the treatment of SUNCT, while there are descriptions for other types of cranial pain. The intention of our case is to make this procedure to be considered as an alternative for the treatment of this entity in patients who respond to anesthetic blocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima López Gonzalez
- Headache Consultation, Neurology Department, Hospital General Universitario de Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Isabel Beltrán Blasco
- Headache Consultation, Neurology Department, Hospital General Universitario de Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Cesar Margarit Ferri
- Pain Unit Clinic, Anesthesiology and Reanimation Department, Hospital General Universitario de Alicante, Alicante, Spain
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Miller S, Lagrata S, Matharu M. Multiple cranial nerve blocks for the transitional treatment of chronic headaches. Cephalalgia 2019; 39:1488-1499. [DOI: 10.1177/0333102419848121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Background Multiple cranial nerve blocks of the greater and lesser occipital, supraorbital, supratrochlear and auriculotemporal nerves are widely used in the treatment of primary headaches. We present efficacy and safety data for these procedures. Methods In an uncontrolled open-label prospective study, 119 patients with chronic cluster headache, chronic migraine, short lasting unilateral neuralgiform attack disorders, new daily persistent headaches, hemicrania continua and chronic paroxysmal hemicrania were examined. All had failed to respond to greater occipital nerve blocks. Response was defined as a 50% reduction in either daily attack frequency or moderate-to-severe headache days after 2 weeks. Results The response rate of the whole cohort was 55.4%: Chronic cluster headache, 69.2%; chronic migraine, 49.0%; short lasting unilateral neuralgiform attack disorders, 56.3%; new daily persistent headache, 10.0%; hemicrania continua, 83.3%; and chronic paroxysmal hemicrania, 25.0%. Time to benefit was between 0.50 and 33.58 hours. Benefit was maintained for up to 4 weeks in over half of responders in all groups except chronic migraine and paroxysmal hemicrania. Only minor adverse events were recorded. Conclusion Multiple cranial nerve blocks may provide an efficacious, well tolerated and reproducible transitional treatment for chronic headache disorders when greater occipital nerve blocks have been unsuccessful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Miller
- Headache Group, Institute of Neurology and The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London, UK
| | - Susie Lagrata
- Headache Group, Institute of Neurology and The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London, UK
| | - Manjit Matharu
- Headache Group, Institute of Neurology and The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London, UK
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Abstract
Trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia (TAC) encompasses 4 unique primary headache types: cluster headache, paroxysmal hemicrania, hemicrania continua, and short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing and short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with cranial autonomic symptoms. They are grouped on the basis of their shared clinical features of unilateral headache of varying durations and ipsilateral cranial autonomic symptoms. The shared clinical features reflect the underlying activation of the trigeminal-autonomic reflex. The treatment for TACs has been limited and not specific to the underlying pathogenesis. There is a proportion of patients who are refractory or intolerant to the current standard medical treatment. From instrumental bench work research and neuroimaging studies, there are new therapeutic targets identified in TACs. Treatment has become more targeted and aimed towards the pathogenesis of the conditions. The therapeutic targets range from the macroscopic and structural level down to the molecular and receptor level. The structural targets for surgical and noninvasive neuromodulation include central neuromodulation targets: posterior hypothalamus and, high cervical nerves, and peripheral neuromodulation targets: occipital nerves, sphenopalatine ganglion, and vagus nerve. In this review, we will also discuss the neuropeptide and molecular targets, in particular, calcitonin gene-related peptide, somatostatin, transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 receptor, nitric oxide, melatonin, orexin, pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide, and glutamate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Y Wei
- Headache Group, Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Rigmor H Jensen
- Danish Headache Centre, Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet-Glostrup, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Baraldi C, Pellesi L, Guerzoni S, Cainazzo MM, Pini LA. Therapeutical approaches to paroxysmal hemicrania, hemicrania continua and short lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks: a critical appraisal. J Headache Pain 2017; 18:71. [PMID: 28730562 PMCID: PMC5519518 DOI: 10.1186/s10194-017-0777-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hemicrania continua (HC), paroxysmal hemicrania (PH) and short lasting neuralgiform headache attacks (SUNCT and SUNA) are rare syndromes with a difficult therapeutic approach. The aim of this review is to summarize all articles dealing with treatments for HC, PH, SUNCT and SUNA, comparing them in terms of effectiveness and safety. Methods A survey was performed using the pubmed database for documents published from the 1st January 1989 onwards. All types of articles were considered, those ones dealing with symptomatic cases and non-English written ones were excluded. Results Indomethacin is the best treatment both for HC and PH. For the acute treatment of HC, piroxicam and celecoxib have shown good results, whilst for the prolonged treatment celecoxib, topiramate and gabapentin are good options besides indomethacin. For PH the best drug besides indomethacin is piroxicam, both for acute and prolonged treatment. For SUNCT and SUNA the most effective treatments are intravenous or subcutaneous lidocaine for the acute treatment of active phases and lamotrigine for the their prevention. Other effective therapeutic options are intravenous steroids for acute treatment and topiramate for prolonged treatment. Non-pharmacological techniques have shown good results in SUNCT and SUNA but, since they have been tried on a small number of patients, the reliability of their efficacy is poor and their safety profile mostly unknown. Conclusions Besides a great number of treatments tried, HC, PH, SUNCT and SUNA management remains difficult, according with their unknown pathogenesis and their rarity, which strongly limits the studies upon these conditions. Further studies are needed to better define the treatment of choice for these conditions. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s10194-017-0777-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Baraldi
- Medical Toxicology - Headache and Drug Abuse Centre, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo 71, 41124, Modena, Italy.
| | - Lanfranco Pellesi
- Medical Toxicology - Headache and Drug Abuse Centre, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo 71, 41124, Modena, Italy
| | - Simona Guerzoni
- Medical Toxicology - Headache and Drug Abuse Centre, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo 71, 41124, Modena, Italy
| | - Maria Michela Cainazzo
- Medical Toxicology - Headache and Drug Abuse Centre, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo 71, 41124, Modena, Italy
| | - Luigi Alberto Pini
- Medical Toxicology - Headache and Drug Abuse Centre, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo 71, 41124, Modena, Italy
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Miller S, Watkins L, Matharu M. Long-term follow up of intractable chronic short lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache disorders treated with occipital nerve stimulation. Cephalalgia 2017; 38:933-942. [PMID: 28708008 DOI: 10.1177/0333102417721716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Background Occipital nerve stimulation is a potential treatment option for medically intractable short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks. We present long-term outcomes in 31 patients with short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks treated with occipital nerve stimulation in an uncontrolled open-label prospective study. Methods Thirty-one patients with intractable short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks were treated with bilateral occipital nerve stimulation from 2007 to 2015. Data on attack characteristics, quality of life, disability and adverse events were collected. Primary endpoint was change in mean daily attack frequency at final follow-up. Results At a mean follow-up of 44.9 months (range 13-89) there was a 69% improvement in attack frequency with a response rate (defined as at least a 50% improvement in daily attack frequency) of 77%. Attack severity reduced by 4.7 points on the verbal rating scale and attack duration by a mean of 64%. Improvements were seen in headache-related disability and depression. Adverse event rates were favorable, with no electrode migration or erosion reported. Conclusion Occipital nerve stimulation appears to offer a safe and efficacious treatment for refractory short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with significant improvements sustained in the long term. The procedure has a low adverse event rate when conducted in highly specialised units.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Miller
- 1 Headache Group, Institute of Neurology and The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London, UK
| | - Laurence Watkins
- 2 Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Neurology and The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London, UK
| | - Manjit Matharu
- 1 Headache Group, Institute of Neurology and The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London, UK
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Santos Lasaosa S, Cuadrado Pérez M, Guerrero Peral A, Huerta Villanueva M, Porta-Etessam J, Pozo-Rosich P, Pareja J. Consensus recommendations for anaesthetic peripheral nerve block. NEUROLOGÍA (ENGLISH EDITION) 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nrleng.2016.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
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Santos Lasaosa S, Cuadrado Pérez M, Guerrero Peral A, Huerta Villanueva M, Porta-Etessam J, Pozo-Rosich P, Pareja J. Guía consenso sobre técnicas de infiltración anestésica de nervios pericraneales. Neurologia 2017; 32:316-330. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nrl.2016.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2016] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
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Cohen A. SUN: Short-Lasting Unilateral Neuralgiform Headache Attacks. Headache 2017; 57:1010-1020. [PMID: 28474431 DOI: 10.1111/head.13088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
PREMISE Short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks (SUN) are part of the group of primary headaches called trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias (TACs). They are characterized by unilateral attacks of pain with associated ipsilateral cranial autonomic symptoms. PROBLEM Recently the classification of these attacks has changed, to incorporate the different types of autonomic symptoms such as conjunctival injection and tearing (or lack thereof). Previously considered to be rare and rather refractory to treatment, there is an increasing awareness of this syndrome and the therapeutic possibilities. DISCUSSION This article discusses the clinical aspects of the syndrome, pathophysiology, current, and future treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Cohen
- Royal Free Hospital, Clinical Neurosciences, London, United Kingdom
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10
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Botulinum Toxin A for the Treatment of a Child with SUNCT Syndrome. Pain Res Manag 2016; 2016:8016065. [PMID: 27445629 PMCID: PMC4904625 DOI: 10.1155/2016/8016065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2014] [Accepted: 03/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Background. Short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT) syndrome is an unusual cause of headache, mainly described in older adults, and is rare in children. Pain attacks may be severe, frequent, and prolonged. The therapeutic benefits of many drugs are disappointing. Patient and Methods. A 12-year-old boy suffered severe headache and toothache for 20 days. As treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, anticonvulsants, and steroids proved ineffective, he was treated with ipsilateral multisite subcutaneous injections of botulinum toxin A 70 U around the orbit, the temporal area, and the upper gum. Results. The pain had reduced in frequency and severity by the fourth day after treatment and had completely disappeared after 7 days. There were no side effects or recurrence during a subsequent 17-month follow-up period. Conclusion. Botulinum toxin A can be used to treat the first episode of SUNCT in children over the age of 12 years.
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Abstract
Short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT) and short-lasting neuralgiform headache attacks with cranial autonomic features (SUNA) are rare headache disorders characterized by severe, short-lasting headaches. These headache disorders are often refractory to treatment and can be secondary phenomena. This article reviews the history, pathophysiology, and treatment of these disorders. Both pharmacotherapy and procedural interventions are discussed in context of historical and more recent reports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jared L Pomeroy
- Jefferson Headache Center, 900 Walnut St., Suite 200, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA,
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12
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Posters presented at annual scientific meeting of Interventional Pain SIG of British Pain society on 17th October, 2014, Manchester. Br J Pain 2015. [DOI: 10.1177/2049463714561564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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13
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Abstract
The trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias include cluster headache, paroxysmal hemicrania, short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks, and hemicrania continua. While the majority responds to conventional pharmacological treatments, a small but significant proportion of patients are intractable to these treatments. In these cases, alternative choices for these patients include oral and injectable drugs, lesional or resectional surgery, and neurostimulation. The evidence base for conventional treatments is limited, and the evidence for those used beyond convention is more so. At present, the most evidence exists for nerve blocks, deep brain stimulation, occipital nerve stimulation, sphenopalatine ganglion stimulation in chronic cluster headache, and microvascular decompression of the trigeminal nerve in short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Miller
- Headache Group, Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
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Role of trigeminal microvascular decompression in the treatment of SUNCT and SUNA. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2013; 17:332. [PMID: 23564233 DOI: 10.1007/s11916-013-0332-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT) and short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with cranial autonomic symptoms (SUNA) are primary headache disorders. Evidence suggests that SUNCT/SUNA have similar pathophysiology to the trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias and involves the trigeminal autonomic reflex. This review provides an overview of microvascular decompression of the trigeminal nerve and other surgical therapeutic options for SUNCT/SUNA. We have undertaken a mini-meta-analysis of available case reports and case series with the aim of providing recommendations for the use of such therapies in SUNCT/SUNA. There is some evidence supporting microvascular decompression of the trigeminal nerve in selected patients who have medically refractory SUNCT/SUNA and a demonstrable ipsilateral aberrant vessel on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We also consider what further investigations could be undertaken to assess the role of surgical interventions in the treatment of these often debilitating conditions.
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Pareja JA, Álvarez M. The Usual Treatment of Trigeminal Autonomic Cephalalgias. Headache 2013; 53:1401-14. [DOI: 10.1111/head.12193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/26/2013] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Juan A. Pareja
- Neurological Department; University Hospital Quirón Madrid; Madrid Spain
- Neurological Department; University Hospital Fundación Alcorcón; Alcorcón Spain
| | - Mónica Álvarez
- Neurological Department; University Hospital Quirón Madrid; Madrid Spain
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Favoni V, Grimaldi D, Pierangeli G, Cortelli P, Cevoli S. SUNCT/SUNA and neurovascular compression: new cases and critical literature review. Cephalalgia 2013; 33:1337-48. [PMID: 23800827 DOI: 10.1177/0333102413494273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT) and short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with cranial autonomic symptoms (SUNA) are primary headache syndromes. A growing body of literature has focused on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evidence of neurovascular compression in these syndromes. OBJECTIVE The objective of this article is to assess whether SUNCT is a subset of SUNA or whether the two are separate syndromes and clarify the role of neurovascular compression. METHOD We describe three new SUNCT cases with MRI findings of neurovascular compression and critically review published SUNCT/SUNA cases. RESULTS We identified 222 published SUNCT/SUNA cases. Our three patients with neurovascular compression added to the 34 cases previously described (16.9%). SUNCT and SUNA share the same clinical features and therapeutic options. At present, there is no available abortive treatment for attacks. Lamotrigine was effective in 64% of patients; topiramate and gabapentin in about one-third of cases. Of the 34 cases with neurovascular compression, seven responded to drug therapies, 16 patients underwent microvascular decompression of the trigeminal nerve (MVD) with effectiveness in 75%. CONCLUSIONS We suggest that SUNCT and SUNA should be considered clinical phenotypes of the same syndrome. Brain MRI should always be performed with a dedicated view to exclude neurovascular compression. The high percentage of remission after MVD supports the pathogenetic role of neurovascular compression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Favoni
- IRCCS Institute of Neurological Sciences of Bologna, Headache Centre, Bologna, Italy
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Leroux E, Ducros A. Occipital Injections for Trigemino-Autonomic Cephalalgias: Evidence and Uncertainties. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2013; 17:325. [DOI: 10.1007/s11916-013-0325-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Pareja JA, Álvarez M, Montojo T. SUNCT and SUNA: Recognition and Treatment. Curr Treat Options Neurol 2012; 15:28-39. [DOI: 10.1007/s11940-012-0211-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Chitsantikul P, Becker WJ. SUNCT, SUNA and pituitary tumors: Clinical characteristics and treatment. Cephalalgia 2012. [DOI: 10.1177/0333102412468672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background Short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT) and short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with cranial autonomic symptoms (SUNA) are rare types of trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias (TACs). Objective To describe a series of patients with SUNCT and SUNA including relationship to pituitary tumors. Method All patients diagnosed with SUNCT or SUNA in the Calgary Headache Assessment and Management Program were reviewed. Results Six patients (five SUNCTs and one SUNA) were identified. The pain was severe, sharp, showed fixed-laterality, involved mainly the orbito-fronto-temporal region and was associated with autonomic symptoms. Attack duration ranged from 3 to 300 seconds and frequency was 1–200 paroxysms/day. MRI showed ipsilateral pituitary adenomas to the pain in five out of five of the SUNCT patients. Patients with adenomas underwent surgery. Pathology included three prolactinomas, and one mixed adenoma and gangliocytoma. One patient has remained headache free for 4 years after surgery. One was pain free for a year, and then headaches returned with tumor recurrence. Another had major improvement, and two have not improved. Patients were generally refractory to medications. Conclusion All five of our patients with typical SUNCT had pituitary tumors, with headache ipsilateral to the pituitary tumors in all cases. Tumor removal provided major improvement in three out of five patients. Medical treatment was only partially effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prin Chitsantikul
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary and Alberta Health Services, Canada
- Division of Neurology, Foothills Hospital, Canada
| | - Werner J Becker
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary and Alberta Health Services, Canada
- Division of Neurology, Foothills Hospital, Canada
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Effendi K, Jarjoura S, Mathieu D. SUNCT syndrome successfully treated by gamma knife radiosurgery: case report. Cephalalgia 2011; 31:870-3. [PMID: 21478230 DOI: 10.1177/0333102411404716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The SUNCT syndrome (short-unilateral neuralgiform headache with conjunctival injection and tearing) can be very disabling for affected patients and is often refractory to medical management. We report the first case of SUNCT with a successful response to stereotactic radiosurgery without any adverse effect. CASE After failing optimal medical treatment, a 82-year old male patient suffering from SUNCT syndrome was treated with Gamma knife radiosurgery. The trigeminal nerve and sphenopalatine ganglion were targeted with a maximum dose of 80 Gy each. The patient had complete pain cessation 2 weeks after the treatment, and remains pain-free with no medication at the latest follow-up 39 months after radiosurgery. He did not have any side effect from the procedure. CONCLUSION Gamma knife radiosurgery is an option for medically refractory SUNCT patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled Effendi
- Service de neurochirurgie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, 3001 12th avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
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