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Giuliani G, Zilli C, Caramia F, Di Piero V, Altieri M. SUNCT syndrome secondary to multiple sclerosis: Not only trigeminal neuralgia. Mult Scler 2024:13524585241235535. [PMID: 38426436 DOI: 10.1177/13524585241235535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Facial pain in multiple sclerosis is often due to trigeminal neuralgia but atypical pictures can be observed. CASE PRESENTATION A man with primary progressive multiple sclerosis developed severe unilateral facial pain in the right orbital region. Spontaneous and triggered attacks were associated with ipsilateral conjunctival injection and lacrimation. A diagnosis of short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing was made, and symptoms significantly improved with lamotrigine. CONCLUSION Pain is poorly investigated in multiple sclerosis, with a dramatic impact on patients' life quality. In this light, standardized evaluation of pain is needed to improve patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giada Giuliani
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Zilli
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Caramia
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Vittorio Di Piero
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy/University Consortium for Adaptive Disorders and Head Pain (UCADH), Pavia, Italy
| | - Marta Altieri
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Ananthan S, Kumar U, Johnson S. A rare case of vestibular schwannoma manifesting as trigeminal neuralgia. J Am Dent Assoc 2024; 155:177-183. [PMID: 38032593 DOI: 10.1016/j.adaj.2023.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In this case report, the authors reviewed a rare case of a vestibular schwannoma manifesting as trigeminal neuralgia (TN). Intracranial tumors can have a variety of orofacial pain symptoms. Among benign cerebellopontine angle tumors, vestibular schwannoma is the most common cause of a TN-like manifestation. Although the most common symptoms of a vestibular schwannoma are hearing loss and vestibulopathy, the unique feature of this case was the manifestation of symptoms consistent with TN. CASE DESCRIPTION The patient had right-sided episodic facial pain that was short in duration and severe in intensity. The initial differential diagnoses included short-lasting, unilateral, neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing and TN. As part of the routine evaluation, the patient was referred for brain magnetic resonance imaging, which revealed a right-sided vestibular schwannoma. The patient was prescribed 200 mg of gabapentin 3 times daily and was referred to neurosurgery for excision of the schwannoma. Surgical excision resulted in complete resolution of pain. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS This case illustrates the importance of interdisciplinary treatment and how it can lead to an optimal outcome for a patient with complex orofacial pain symptoms.
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Sîrbu CA, Rotaru AR, Antochi FA, Plesa A, Manole AM, Roceanu AM. Headache and Other Pain Syndromes in Multiple Sclerosis: A Narrative Review. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:87. [PMID: 38255702 PMCID: PMC10817285 DOI: 10.3390/life14010087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic and progressive neurological disease, with an important socio-economic burden. Over time, an increased incidence of headaches like migraines and tension headaches has been observed among these patients. Headaches have not been considered as multiple sclerosis-related symptoms, even representing a red flag for multiple sclerosis diagnosis. It is uncertain whether the headache-multiple sclerosis association could be explained by the presence of common triggers or a common physiopathological mechanism (involvement of tertiary B-cell follicles). An important differential diagnosis is between multiple sclerosis attacks and migraines with aura, which can also be associated with neurological deficits. Another important aspect is the occurrence or exacerbation of the cephalalgic syndrome after the initiation of therapy for multiple sclerosis (DMTs), or the improvement of headache after the initiation of certain DMT drugs. In addition to headaches, individuals diagnosed with multiple sclerosis often report experiencing diverse pain syndromes, contributing to an additional decline in their overall quality of life. These syndromes are frequently neglected, the focus being on slowing down the progression of neurological deficits. This review aims to evaluate the characteristics of multiple-sclerosis-related headaches (frequency, possible correlation with attacks, and disease-modifying therapies) and the key distinctions in imaging characteristics between demyelinating lesions in multiple sclerosis and those observed in cases of primary headaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Adella Sîrbu
- Clinical Neurosciences Department, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Neurology, “Dr. Carol Davila” Central Military Emergency University Hospital, 134 Calea Plevnei, 010242 Bucharest, Romania;
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, 050045 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andreea Ruxandra Rotaru
- Department of Neurology, “Dr. Carol Davila” Central Military Emergency University Hospital, 134 Calea Plevnei, 010242 Bucharest, Romania;
| | | | - Andreea Plesa
- Doctoral School, Faculty of Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (A.P.); (A.M.M.)
| | - Aida Mihaela Manole
- Doctoral School, Faculty of Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (A.P.); (A.M.M.)
| | - Adina Maria Roceanu
- Neurology Department, University Emergency Hospital, 050098 Bucharest, Romania;
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Prakash S, Vadodaria V, Patel H, Rana K, Shah C. A Retrospective Comparative Study in Patients with SUNA and SUNCT. Ann Indian Acad Neurol 2023; 26:672-677. [PMID: 38022430 PMCID: PMC10666850 DOI: 10.4103/aian.aian_502_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction 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 primary headache disorders. Aim The aim of the study is to describe and compare the clinical characteristics of patients with SUNA and SUNCT. Methods Patients with SUNCT or SUNA observed in a neurology clinic of a tertiary hospital in India between January 2017 and December 2022 were evaluated. Results Thirteen patients with SUNA (seven female, 54%) and 16 patients with SUNCT (nine female, 56%) were identified for the evaluation. The mean ages at the onset of SUNA and SUNCT were 36.8.5 ± 8.1 years and 37.2 ± 8.4 years, respectively. The age of onset in our patients was somewhat younger than that of other large series. The demographic and clinical features of SUNA patients were comparable to those of SUNCT patients. Orbital/retro-orbital area was the most common site of pain in both types of headaches. The pattern of pain was noted as single stab (in all patients), repetitive stabs (SUNA vs. SUNCT: 77% vs. 75%), and sawtooth patterns (SUNA vs. SUNCT: 23% vs. 25%). The majority of attacks in both groups lasted less than two minutes. Conjunctival injection and tearing were present in all SUNCT patients (as a part of the diagnostic criteria). The prevalence of conjunctival injection and tearing in SUNA was 46% and 31%, respectively. All patients reported spontaneous attacks. Triggers were reported in seven (54%) patients with SUNA and nine (56%) with SUNCT. Only one patient in each group had a refractory period following a trigger-induced episode. Two patients in the SUNCT group had compression of the trigeminal nerve by a vascular loop. Conclusion This is the largest case series from India. There were no significant differences between patients with SUNA and SUNCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay Prakash
- Department of Neurology, Smt. B. K. Shah Medical Institute and Research Centre, Sumandeep Vidyapeeth, Piparia, Waghodia, Vadodara Gujarat, India
| | - Varoon Vadodaria
- Department of Neurology, Smt. B. K. Shah Medical Institute and Research Centre, Sumandeep Vidyapeeth, Piparia, Waghodia, Vadodara Gujarat, India
| | - Harsh Patel
- Department of Neurology, Smt. B. K. Shah Medical Institute and Research Centre, Sumandeep Vidyapeeth, Piparia, Waghodia, Vadodara Gujarat, India
| | - Kaushik Rana
- Department of Neurology, Smt. B. K. Shah Medical Institute and Research Centre, Sumandeep Vidyapeeth, Piparia, Waghodia, Vadodara Gujarat, India
| | - Chetsi Shah
- Department of Neurology, Smt. B. K. Shah Medical Institute and Research Centre, Sumandeep Vidyapeeth, Piparia, Waghodia, Vadodara Gujarat, India
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Mullins CF, Fuccaro M, Pang D, Min L, Andreou AP, Lambru G. A single infusion of intravenous lidocaine for primary headaches and trigeminal neuralgia: a retrospective analysis. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1202426. [PMID: 37638187 PMCID: PMC10448809 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1202426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Intravenous (IV) lidocaine has been used as a transitional treatment in headache and facial pain conditions, typically as an inpatient infusion over several days, which is costly and may increase the risk of adverse effects. Here we report on our experience using a single one-hour IV lidocaine infusion in an outpatient day-case setting for the management of refractory primary headache disorders with facial pain and trigeminal neuralgia. Methods This is a retrospective, single-center analysis on patients with medically refractory headache with facial pain and trigeminal neuralgia who were treated with IV lidocaine between March 2018 and July 2022. Lidocaine 5 mg.kg-1 in 60 mL saline was administered over 1 h, followed by an observation period of 30 min. Patients were considered responders if they reported reduction in pain intensity and/or headache frequency of 50% or greater. Duration of response was defined as short-term (< 2 weeks), medium-term (2-4 weeks) and long-term (> 4 weeks). Results Forty infusions were administered to 15 patients with trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias (n = 9), chronic migraine (n = 3) and trigeminal neuralgia (n = 3). Twelve patients were considered responders (80%), eight of whom were complete responders (100% pain freedom). The average duration of the treatment effect for each participant was 9.5 weeks (range 1-22 weeks). Six out of 15 patients reported mild and self-limiting side effects (40%). Conclusion A single infusion of IV lidocaine might be an effective and safe transitional treatment in refractory headache conditions with facial pain and trigeminal neuralgia. The sustained effect of repeated treatment cycles in some patients may suggest a role as long-term preventive therapy in some patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. F. Mullins
- The Headache and Facial Pain Service, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
- Pain Management and Neuromodulation Centre, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - M. Fuccaro
- The Headache and Facial Pain Service, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - D. Pang
- Pain Management and Neuromodulation Centre, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - L. Min
- Pain Management and Neuromodulation Centre, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - A. P. Andreou
- The Headache and Facial Pain Service, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
- King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, United Kingdom
| | - G. Lambru
- The Headache and Facial Pain Service, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
- King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, United Kingdom
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Pascual JSG, de Lotbiniere-Bassett M, Ignacio KHD, Ben-Israel D, Clark JM, Starreveld YP. Missed pituitary microadenoma during endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing with symptom relief: illustrative case. J Neurosurg Case Lessons 2023; 5:CASE23119. [PMID: 37218732 PMCID: PMC10550646 DOI: 10.3171/case23119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT) is a rare headache disorder that has been associated with pituitary adenomas. Resection has been posited to be curative. OBSERVATIONS A 60-year-old female presented with a 10-year history of SUNCT, which had been medically refractory. Sellar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a 2 × 2 mm nodule in the right anterolateral aspect of the pituitary. Endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal resection of the pituitary microadenoma with neuronavigation was performed. The patient felt immediate relief from the headaches. Postoperative MRI showed persistence of the pituitary microadenoma and the resection tract to be inferomedial to the lesion. The right middle and partial superior turbinectomy site was close to the sphenopalatine foramen (SPF). The patient was discharged on postoperative day 1 and remained headache-free without any medications at the 4-month follow-up. LESSONS Resection of pituitary lesions associated with SUNCT may not necessarily be the cause of SUNCT resolution. Manipulation of the middle and superior turbinate close to the SPF may lead to a pterygopalatine ganglion block. This may be the mechanism of cure for SUNCT in patients with related pituitary lesions who undergo endonasal resection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Silvestre G. Pascual
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Division of Neurosurgery, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Madeleine de Lotbiniere-Bassett
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Division of Neurosurgery, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Katrina Hannah D. Ignacio
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Division of Neurology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; and
| | - David Ben-Israel
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Division of Neurosurgery, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jessica M. Clark
- Department of Surgery, Section of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Yves P. Starreveld
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Division of Neurosurgery, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Franzini A, Milani D, Attuati L, Navarria P, Pessina F, Picozzi P. Gamma Knife Radiosurgery for SUNCT: A Case Series. Stereotact Funct Neurosurg 2023; 101:86-92. [PMID: 36731452 DOI: 10.1159/000528632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The treatment of medically refractory patients with chronic short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT) is challenging. Stereotactic radiosurgery targeting the trigeminal nerve and sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) has been used as a less-invasive treatment. The outcomes of this procedure have been described in a few case reports. OBJECTIVES The objective of the study was to report on the effect of Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) in 5 patients with chronic SUNCT. METHODS Retrospective review of our GKRS database identified 5 patients with chronic SUNCT who underwent GKRS targeted to the trigeminal nerve and SPG. A maximum dose of 80-85 Gy and 80 Gy was, respectively, delivered to the trigeminal nerve and SPG. Pain intensity and facial numbness were evaluated using the Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) scores. RESULTS These 5 patients were clinically followed for a mean period of 26.2 months. Within a period ranging from 2 days to 9 months, GKRS was successful in reducing pain attacks and autonomic symptoms in all 5 patients. At the last assessments, BNI pain scores of I, II, and IIIa were achieved in 1, 1, and 3 patients, respectively. Two patients developed nonbothersome facial numbness (BNI facial numbness score II). CONCLUSIONS These 5 cases show that GKRS targeted to both the trigeminal nerve and the SPG is effective in reducing pain and autonomic symptoms of patients with SUNCT, although nonbothersome trigeminal sensory disturbances may occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Franzini
- Department of Neurosurgery, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Milani
- Department of Neurosurgery, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Attuati
- Department of Neurosurgery, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Pierina Navarria
- Department of Radiation Oncology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Federico Pessina
- Department of Neurosurgery, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Piero Picozzi
- Department of Neurosurgery, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
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Zhang S, Cao Y, Yan F, Chen S, Gui W, Hu D, Liu H, Li H, Yu R, Wei D, Wang X, Wang R, Chen X, Zhang M, Ran Y, Jia Z, Han X, He M, Liu J, Yu S, Dong Z. Similarities and differences between SUNCT and SUNA: a cross-sectional, multicentre study of 76 patients in China. J Headache Pain 2022; 23:137. [PMID: 36289482 PMCID: PMC9609258 DOI: 10.1186/s10194-022-01509-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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) have not been evaluated sufficiently due to limited data, particularly in China. Methods Patients with SUNCT or SUNA treated in a tertiary headache centre or seven other headache clinics of China between April 2009 and July 2022 were studied; we compared their demographics and clinical phenotypes. Results The 45 patients with SUNCT and 31 patients with SUNA had mean ages at onset of 37.22 ± 14.54 years and 42.45 ± 14.72 years, respectively. The mean ages at diagnosis of SUNCT and SUNA were 41.62 ± 12.70 years and 48.68 ± 13.80 years, respectively (p = 0.024). The correct diagnosis of SUNCT or SUNA was made after an average of 2.5 (0–20.5) years or 3.0 (0–20.7) years, respectively. Both diseases had a female predominance (SUNCT: 1.14:1; SUNA: 2.10:1). The two diseases differed in the most common attack site (temporal area in SUNCT, p = 0.017; parietal area in SUNA, p = 0.002). Qualitative descriptions of the attacks included stabbing pain (44.7%), electric-shock-like pain (36.8%), shooting pain (25.0%), and slashing pain (18.4%). Lacrimation was the most common autonomic symptom in both SUNCT and SUNA patients, while eyelid oedema, ptosis, and miosis were less frequent. Triggers such as cold air and face washing were shared by the two diseases, and they were consistently ipsilateral to the attack site. Conclusions In contrast to Western countries, SUNCT and SUNA in China have a greater female predominance and an earlier onset. The shared core phenotype of SUNCT and SUNA, despite their partial differences, suggests that they are the same clinical entity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhua Zhang
- grid.216938.70000 0000 9878 7032School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071 China ,grid.414252.40000 0004 1761 8894Department of Neurology, the First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853 China ,grid.414252.40000 0004 1761 8894International Headache Centre, Department of Neurology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853 China
| | - Ya Cao
- grid.414252.40000 0004 1761 8894Department of Neurology, the First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853 China ,grid.414252.40000 0004 1761 8894International Headache Centre, Department of Neurology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853 China
| | - Fanhong Yan
- Department of Neurology, Linyi Jinluo Hospital, Linyi, Shandong China
| | - Sufen Chen
- grid.452210.0Department of Neurology, Changsha Central Hospital Affiliated to University of South China, Changsha, Hunan China
| | - Wei Gui
- grid.59053.3a0000000121679639Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei, Anhui China
| | - Dongmei Hu
- grid.410638.80000 0000 8910 6733Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Taian, Shandong China
| | - Huanxian Liu
- grid.414252.40000 0004 1761 8894Department of Neurology, the First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853 China ,grid.414252.40000 0004 1761 8894International Headache Centre, Department of Neurology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853 China
| | - Hongjin Li
- Department of Neurology, Dong E Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong China
| | - Rongce Yu
- Department of Neurology, People’s Hospital of Luanchuan, Luoyang, Henan China
| | - Dan Wei
- grid.410609.aDepartment of Neurology, Wuhan No.1 Hospital of China Hubei Province, Wuhan, Hubei China
| | - Xiaolin Wang
- grid.414252.40000 0004 1761 8894Department of Neurology, the First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853 China ,grid.414252.40000 0004 1761 8894International Headache Centre, Department of Neurology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853 China
| | - Rongfei Wang
- grid.414252.40000 0004 1761 8894Department of Neurology, the First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853 China ,grid.414252.40000 0004 1761 8894International Headache Centre, Department of Neurology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853 China
| | - Xiaoyan Chen
- grid.414252.40000 0004 1761 8894Department of Neurology, the First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853 China ,grid.414252.40000 0004 1761 8894International Headache Centre, Department of Neurology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853 China
| | - Mingjie Zhang
- grid.414252.40000 0004 1761 8894Department of Neurology, the First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853 China ,grid.414252.40000 0004 1761 8894International Headache Centre, Department of Neurology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853 China
| | - Ye Ran
- grid.414252.40000 0004 1761 8894Department of Neurology, the First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853 China ,grid.414252.40000 0004 1761 8894International Headache Centre, Department of Neurology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853 China
| | - Zhihua Jia
- grid.414252.40000 0004 1761 8894Department of Neurology, the First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853 China ,grid.414252.40000 0004 1761 8894International Headache Centre, Department of Neurology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853 China
| | - Xun Han
- grid.414252.40000 0004 1761 8894Department of Neurology, the First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853 China ,grid.414252.40000 0004 1761 8894International Headache Centre, Department of Neurology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853 China
| | - Mianwang He
- grid.414252.40000 0004 1761 8894Department of Neurology, the First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853 China ,grid.414252.40000 0004 1761 8894International Headache Centre, Department of Neurology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853 China
| | - Jing Liu
- grid.414252.40000 0004 1761 8894Department of Neurology, the First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853 China ,grid.414252.40000 0004 1761 8894International Headache Centre, Department of Neurology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853 China
| | - Shengyuan Yu
- grid.216938.70000 0000 9878 7032School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071 China ,grid.414252.40000 0004 1761 8894Department of Neurology, the First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853 China ,grid.414252.40000 0004 1761 8894International Headache Centre, Department of Neurology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853 China
| | - Zhao Dong
- grid.216938.70000 0000 9878 7032School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071 China ,grid.414252.40000 0004 1761 8894Department of Neurology, the First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853 China ,grid.414252.40000 0004 1761 8894International Headache Centre, Department of Neurology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853 China
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Lambru G, Lagrata S, Levy A, Cheema S, Davagnanam I, Rantell K, Kitchen N, Zrinzo L, Matharu M. Trigeminal microvascular decompression for short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks. Brain 2022; 145:2882-2893. [PMID: 35325067 PMCID: PMC9420014 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awac109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A significant proportion of patients with short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks (SUNHA) are refractory to medical treatments. Neuroimaging studies have suggested a role for ipsilateral trigeminal neurovascular conflict with morphological changes in the pathophysiology of this disorder. We present the outcome of an uncontrolled open-label prospective single centre study conducted between 2012 and 2020, to evaluate the efficacy and safety of trigeminal microvascular decompression in refractory chronic SUNHA with magnetic resonance imaging evidence of trigeminal neurovascular conflict ipsilateral to the pain side. Primary endpoint was the proportion of patients who achieved an "excellent response", defined as 90-100% weekly reduction in attack frequency, or "good response", defined as a reduction in weekly headache attack frequency between 75% and 89% at final follow-up, compared to baseline. These patients were defined as responders. The study group consisted of 47 patients of whom 31 had SUNCT and 16 had SUNA (25 females, mean age ± SD 55.2 years ± 14.8). Participants failed to respond or tolerate a mean of 8.1 (±2.7) preventive treatments pre-surgery. Magnetic resonance imaging of the trigeminal nerves (n = 47 patients, n = 50 symptomatic trigeminal nerves) demonstrated ipsilateral neurovascular conflict with morphological changes in 39/50 (78.0%) symptomatic nerves and without morphological changes in 11/50 (22.0%) symptomatic nerves. Post-operatively, 37/47 (78.7%) patients obtained either an excellent or a good response. Ten patients (21.3%, SUNCT = 7 and SUNA = 3) reported no post-operative improvement. The mean post-surgery follow-up was 57.4 ± 24.3 months (range 11-96 months). At final follow-up, 31 patients (66.0%) were excellent/good responders. Six patients experienced a recurrence of headache symptoms. There was no statistically significant difference between SUNCT and SUNA in the response to surgery (p = 0.463). Responders at the last follow-up were however more likely not to have interictal pain (77.42% vs 22.58%, p = 0.021) and to show morphological changes on the magnetic resonance imaging (78.38% vs 21.62%, p = 0.001). The latter outcome was confirmed in the Kaplan Meyer analysis, where patients with no morphological changes were more likely to relapse overtime compared to those with morphological changes (p = 0.0001). All but one patient who obtained an excellent response without relapse, discontinued their preventive medications. Twenty-two post-surgery adverse events occurred in 18 patients (46.8%) but no mortality or severe neurological deficit was seen. Trigeminal microvascular decompression may be a safe and effective long-term treatment for short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks patients with magnetic resonance evidence of neurovascular conflict with morphological changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Lambru
- Headache and Facial Pain Group, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology and National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
| | - Susie Lagrata
- Headache and Facial Pain Group, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology and National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
| | - Andrew Levy
- Headache and Facial Pain Group, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology and National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
| | - Sanjay Cheema
- Headache and Facial Pain Group, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology and National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
| | - Indran Davagnanam
- Lysholm Department of Neuroradiology, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology and National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
| | - Khadija Rantell
- Biostatistician, Education Unit, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London UK
| | - Neil Kitchen
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
| | - Ludvic Zrinzo
- Functional Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Clinical & Motor Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Manjit Matharu
- Headache and Facial Pain Group, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology and National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
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10
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Cesaroni CA, Pruccoli J, Bergonzini L, Quatrosi G, Vetri L, Roccella M, Parmeggiani A. SUNCT/SUNA in Pediatric Age: A Review of Pathophysiology and Therapeutic Options. Brain Sci 2021; 11:1252. [PMID: 34573272 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11091252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (ICHD3) defines Short-lasting Unilateral Neuralgiform Headache Attacks (SUNHA) as attacks of moderate or severe, strictly unilateral head pain lasting from seconds to minutes, occurring at least once a day and usually associated with prominent lacrimation and redness of the ipsilateral eye. Two subtypes of SUNHA are identified: Short-lasting Unilateral Neuralgiform headache attacks with Conjunctival injection and Tearing (SUNCT) and Short-lasting Unilateral Neuralgiform headache attacks with cranial Autonomic symptoms (SUNA). These pathologies are infrequent in children and difficult to diagnose. The authors reviewed the existing literature on SUNCT and SUNA, especially in the developmental age, which describes the pathophysiology in detail and focuses on the therapeutic options available to date. SUNHA-type headaches must be considered on the one hand, for the possibility of the onset of forms secondary to underlying pathologies even of a neoplastic nature, and on the other hand, for the negative impact they can have on an individual’s quality of life, particularly in young patients. Until now, published cases suggest that no chronic variants occur in childhood and adolescents. In light of this evidence, the authors offer a review that may serve as a source to be drawn upon in the implementation of suitable treatments in children and adolescents suffering from these headaches, focusing on therapies that are non-invasive and as risk-free as possible for pediatric patients.
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Abstract
Background Short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT) and short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with autonomic symptoms (SUNA) are rare and disabling primary headache disorders that are subtypes of Short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks (SUNHA). Aim The aim of this narrative review was to provide a comprehensive update on headache phenotype, pathophysiology, and various treatment options available for SUNCT and SUNA. Methods References for this review were identified by searches of articles published in the English language in PubMed between 1978 and October 2020 using "short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT)", "short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with autonomic symptoms (SUNA)", "short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks (SUNHA)", "trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias" as keywords in various combinations. Results Of a potential 1103 articles, seven case series describing clinical characteristics of SUNCT/SUNA patients were identified for this review. For symptomatic/secondary SUNCT/SUNA, 53 individual case reports, and one case series were reviewed. One placebo-controlled trial and 11 open-label case series that evaluated various medical and surgical treatments in SUNCT/SUNA were also reviewed. Available literature suggests that SUNCT and SUNA are subtypes of the same disorder characterized by severe side locked short duration headache with ipsilateral prominent cranial autonomic symptoms and signs. Pathophysiology may involve both peripheral and central mechanisms. Lamotrigine is the most effective preventive therapy while intravenous lidocaine is the most efficacious drug as transitional therapy for severe disabling attacks. Surgical options including microvascular decompression in those having neurovascular conflict, occipital nerve stimulation, and hypothalamic deep brain stimulation can be alternative treatment options for medically refractory patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashish K Duggal
- Department of Neurology, G B Pant Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Debashish Chowdhury
- Department of Neurology, G B Pant Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, New Delhi, India
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12
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Abstract
Background Key structures for the pathophysiology of primary headache disorders such as migraine, cluster headache, and other trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias were identified by imaging in the past years. Objective Available data on functional imaging in primary headache disorders are summarized in this review. Material and Methods We performed a MEDLINE search on December 27th, 2020 using the search terms "primary headache" AND "imaging" that returned 453 results in English, out of which 137 were labeled reviews. All articles were evaluated for content and relevance for this narrative review. Results The structure depicted most consistently using functional imaging in different states of primary headaches (without and with pain) was the posterior hypothalamus. Whole-brain imaging techniques such as resting-state functional resonance imaging showed a wide-ranging association of cortical and subcortical areas with human nociceptive processing in the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the different TACs. Similarities of distinct groups of primary headache disorders, as well as their differences in brain activation across these disorders, were highlighted. Conclusion The importance of neuroimaging research from clinical practice point of view remains the reliable and objective distinction of each individual pain syndrome from one another. This will help to make the correct clinical diagnosis and pave the way for better and effective treatment in the future. More research will be necessary to fulfill this unmet need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Naegel
- Department of Neurology, Martin Luther University Halle- Wittenberg and University Hospital Halle, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Mark Obermann
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum Weser-Egge, Höxter, Germany
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13
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Bjørk MH, Kristoffersen ES, Tronvik E, Egeland Nordeng HM. Management of cluster headache and other trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Eur J Neurol 2021; 28:2443-2455. [PMID: 33852763 DOI: 10.1111/ene.14864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Many clinicians lack experience in managing trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias (TACs) in pregnancy and lactation. In addition to cluster headache, TACs include hemicrania continua, paroxysmal hemicrania, and short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with conjunctival injection and tearing/autonomic symptoms (SUNCT/SUNA). Treating these rare, severe headache conditions often requires off-label drugs that have uncertain teratogenic potential. In the last few years, several new treatment options and safety documentation have emerged, but clinical guidelines are lacking. This narrative review aimed to provide an updated clinical guide and good clinical practice recommendations for the management of these debilitating headache disorders in pregnancy and lactation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marte-Helene Bjørk
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Espen Saxhaug Kristoffersen
- Department of General Practice, HELSAM, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Neurology, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Erling Tronvik
- Department of Neurology, St. Olav's University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway.,Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Hedvig Marie Egeland Nordeng
- PharmacoEpidemiology and Drug Safety Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Child Health and Development, National Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
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14
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Lambru G, Rantell K, O'Connor E, Levy A, Davagnanam I, Zrinzo L, Matharu M. Trigeminal neurovascular contact in SUNCT and SUNA: a cross-sectional magnetic resonance study. Brain 2021; 143:3619-3628. [PMID: 33301567 PMCID: PMC7807031 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awaa331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging data-points towards a possible aetiological and therapeutic relevance of trigeminal neurovascular contact in short lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT) and perhaps in short lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with cranial autonomic symptoms (SUNA). We aimed to assess the prevalence and significance of trigeminal neurovascular contact in a large cohort of consecutive SUNCT and SUNA patients and evaluate the radiological differences between them. The standard imaging protocol included high spatial and nerve-cistern contrast resolution imaging acquisitions of the cisternal segments of the trigeminal nerves and vessels. MRI studies were evaluated blindly by two expert evaluators and graded according to the presence, location and degree of neurovascular contact. The degree of contact was graded as with or without morphological changes. Neurovascular contact with morphological changes was defined as contact with distortion and/or atrophy. A total of 159 patients (SUNCT = 80; SUNA = 79) were included. A total of 165 symptomatic and 153 asymptomatic trigeminal nerves were analysed. The proportion of neurovascular contact on the symptomatic trigeminal nerves was higher (80.0%) compared to the asymptomatic trigeminal nerves (56.9%). The odds on having neurovascular contact over the symptomatic nerves was significantly higher than on the asymptomatic nerves [odds ratio (OR): 3.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.84–4.99; P < 0.0001]. Neurovascular contact with morphological changes were considerably more prevalent on the symptomatic side (61.4%), compared to the asymptomatic side (31.0%) (OR 4.16, 95% CI 2.46–7.05; P < 0.0001). On symptomatic nerves, neurovascular contact with morphological changes was caused by an artery in 95.0% (n = 77/81). Moreover, the site of contact and the point of contact around the trigeminal root were respectively proximal in 82.7% (67/81) and superior in 59.3% (48/81). No significant radiological differences emerged between SUNCT and SUNA. The multivariate analysis of radiological predictors associated with the symptomatic side, indicated that the presence of neurovascular contact with morphological changes was strongly associated with the side of the pain (OR: 2.80, 95% CI 1.44–5.44; P = 0.002) even when adjusted for diagnoses. Our findings suggest that neurovascular contact with morphological changes is involved in the aetiology of SUNCT and SUNA. Along with a similar clinical phenotype, SUNCT and SUNA also display a similar structural neuroimaging profile, providing further support for the concept that the separation between them should be abandoned. Furthermore, these findings suggest that vascular compression of the trigeminal sensory root, may be a common aetiological factor between SUNCT, SUNA and trigeminal neuralgia thereby further expanding the overlap between these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Lambru
- Headache and Facial Pain Group, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology and National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
| | - Khadija Rantell
- Biostatistician, Education Unit, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London UK
| | - Emer O'Connor
- Headache and Facial Pain Group, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology and National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
| | - Andrew Levy
- Headache and Facial Pain Group, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology and National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
| | - Indran Davagnanam
- Lysholm Department of Neuroradiology, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology and National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
| | - Ludvic Zrinzo
- Functional Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Clinical and Motor Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Manjit Matharu
- Headache and Facial Pain Group, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology and National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
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15
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Abstract
Short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with conjunctival injection and tearing/short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with cranial autonomic features (SUNCT/SUNA) is a rare severe headache. At the time of an attack, it can hinder a patient from eating and requires acute intervention. The sphenopalatine ganglion is an extracranial parasympathetic ganglion with both sensory and autonomic fibers. Sphenopalatine ganglion block has long been used in the treatment of headache, particularly when conventional methods have failed. Here, we present a patient who was resistant to intravenous lidocaine, but responded rapidly to sphenopalatine ganglion block during an acute episode of SUNCT/SUNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehtap Kocatürk
- Department of Neurology; Harran University, Şanlıurfa, Turkey
| | - Özcan Kocatürk
- Department of Neurology; Harran University, Şanlıurfa, Turkey
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16
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Bsteh G, Bsteh C, Broessner G. Refractory short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing responsive to anti-calcitonin gene-related peptide monoclonal antibodies: A case report. Cephalalgia 2020; 41:127-130. [PMID: 32867531 DOI: 10.1177/0333102420954558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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) is a rare but severely disabling variant within the spectrum of trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia lacking evidence-based treatment. CASE We report a case of chronic SUNCT in a 67-year-old man refractory to various guideline-conforming treatment attempts responding excellently to galcanezumab. CONCLUSIONS This case report indicates that monoclonal antibodies against calcitonin gene-related peptide, specifically galcanezumab, might be a treatment option for SUNCT warranting further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Bsteh
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Gregor Broessner
- Department of Neurology, Headache Outpatient Clinic, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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17
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Trigemino-autonomic cephalalgias are very rare disorders and even rarer in children and adolescents. We report the onset of paroxysmal hemicrania in a very young girl and reviewed the scientific literature for similar cases. FINDINGS We describe the case of a 1.6-year-old girl with left-sided headache attacks fulfilling the criteria of paroxysmal hemicrania including prompt responsiveness to indomethacin. In addition, we detected at least two children for every trigemino-autonomic cephalalgias subtype with an age of under 7 years at the onset of the trigemino-autonomic cephalalgias. Remarkable features were a vast majority of chronic course from onset on and left-sided attacks. CONCLUSION Although very rare, trigemino-autonomic cephalalgias can occur even in very young children under the age of 6 years. This should be known in neuropaediatrics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Evers
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.,Department of Neurology, Lindenbrunn Hospital, Coppenbrügge, Germany
| | - Oliver Summ
- Department of Neurology and Research Center of Neurosensory Science, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Achim Frese
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.,Akademie für Manuelle Medizin, Münster, Germany
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18
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Rózsa A, Kovács K, Guba K, Gács G. [Symptomatic trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia without headache]. Ideggyogy Sz 2019; 72:135-139. [PMID: 30957469 DOI: 10.18071/isz.72.0135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
We report the case of a 60-year-old man who exhibited trigeminal autonomic symptoms on his right side (numbness of the face, reddening of the eye, nasal congestion) occurring several times a day, for a maximum of 60 se-conds, without any pain. The complaints were similar to trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia, just without any headache. Our 60-year-old male patient underwent a craniocervical MRI as part of his neurological workup, which revealed lesions indicative of demyelination. Further testing was guided (ophthalmological examination, VEP, CSF test) by the presumptive diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. It is likely that in his case the cause of these trigeminal and autonomic paroxysms is MS. Here we present an overview of the few cases we found in the literature, although we did not find any similar case reports. Perhaps the most interesting among these is one in which the author describes a family: a 54-year-old female exhibiting the autonomic characteristics of an episodic cluster headache, only without actual headache, her son, who had typical episodic cluster headaches with autonomic symptoms, and the woman's father, whose short-term periorbital headaches were present without autonomic symptoms. We had not previously encountered a case of trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia without headache in our practice, nor have we had an MS patient exhibiting similar neurologic symptoms. The significance of our case lies in its uniqueness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anikó Rózsa
- Péterfy Sándor Utcai Kórház, Neurológiai Osztály, Budapest
| | | | - Katalin Guba
- Péterfy Sándor Utcai Kórház, Neurológiai Osztály, Budapest
| | - Gyula Gács
- Péterfy Sándor Utcai Kórház, Neurológiai Osztály, Budapest
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headaches include those with conjunctival injection and tearing and with cranial autonomic symptoms. Most frequently reported as idiopathic, there is a growing number of symptomatic cases described. CASE REPORT A 57-year old man presented a 16-year history of right hemifacial short-lasting pain attacks accompanied by ipsilateral autonomic symptoms and simultaneous malar contractions. Brain MRI disclosed a right acoustic neuroma compressing the right facial nerve and a venous developmental anomaly perpendicular to the right facial nerve root entry zone, without lesions affecting the trigeminal nerve. He was started on lamotrigine, resulting in complete remission of pain attacks, autonomic signs and facial contractions. CONCLUSIONS This patient presents a typical short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with response to lamotrigine. The uniqueness of the case is the co-occurring malar contractions, evocative of facial nerve involvement. We speculate whether facial nerve compression renders this nerve more susceptible to triggering during a short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attack.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Sardoeira
- 1 Neurology Department, Hospital de Santo António, CHP - Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Gonçalo Cação
- 1 Neurology Department, Hospital de Santo António, CHP - Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sofia Pina
- 2 Neuroradiology Department, Hospital de Santo António, CHP - Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Paula Sousa
- 3 Neurophysiology Department, Hospital de Santo António, CHP - Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Portugal
| | - Joana Damásio
- 1 Neurology Department, Hospital de Santo António, CHP - Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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20
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Unai Y, Sato K. [A case of short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with conjunctival injection and tearing triggered by mumps meningitis in a patient with recurrent primary stabbing headache]. Rinsho Shinkeigaku 2018; 58:178-181. [PMID: 29491331 DOI: 10.5692/clinicalneurol.cn-001115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
A 32-year-old man with a 16-year history of recurrent primary stabbing headache was admitted to our hospital, owing to mumps meningitis. On day 2 of admission, he began experiencing episodes of unbearable intermittent stabbing pain, each lasting few seconds, with conjunctival injection and tearing, on the temporal side of the left orbit. We suspected trigeminal autonomic cephalgias, and administered non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), oxygen, and sumatriptan; however, the pain episodes persisted. Subsequently, after the start of intravenous lidocaine administration, the pain episodes stopped. We diagnosed a short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT), triggered by mumps meningitis. This is a valuable case report, involving a patient with a history of primary stabbing headache who was diagnosed with SUNCT triggered by mumps meningitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Unai
- Department of Neurology, Tokushima Prefectural Central Hospital
| | - Kenta Sato
- Department of Neurology, Tokushima Prefectural Central Hospital
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21
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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 two rare headache syndromes classified broadly as Trigeminal Autonomic Cephalalgias (TACs). Methods Here, 65 SUNCT (37 males) and 37 SUNA (18 males) patients were studied to describe their clinical manifestations and responses to treatment. Results Pain was almost always unilateral and side-locked. There were three types of attack: Single stabs, stab groups, and a saw-tooth pattern, with some patients experiencing a mixture of two types. As to cranial autonomic symptoms, SUNA patients mainly had lacrimation (41%) and ptosis (40%). Most cases of the two syndromes had attack triggers, and the most common triggers were touching, chewing, or eating for SUNCT, and chewing/eating and touching for SUNA. More than half of each group had a personal or family history of migraine that resulted in more likely photophobia, phonophobia and persistent pain between attacks. For short-term prevention, both syndromes were highly responsive to intravenous lidocaine by infusion; for long-term prevention, lamotrigine and topiramate were effective for SUNCT, and lamotrigine and gabapentin were efficacious in preventing SUNA attacks. A randomized placebo-controlled cross-over trial of topiramate in SUNCT using an N-of-1 design demonstrated it to be an effective treatment in line with clinical experience. Conclusions SUNCT and SUNA are rare primary headache disorders that are distinct and very often tractable to medical therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsing-Yu Weng
- 1 Department of Neurology, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, and Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,2 University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, San Francisco CA, USA
| | - Anna S Cohen
- 3 Clinical Neurosciences, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - Christoph Schankin
- 2 University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, San Francisco CA, USA.,4 Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Peter J Goadsby
- 2 University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, San Francisco CA, USA.,5 NIHR-Wellcome Trust King's Clinical Research Facility, King's College London, UK
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22
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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Wöber C. Tics in TACs: A Step into an Avalanche? Systematic Literature Review and Conclusions. Headache 2017; 57:1635-1647. [PMID: 28542727 DOI: 10.1111/head.13099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias (TACs) comprise cluster headache, paroxysmal hemicrania, short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks, and hemicrania continua. In some cases, trigeminal neuralgia (TN, "tic douloureux") or TN-like pain may co-occur with TACs. AIM This article will review the co-occurrence and overlap of TACs and tics in order to contribute to a better understanding of the issue and an improved management of the patients. METHODS For performing a systematic literature review Pubmed was searched using a total of ten terms. The articles identified were screened for further articles of relevance. SUMMARY TACs are related to tics in various ways. TN or TN-like paroxysms may co-occur with CH, PH, and HC, labeled as cluster-tic syndrome, PH-tic syndrome, and HC-tic syndrome. Such co-occurrence was not only found in the primary TACs but also in secondary headaches resembling TACs. The initial onset of TAC and tic may be simultaneous or separated by months or years. In acute attacks, tic and TAC may occur concurrently or much more often independently of each other. The term "cluster-tic syndrome" was also used in patients with a single type of pain in a twilight zone between TACs and TN fulfilling none of the relevant diagnostic criteria. Short-lasting neuralgiform headache attacks overlap with TN in terms of clinical features, imaging findings, and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Wöber
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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24
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Deep brain stimulation of the posterior hypothalamic area was first introduced in 2000 to treat drug-refractory chronic cluster headache (CH). FINDINGS So far, hypothalamic stimulation has been employed in 79 patients suffering from various forms of intractable short-lasting unilateral headache forms, mainly trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias. The majority were (88.6%) chronic CH, including one patient who suffered from symptomatic chronic CH-like attacks; the remaining were short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT), one had paroxysmal hemicranias and one symptomatic trigeminal neuralgia. Overall, after a mean follow up of 2.2 years, 69.6% (55) hypothalamic-stimulated patients showed a ≥50% improvement. CONCLUSIONS These observations need confirmation in randomised, controlled trials. A key role of the posterior hypothalamic area in the pathophysiology of unilateral short-lasting headaches, possibly by regulating the duration rather than triggering the attacks, can be hypothesised. Because of its invasiveness, hypothalamic stimulation can be proposed only after other, less-invasive, neurostimulation procedures have been tried.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Leone
- Department of Neurology, Headache and Neurology Department and Pain Neuromodulation Unit, Fondazione Istituto Nazionale Neurologico Carlo Besta, Italy
| | - Alberto Proietti Cecchini
- Department of Neurology, Headache and Neurology Department and Pain Neuromodulation Unit, Fondazione Istituto Nazionale Neurologico Carlo Besta, Italy
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25
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Liapounova NA, VanderPluym JH, Bhargava R, Kolski HH. Short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing-like attacks in a pediatric patient found to have a pontine capillary telangiectasia and developmental venous anomaly: A case report exploring the root of the problem. Cephalalgia 2016; 37:1093-1097. [PMID: 27342226 DOI: 10.1177/0333102416657148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT)-like attacks are rarely reported in the pediatric population and may remain undiagnosed and under-investigated as a result. Case presentation We present a case of a 15-year-old male with intermittent, episodic, right-sided brief headaches most in keeping with SUNCT, initially diagnosed as paroxysmal hemicrania, but with no response to indomethacin. The pain was likewise not responsive to typical migraine treatments or steroids. Management and outcome Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a right pontine capillary telangiectasia with an associated developmental venous anomaly that was adjacent to the root of the right trigeminal nerve. Differential diagnosis included first division trigeminal neuralgia with autonomic features. The patient's pain was partially alleviated by oxygen administration and responded well to carbamazepine; he remained pain free on carbamazepine a year later. Conclusion This case highlights the diagnostic dilemma of differentiating SUNCT from trigeminal neuralgia with autonomic features, both of which are rare diagnoses in pediatric patients, and the importance of appropriate neuroimaging to rule out secondary causes in patients presenting with trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias, recognizing that abnormalities identified on neuroimaging, such as vessels adjacent to the trigeminal nerve, may not be causative findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia A Liapounova
- 1 Department of Pediatric Neurology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | - Ravi Bhargava
- 2 Department of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Hanna H Kolski
- 1 Department of Pediatric Neurology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Nagel MA, Burns TM, Gilden D. SUNCT headaches after ipsilateral ophthalmic-distribution zoster. J Neurol Sci 2016; 366:207-208. [PMID: 27288808 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2016.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2016] [Revised: 05/11/2016] [Accepted: 05/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Nine days after left ophthalmic-distribution zoster, a 47-year-old man developed SUNCT headaches (short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with conjunctival injection and tearing). In contrast to two prior cases of SUNCT that developed after varicella zoster virus (VZV) meningoencephalitis without rash, this case describes an association of SUNCT with overt zoster, thus adding to the spectrum of headache and facial pain syndromes caused by VZV reactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Nagel
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Ted M Burns
- Department of Neurology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Don Gilden
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA.
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Kitahara I, Fukuda A, Imamura Y, Ikawa M, Yokochi T. Pathogenesis, Surgical Treatment, and Cure for SUNCT Syndrome. World Neurosurg 2015; 84:1080-3. [PMID: 26008143 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2015.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2015] [Revised: 05/16/2015] [Accepted: 05/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT) are characterized by attacks of moderate to severe stabbing pain, strictly unilateral, with periorbital or temporal distribution, associated with cranial autonomic symptoms, such as lacrimation and redness of the ipsilateral eye. METHODS To obtain mechanistic insights into the pathogenesis of SUNCT syndrome, more than 800 cases treated in our institution during the last 7 years were retrospectively reviewed. Two patients showed typical autonomic symptoms of SUNCT. RESULTS Magnetic resonance imaging suggested potential compression of the trigeminal nerve by the intracranial artery in these cases and complete remission was achieved by microvascular decompression. CONCLUSIONS Microvascular decompression provides an appropriate therapeutic choice if vascular compression of the trigeminal nerve is identified. From our 2 cases, we propose that, in some cases of SUNCT diagnosed previously, characteristic symptoms were induced by compression of the side surface of the first branch of the trigeminal nerve at the root exit zone by the intracranial artery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isao Kitahara
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chiba Tokushukai Hospital, Funabashi, Japan.
| | - Ataru Fukuda
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chiba Tokushukai Hospital, Funabashi, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Imamura
- Department of Oral Diagnostic Sciences, Nihon University School of Dentistry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masako Ikawa
- Department of Oral Surgery, Shizuoka-Shimizu Municipal Hospital, Shimizu, Japan
| | - Tomoki Yokochi
- Department of Clinical Research, Chiba Tokushukai Hospital, Funabashi, Japan
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Lambru G, Shanahan P, Matharu M. Exacerbation of SUNCT and SUNA syndromes during intravenous dihydroergotamine treatment: A case series. Cephalalgia 2015; 35:1115-24. [PMID: 25667300 DOI: 10.1177/0333102415570495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2014] [Accepted: 01/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The management of short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT) and with short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with autonomic symptoms (SUNA) remains challenging in view of the limited understanding of their pathophysiological mechanisms. METHODS An initial observation that patients with both chronic migraine (CM) or cluster headache (CH) and SUNCT/SUNA receiving intravenous dihydroergotamine (IV DHE) had complained of dramatic worsening of the latter led to review of the case notes of patients with CM or CH and co-existent SUNCT/SUNA seen between 2008 and 2013 and who had a trial of IV DHE. RESULTS Twenty-four patients were identified. IV DHE was ineffective for SUNCT/SUNA in 16 patients, while one patient reported a marginal improvement. Five patients reported dramatic worsening of the SUNCT/SUNA. Moreover, two patients developed new-onset SUNA during their first IV DHE infusion. Out of these seven patients, those requiring repeated courses of IV DHE consistently experienced exacerbations of SUNCT/SUNA which were suppressed with IV lidocaine. CONCLUSIONS DHE is an ineffective treatment option for SUNCT and SUNA. Physicians who intend to offer IV DHE to CH or CM patients should warn them that IV DHE could exacerbate and possibly even lead to a de novo onset of SUNCT/SUNA. In view of the reported worsening or new onset of SUNCT/SUNA in patients using dopamine agonists for the treatment of pituitary prolactinomas, we speculate that DHE might worsen or induce SUNCT and SUNA, at least in a sub-group of patients, through a perturbation in the dopaminergic system.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paul Shanahan
- The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
| | - Manjit Matharu
- Institute of Neurology, UCL, London, UK The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
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Abstract
Trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias (TAC) are rare. Cluster headaches comprise the majority, with short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT) being the rarest and shortest in duration. The majority of SUNCT are primary with a few cases occurring secondary to posterior fossa or pituitary lesions. Although activities like exercise or blowing of the nose can trigger SUNCT, onset during orgasm has not been described. Short-lasting aura has been described in TACs including SUNCT, but persistence of focal symptoms and signs without an underlying structural lesion have not been described. Lastly, treatment of SUNCT is difficult, with lamotrigine being the most common effective reported. We report a case of episodic SUNCT with symptoms suggestive of brainstem stroke that completely resolved spontaneously for which no underlying structural cause was found. The onset of first attack occurred during orgasm, and the patient responded to a high dose of topiramate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Modar Khalil
- Department of Neurology, Hull Royal Infirmary, Kingston-upon-Hull, UK
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Rozen TD. Complete alleviation of treatment refractory primary SUNCT syndrome with clomiphene citrate (a medicinal deep brain hypothalamic modulator). Cephalalgia 2014; 34:1021-4. [PMID: 24662321 DOI: 10.1177/0333102414527647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To report the first ever case of primary short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks (SUNCT) syndrome completely responsive to clomiphene citrate. METHODS Case report. RESULTS SUNCT is a primary headache disorder marked by frequent attacks of one-sided headache with cranial autonomic associated symptoms. When SUNCT is deemed medicinally treatment refractory, it can cause tremendous patient-related disability. Surgical treatment options are available including hypothalamic deep brain stimulation, occipital nerve stimulator placement or arterial decompression surgery, but these procedures carry significant morbidity. A patient presented with a 10 month complaint of multiple, daily short-lasting, right-sided headaches each lasting from 60 to 120 seconds in duration and occurring from 100 to 200 times per day. The head pain was associated with ipsilateral eyelid ptosis and conjunctival injection. The patient was diagnosed with SUNCT but was unresponsive to multiple recognized medicinal treatments. He had complete alleviation of his attacks with clomiphene citrate, a synthetic, non-steroidal, ovulatory stimulant that directly binds to hypothalamic estrogen receptors. The clomiphene was tolerated without any adverse events. A putative mechanism of action for clomiphene in the prevention of SUNCT will be presented. CONCLUSION Clomiphene citrate is a unique treatment for SUNCT and appears to be very safe and effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd D Rozen
- Geisinger Health System, Department of Neurology, Geisinger Headache Clinic, PA, USA
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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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Musuka TD, Edis RH, Kermode AG. Short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with conjunctival injection and tearing caused by a pituitary adenoma. J Clin Neurosci 2013; 20:1180-1. [PMID: 23664408 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2012.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2012] [Revised: 10/28/2012] [Accepted: 10/31/2012] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT) syndrome is a rare primary headache syndrome first described in 1978. We report on a 43-year-old man with a 10 year history of SUNCT in whom a pituitary macroadenoma was eventually detected. His pain rapidly improved with medical treatment of the prolactinoma and we propose that this is a case of symptomatic SUNCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- T D Musuka
- Department of Neurology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Hospital Avenue, Nedlands, WA 6008, Australia.
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Rinaldi F, Rao R, Venturelli E, Liberini P, Gipponi S, Pari E, Sapia E, Padovani A. Where SUNCT contacts TN: a case report. Headache 2013; 53:1492-5. [PMID: 23301550 DOI: 10.1111/head.12007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT) and trigeminal neuralgia (TN) are unilateral painful conditions that can share the same triggering factors, autonomic features and the main location, as well as the cyclically recurrent crises. Both these syndromes are associated with a high percentage of findings of vascular malformation touching the trigeminal nerve, suggesting a pathophysiological relationship. CASE In this paper, we report a new case with the main purpose to shine a light on the pathophysiology of these conditions. CONCLUSION Many authors described a SUNCT case deriving from TN or vice versa, suggesting that these conditions are strongly related. Every case of transformed TN or SUNCT should therefore be reported to gather and compare further information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Rinaldi
- Clinical Neurology, University Hospital "Spedali Civili,", Brescia, Italy
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Lambru G, Matharu MS. Trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias: A review of recent diagnostic, therapeutic and pathophysiological developments. Ann Indian Acad Neurol 2012; 15:S51-61. [PMID: 23024564 PMCID: PMC3444219 DOI: 10.4103/0972-2327.100007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2011] [Revised: 09/16/2011] [Accepted: 11/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias (TACs) are a group of primary headache disorders that are characterized by strictly unilateral trigeminal distribution pain occurring in association with ipsilateral cranial autonomic symptoms. This group includes cluster headache, paroxysmal hemicrania and short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing. These disorders are very painful, often considered to be some of the most painful conditions known to mankind, and consequently are highly disabling. They are distinguished by the frequency of attacks of pain, the length of the attacks and very characteristic responses to medical therapy, such that the diagnosis can usually be made clinically, which is important because it dictates therapy. The management of TACs can be very rewarding for physicians and highly beneficial to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Lambru
- Institute of Neurology, The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London, UK
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Abstract
Chronic daily headache is a major worldwide health problem that affects 3-5% of the population and results in substantial disability. Advances in the management of headache disorders have meant that a substantial proportion of patients can be effectively treated with medical treatments. However, a significant minority of these patients are intractable to conventional medical treatments. Occipital nerve stimulation (ONS) is emerging as a promising treatment for patients with medically intractable, highly disabling chronic headache disorders, including migraine, cluster headache and other less common headache syndromes. Open-label studies have suggested that this treatment modality is effective and recent controlled trial data are also encouraging. The procedure is performed using several technical variations that have been reviewed along with the complications, which are usually minor and tolerable. The mechanism of action is poorly understood, though recent data suggest that ONS could restore the balance within the impaired central pain system through slow neuromodulatory processes in the pain neuromatrix. While the available data are very encouraging, the ultimate confirmation of the utility of a new therapeutic modality should come from controlled trials before widespread use can be advocated; more controlled data are still needed to properly assess the role of ONS in the management of medically intractable headache disorders. Future studies also need to address the variables that are predictors of response, including clinical phenotypes, surgical techniques and stimulation parameters.
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Abstract
1. Trigeminal autonomic cephalgias (TACs) are headaches/facial pains classified together based on:a suspected common pathophysiology involving the trigeminovascular system, the trigeminoparasympathetic reflex and centres controlling circadian rhythms;a similar clinical presentation of trigeminal pain, and autonomic activation. 2. There is much overlap in the diagnostic features of individual TACs. 3. In contrast, treatment response is relatively specific and aids in establishing a definitive diagnosis. 4. TACs are often presentations of underlying pathology; all patients should be imaged. 5. The aim of the article is to provide the reader with a broad introduction to, and an overview of, TACs. The reading list is extensive for the interested reader.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Benoliel
- Department of Oral Medicine, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Faculty of Dental Medicine Founded by the Alpha Omega Fraternity, Jerusalem, Israel
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