Overview
Less common than Cluster headache, this is also part of the trigeminal autonomic cephalgia group of headache disorders. It is associated with a unilateral (one sided headache) which is continuous. It has associated autonomic features on the same side of the headache. It is completely responsive to a medication called Indomethacin.
Symptoms & Diagnosis
The headache in this condition is a continuous pain, that fluctuates in intensity, which is present on one side of the head. They will have episodes of severe pain associated with features such as eye-watering, eye redness and nasal running on top of the continuous general pain. Migraine-symptoms can also be present. The exact cause is not known.
It has a positive response when treated with a medication, indomethacin, which is an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug). It is recommended that a trial of indomethacin is carried out whilst keeping a strict headache diary whilst the dose is increased. Patients who have hemicrania continua can also have other types of headache such a migraine. Therefore it is important that a detailed headache diary is kept to identify the different headache types. Further investigations including imaging of the head and pituitary and specific blood tests may also be suggested.
Treatments & Key Areas We Specialise In
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