Hemicrania continua

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Hemicrania continua is a primary chronic headache disorder characterized by a continuous and unilateral headache without shifting sides. The term hemicrania continua was first coined by the neurologist Michel Sjaastad in 1984. The word hemicrania is derived from the Greek words hemi, meaning half, and kranion, meaning skull, while continua is a Latin word meaning continuous.

Pronunciation

Hemicrania continua is pronounced as hem-i-kra-nia con-tin-u-a.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of hemicrania continua is a continuous, unilateral headache that is moderate in intensity but can have severe exacerbations. Other symptoms can include autonomic features such as ptosis (drooping of the eyelid), miosis (constriction of the pupil), conjunctival injection (redness of the eye), tearing, rhinorrhea (runny nose), and facial sweating.

Causes

The exact cause of hemicrania continua is unknown. However, it is thought to be related to the trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias (TACs), a group of primary headache disorders that also includes cluster headache and paroxysmal hemicrania.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of hemicrania continua is primarily based on the patient's history and clinical features. The International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD) provides specific diagnostic criteria for hemicrania continua.

Treatment

The first-line treatment for hemicrania continua is indomethacin, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Other treatments may include corticosteroids, calcium channel blockers, and neuromodulation therapies.

See also

External links

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