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What are Hemicrania Continua?
Hemicrania Continua is a chronic condition that involves continuous, fluctuating, severe pain present on one side of the head.
Most patients experience 3 to 5 attacks a day
It is more common in women than in men
There are 2 forms of Hemicrania Continua :
Chronic, daily attacks
Remitting, attacks may occur for six months and are then followed by a pain-free period
What causes Hemicrania Continua?
The cause of hemicrania continua is unknown. It is not clear whether there is a genetic element or triggering factors.
What are the symptoms?
What are the symptoms?
The main symptom is episodes of severe pain on one side of the face.
Eye redness and lacrimation (tearing)
Ptosis, drooping eyelid
Nausea and vomiting
Sensitivity to light and sound
Can anything trigger the pain?
Can anything trigger the pain?
In some cases, physical exertion and alcohol use may increase the severity of the pain.
Imaging In Diagnosis
There is no formal imaging to diagnose Hemicrania Continua, however many people have undergone MRI scans before they are diagnosed. This condition has a positive response to the medication Indomethacin, however, this drug can be poorly tolerated. Patients will try Indomethacin and keep a strict headache diary. If the symptoms have been lowered, it can confirm the diagnosis.
Indomethacin provides rapid relief from the symptoms
Has to be taken with an acid-suppression medication, for example, Lansoprazole due to GI effects
To find out more information about Hemicrania Continua, visit these websites by clicking the logo
To find out more information about Hemicrania Continua, visit these websites by clicking the logo
A Patient's Experience
To read the rest of my story click on the link to SUNA/SUNCT!
"10 years ago I had a microvascular decompression surgery as my diagnosis at the time was Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN). This did not work and I felt like I had failed. I am now feeling very positive as I recently had an occipital nerve stimulator surgery and so far this has decreased my pain by about 60%!!!"
"New developments in medicine give me hope that one day I will be pain free"
References
References
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