Cluster-like headache and idiopathic intracranial hypertension: a case report

J Headache Pain. 2008 Jun;9(3):181-3. doi: 10.1007/s10194-008-0033-y. Epub 2008 Apr 17.

Abstract

Cluster headache (CH) is a well-defined primary headache syndrome, but cases of symptomatic headache with clinical features of CH have been previously reported. Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH) is a secondary headache disorder characterized by headache and visual symptoms, without clinical, radiological or laboratory evidence of intracranial pathology. Both papilloedema and IIH-related headache are typically bilateral, however asymmetrical or even unilateral localizations are described in literature. We report the case of a previously headache-free woman who presented cluster-like headache and asymmetrical papilloedema related to IIH. In our opinion the asymmetrical presentation supports, in this case, the hypothesis of cavernous sinus involvement in the IIH-related cluster-like headache pathogenesis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cluster Headache / complications*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Papilledema / etiology
  • Pseudotumor Cerebri / complications
  • Pseudotumor Cerebri / etiology*