Chronic Paroxysmal Hemicrania, Hemicrania Continua and Cluster Headache – All From The Same Disorder?
In recent times the International Headache Society has added a third primary group of headache(s) to the two primary headache types – migraine and tension-type headache.
This third primary group includes Cluster headache, Chronic Paroxysmal Hemicrania, and SUNCT (Short lasting Unilateral Neuralgia form headache attack with Conjunctival injection and Tearing!) and Hemicrania Continua.
Chronic Paroxysmal Hemicrania is very similar to Cluster Headache and is often described as the female equivalent of Cluster Headache (Cluster Headache is more frequent in males).
It is interesting to note a report demonstrating that both chronic Paroxysmal Hemicrania and Hemicrania Continua (thought to be two different types of headache) respond to the same medication – Indomethacin. (Indomethacin is a non steroidal anti inflammatory drug used to reduce pain)
I have written before that Cluster Headache and Hemicrania Continua respond to blocking or injecting of the greater occipital nerve i.e. a feature of Cervicogenic (neck-related) Headache – just more evidence to support the role of neck disorders in many different headache forms …..
Cheers
Dean
Consultant Headache and Migraine Physiotherapist; Adjunct Lecturer, Masters Program, School of Physiotherapy, University of South Australia; PhD Candidate, Murdoch University, Western Australia
Migraine Treatment
References:
(Headache Classification Subcommittee of the International Headache Society. The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 2nd edn. Cephalalgia 2004; 24(suppl.1):1-151
Sjaastad O, Antonaci F. Paroxysmal Hemicrania (CPH) and Hemicrania Continua: Transition From One Stage to Another. Headache 1993;(33)10:551-554)
