Hemicrania Continua
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What is Hemicrania Continua?
Is there any treatment?
What is the prognosis?
What research is being done?
Organizations
Related NINDS Publications and Information
What is Hemicrania Continua?
Hemicrania continua is a rare form of chronic headache marked by continuous pain on one side of the face that varies in severity.
Superimposed on the continuous but fluctuating pain are occasional attacks of more severe pain. Symptoms fall into two main
categories: autonomic, including runny nose, tearing, eye redness, eye discomfort, sweating, and swollen and drooping eyelids;
and migraine-like, including nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. The disorder has two forms: continuous,
with daily headaches, and remitting, where headaches may occur for as long as 6 months and are followed by a pain-free period
of weeks to months until they recur. Most patients experience attacks of increased pain three to five times per 24-hour cycle.
This disorder is more common in women than in men. Physical exertion and alcohol use may increase the severity of headache
pain in some patients. The cause of this disorder is unknown.
Is there any treatment? Other NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, celecoxib, and naproxen, can provide some relief from symptoms. Amitriptyline and other
tricyclic antidepressants are effective in some patients.
What is the prognosis?
What research is being done?
Select this link to view a list of studies currently seeking patients.
American Council for Headache Education 19 Mantua Road Mt. Royal, NJ 08061 achehq@talley.com http://www.achenet.org Tel: 856-423-0258 800-255-ACHE (255-2243) Fax: 856-423-0082 |
National Headache Foundation 820 N. Orleans Suite 217 Chicago, IL 60610-3132 info@headaches.org http://www.headaches.org Tel: 312-274-2650 888-NHF-5552 (643-5552) Fax: 312-640-9049 |
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Last updated July 31, 2008