Resolution of cluster headache after closure of an anterior communicating artery aneurysm: the role of pericarotid sympathetic fibres

Clin Neurol Neurosurg. 2006 Feb;108(2):195-8. doi: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2004.12.007. Epub 2005 Jan 11.

Abstract

We report the case of a patient suffering from migraine without aura since childhood who, at the age of 58 years, developed cluster headache (CH) attacks. This second type of headache was related to an aneurysm of the anterior communicating artery (ACoA) whose bursting caused subarachnoid haemorrhage. The aneurysm's clipping made the cluster headache subside and there was no recurrence for almost four years. However, nine months after haemorrhage, the patient experienced new migraine without aura attacks. As a pathogenetic interpretation of this secondary cluster headache, we discuss the possible role of pericarotid sympathetic nerves in cluster headache attacks. We suggest that the surgical dissection of the pericarotid sympathetic fibres could prevent the onset of the cluster headache attacks by cutting part of the circuit underlying it.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenergic Fibers / physiology
  • Aneurysm, Ruptured / complications
  • Aneurysm, Ruptured / diagnostic imaging
  • Aneurysm, Ruptured / surgery*
  • Carotid Arteries / innervation
  • Cluster Headache / etiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intracranial Aneurysm / complications
  • Intracranial Aneurysm / diagnostic imaging
  • Intracranial Aneurysm / surgery*
  • Middle Aged
  • Migraine without Aura / complications
  • Radiography