Cluster headache and intracranial aneurysm

J Headache Pain. 2007 Oct;8(5):277-82. doi: 10.1007/s10194-007-0412-9. Epub 2007 Oct 23.

Abstract

In the present study we describe the cases of two patients with cluster-like headache related to intracranial carotid artery aneurysm. One of these patients responded to verapamil prescription with headache resolution. In both cases the surgical clipping of the aneurysm resolved the cluster pain. These findings strongly suggest a pathophysiological link between the two conditions. The authors discuss the potential pathophysiological mechanisms underlying cluster-like headache due to intracranial carotid artery aneurysm.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Afferent Pathways
  • Calcium Channel Blockers / therapeutic use
  • Carotid Artery, Internal / diagnostic imaging
  • Carotid Artery, Internal / pathology
  • Carotid Artery, Internal / surgery
  • Cerebral Angiography
  • Cluster Headache / diagnosis*
  • Cluster Headache / etiology*
  • Cluster Headache / physiopathology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Intracranial Aneurysm / complications*
  • Intracranial Aneurysm / diagnosis*
  • Intracranial Aneurysm / physiopathology
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mydriasis / etiology
  • Neurosurgical Procedures
  • Oculomotor Nerve Diseases / diagnosis
  • Oculomotor Nerve Diseases / etiology*
  • Oculomotor Nerve Diseases / physiopathology
  • Subarachnoid Hemorrhage / diagnosis
  • Subarachnoid Hemorrhage / etiology*
  • Subarachnoid Hemorrhage / surgery
  • Surgical Instruments
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vascular Surgical Procedures
  • Verapamil / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Calcium Channel Blockers
  • Verapamil