Hemicrania Continua Headache - Diagnosis & Treatment

Symptoms & Causes Diagnosis & Treatment Our Expertise & Doctors

How is hemicrania continua diagnosed?

Diagnosis of hemicrania continua involves:

A detailed medical history and review of symptoms
Physical and neurological examinations to rule out other conditions
Trial of indomethacin: A diagnosis is often confirmed if the headache significantly improves or resolves with indomethacin treatment
Imaging studies, such as MRI or CT scans, to exclude other potential causes of the headache

How is hemicrania continua treated?

Treatment for hemicrania continua focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing attacks:

Indomethacin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and the primary treatment for hemicrania continua. It is often highly effective in alleviating symptoms.
Alternative medications can be considered for patients who cannot tolerate indomethacin; other medications may be considered.
Lifestyle and supportive measures such as implementing stress management techniques, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, and avoiding known triggers can help manage symptoms.
Regular monitoring includes ongoing follow-up with a healthcare provider to adjust treatment as needed and monitor for potential side effects of long-term medication use.

Symptoms & Causes

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