What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Headache Attributed to Intracranial Colloid Cyst
• Headache due to Colloid Cyst of the Third Ventricle
• Headache due to Intracranial Colloid Cyst

What is Headache Attributed to Colloid Cyst of the Third Ventricle? (Definition/Background Information)

• Headache Attributed to Colloid Cyst of the Third Ventricle is a headache disorder that occurs secondary to colloid cyst of the third ventricle, an intracranial neoplasm. The condition is typically observed in young and middle-aged adults
• Colloid cyst of the third ventricle is a benign cyst of the brain that is observed in the third ventricle. The brain ventricles are a network of cavities within the brain tissues that produce and transport cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the central nervous system
• The cystic tumor can cause thunderclap headaches that are recurrent, mostly triggered by changes in body position (standing, sitting, etc.). Besides headaches, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, memory loss, dementia, and seizures may be observed. However, small-sized and slow-growing colloid cysts of brain may not present any signs and symptoms
• A majority of cystic brain tumors may remain undiagnosed for prolonged periods if they are asymptomatic. Large and rapidly-progressing cysts may cause significant symptoms due to obstruction of CSF flow in the ventricles, resulting in obstructive hydrocephalus with characteristic symptoms. This can be a life-threatening medical condition

The criteria for diagnosis of Headache Attributed to Colloid Cyst of the Third Ventricle as outlined by the International Headache Society (IHS) is given below:

• A colloid cyst of the third ventricle has been demonstrated
• Any headache fulfilling the criterion below

Evidence of causation demonstrated by both of the following:

• Headache has developed in temporal relation to development of the colloid cyst, or led to its discovery
• Either or both of the following:
  • Headache is recurrent, with thunderclap onset and accompanied by reduced level or loss of consciousness
  • Headache has significantly improved or resolved in temporal relation to successful treatment of the colloid cyst

Not better accounted for by another ICHD-3 diagnosis.

(Source: International Headache Society Classification ICHD-3, London, United Kingdom)