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

• Headache due to Craniocervical Dystonia

What is Headache Attributed to Craniocervical Dystonia? (Definition/Background Information)

• Headache Attributed to Craniocervical Dystonia is a headache disorder that occurs secondary to craniocervical dystonia, an abnormal neuromuscular disorder affecting the neck and head muscles. It is marked by painful muscular spasms that result in involuntary and abnormal head movement to the sides, front, or back (abnormal posturing)
• There are several types of craniocervical dystonias depending on the region involved. These include:
  • Lingual dystonia
  • Mandibular dystonia
  • Pharyngeal dystonia
  • Segmental craniocervical dystonia
  • Spasmodic torticollis
• A progression of the neck disorder in the absence of adequate treatment, can worsen the headache. The headache is known to improve and regress on undertaking suitable management of the underlying disorder

The criteria for diagnosis of Headache Attributed to Craniocervical Dystonia as outlined by the International Headache Society (IHS) is given below:

• Craniocervical Dystonia is demonstrated by abnormal movements or defective posturing of the neck and/or head due to muscular hyperactivity
• Neck and posterior head pain fulfilling the criterion below:
• Evidence of causation demonstrated by at least two of the following:
  • Pain has developed in temporal relation to the onset of craniocervical dystonia
  • Pain has significantly worsened in parallel with progression of the craniocervical dystonia
  • Pain has significantly improved or resolved in parallel with improvement in or resolution of the craniocervical dystonia
  • Pain location corresponds to the location of the dystonic muscle(s)
• Not better accounted for by another ICHD-3 diagnosis

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