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

• Headache due to Viral Meningitis

What is Headache Attributed to Viral Meningitis? (Definition/Background Information)

• Headache Attributed to Viral Meningitis is a headache disorder that occurs secondary to the intracranial infection viral meningitis. The condition is generally marked by fever, nausea and vomiting, stiff neck, increased sensitivity to light, and other neurological signs and symptoms, besides headache that may be the first of the presentations observed
• Viral meningitis is a viral infection of the meninges, a protective tissue layer surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The condition is marked by headache, fever, and neck stiffness. The infection is also known as aseptic meningitis
• The headache may be a “new” headache, or the exacerbation of a pre-existing headache may take place, which then becomes chronic. The headache is known to improve and regress on undertaking suitable management of the underlying intracranial infection. Similarly, a progression of the infection in the absence of adequate treatment can worsen the headache

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

• Viral meningitis has been diagnosed
• Neuroimaging shows enhancement of the leptomeninges exclusively
• Any headache fulfilling the criterion below

Evidence of causation demonstrated by at least two of the following:

• Headache has developed in close temporal relation to the onset of the viral meningitis
• Headache has significantly worsened in parallel with worsening of the viral meningitis
• Headache has significantly improved in parallel with improvement in the viral meningitis
• Headache is either or both of the following:
  • Holocranial
  • Located in the nuchal area and associated with neck stiffness

Not better accounted for by another ICHD-3 diagnosis.

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