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

• PH (Paroxysmal Hemicrania)

What is Paroxysmal Hemicrania? (Definition/Background Information)

• Paroxysmal Hemicrania (PH) is a subtype of a large group of disorders that are collectively termed trigeminal-autonomic cephalalgias (TACs), which are uncommon primary headache disorders; the term “primary” indicating that a clear cause for the condition remains unidentified
• In Paroxysmal Hemicrania, the headache attacks are severe, occur several times daily, lasting from a few minutes to even half an hour, and only involve one side of the head (termed hemicrania). The condition responds well on treatment with indomethacin, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
• The pain may either involve the side of the head (above the ear) or the region around/above the eyes, or simultaneously all of these regions. Apart from pain, Paroxysmal Hemicrania may also present congestion of the nose, increased tearing, swollen eyelid, and sweating of the face
• There are two forms of Paroxysmal Hemicrania, namely:
  • Episodic Paroxysmal Hemicrania
  • Chronic Paroxysmal Hemicrania
• Even though rare, individuals of any age group, gender, race, or ethnicity may be at risk for Paroxysmal Hemicrania. However, most cases of PH are noted during adulthood

The criteria for diagnosis of Paroxysmal Hemicrania as outlined by the International Headache Society (IHS) is given below:

• At least 20 attacks fulfilling all the criteria below
• Severe unilateral orbital, supraorbital and/or temporal pain lasting 2-30 minutes

Either or both of the following:

• At least one of the following symptoms or signs, ipsilateral to the headache:
  • Conjunctival injection and/or lacrimation
  • Nasal congestion and/or rhinorrhea
  • Eyelid edema
  • Forehead and facial sweating
  • Miosis and/or ptosis
• A sense of restlessness or agitation

AND

• Occurring with a frequency of over 5 per day
• Prevented absolutely by therapeutic doses of indomethacin
• Not better accounted for by another ICHD-3 diagnosis

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