Corneal Sensitivity in Cluster Headache

Abstract

SYNOPSIS Cluster headache pain is thought to arise from vasodilatation, but a neural origin of the pain has never been completely excluded. Some patients with cluster headache have complained of subjective diminution of sensation over the ipsilateral forehead. This is hard to quantitate and is often variable. Besides, ablation of trigeminal sensory pathways has been re sorted to for relief of pain in some intractable cases. The present study was undertaken to quantitatively assess the sensitivity of the cornea in cluster patients. Fifteen cluster headache patients were the subjects of this study. Measurement of the corneal sensitivity was undertaken using a Cochet‐Bonnet Aesthesiometer. There was no difference between the affected and the unaffected eye. There was no difference in the sensitivity when testing was done during the cluster period and later on when the patients were in remission. It is concluded from this study that there is no objective evidence for involvement of trigeminal sensory pathways in patients with cluster headache.

Cluster headache: a review

“…Corneal sensitivity is normal, verified objectively by aesthesiometer recordings during C H periods and remission periods (50).…”

SUNCT syndrome: The materialization of a headache syndrome

“…Corneal sensation (Vijayan et al 1984) was tested with the Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer (a 6.0 cm long, adjustable [6.0–0.5 cm] nylon monofilament, the pressure exerted by the tip of the filament being 11–200 mg/mm 2 ). Control individuals feel the touch of the 6.0-cm long monofilament.…”

“…This should, however, also concern the NS side (where normal values were obtained). Furthermore, in cluster headache, where pain is assumed to be excruciating (Russell 1978), normal findings have been obtained by the same method (Vijayan et al 1984). …”