The Frequent Unusual Headache Syndromes: A Proposed Classification Based on Lifetime Prevalence

Abstract

The unusual headache syndromes do not appear to be as infrequent in clinical practice as has been generally believed. About three-fourths of the classified headache disorders found in the ICHD-II can be considered as rare. This narrative review article may be regarded as an introduction to the concept of unusual headaches and a proposed classification of all headaches (at least those listed in the ICHD-II).

Alice in Wonderland Syndrome, Burning Mouth Syndrome, Cold Stimulus Headache, and HaNDL: Narrative Review

“…An attempt has been made to classify and categorize the headache disorders listed in the ICHD‐II 1 in relation to lifetime prevalence as very frequent, frequent, occasional, or rare . Out of 199 headache types and subtypes, 154 were classified as rare (ie, when the lifetime cumulative prevalence is less than 1 in 1500 individuals).…”

Ponytail headache (external-traction headache): prevalence, characteristics and relationship with migraine

“…Marcelo Moraes Valença mmvalenca@yahoo.com.br Introduction D espite of its frequent occurrence, the headache caused by wearing a tight ponytail (ponytail headache, currently named as external-traction headache) 1 is scarcely documented in the medical literature. 2 In a cross-sectional study, Blau 2 observed a 53.8% prevalence of ponytail headache among the 90 women interviewed.…”

Cluster-tic syndrome: case report and literature review

“…Cluster-tic syndrome is a rare and curious clinical condition characterized by cluster headache coexisting with ipsilateral trigeminal neuralgia. (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14) The first component represents severe unilateral throbbing attacks in the periorbital or temporal areas commonly associated with facial autonomic symptoms, such as lacrimation, rhinorrhea, conjunctival hyperemia, nasal congestion and palpebral fissure narrowing. In association with this trigeminal neuralgia also occurs, characterized by an ipsilateral paroxysm sharp, shock-like pain (triggered by facial or intraoral stimuli).…”