Coexistence of hemiplegic migraine with SUNCT or SUNA: a case series

Abstract

Background: Hemiplegic migraine (HM) is a rare subtype of migraine with aura that includes transient hemiparesis of different degrees. The dominantly inherited type, called familial hemiplegic migraine, along with the sporadic type, in which no family history of similar attacks exists, have been recently recognized by the revised International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-2). Short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT) and short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with cranial autonomic symptoms (SUNA) are also very rare conditions that are classified as trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias. This report provides the first description of an association between HM and SUNCT/SUNA. Cases: Eight females and two males with both these disorders were identified between 2007 and 2010. Conclusion: The coexistence of such rare primary headache disorders is probably due to a common underlining mechanism, with a sodium channelopathy being an attractive potential candidate.