Hemicrania continua

Abstract

Unilateral throbbing headaches may present similar signs and symptoms as dental pathology and are a diagnostic challenge for dental practitioners. Cases may be seen with a primary complaint of unilateral pain or referred by medical colleagues for exclusion of dental causes. In the present article the authors add a new case of hemicrania continua (HC), which is one such unilateral headache, and review the previously published cases. HC is relatively easy to treat since it responds completely to treatment with indomethacin. However, as is presented in this case, HC may masquerade as dental pain. Cases secondary to trauma, systemic disease, and nervous system pathology have been described in the literature, and the clinician must exclude these possible causes. A thorough knowledge of this entity is therefore essential.