Stroke headache
Searched over 200M research papers for "stroke headache"
Summary
10 papers analyzed
These studies suggest that headache is common in acute stroke patients, often ipsilateral to the stroke lesion, and associated with factors like age, sex, stroke type, and history of primary headaches, but not with stroke severity or outcome.
Not a yes or no question
To use the Consensus Meter, try asking a simple yes or no question
Research summarized with Copilot
Beta20 papers analyzed
Stroke-Related Headache: Prevalence, Characteristics, and Risk Factors
Prevalence of Headache in Stroke Patients
Headache is a common symptom associated with both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. Studies have shown that the prevalence of headache in stroke patients varies widely, ranging from 6% to 44% in ischemic stroke cases. In a large community-based study, 28% of stroke patients reported experiencing headache at the onset of stroke. Another study found that 27% of patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack experienced headache at stroke onset.
Characteristics of Stroke-Related Headache
Tension-Type and Migraine-Like Headaches
The majority of headaches associated with stroke are tension-type, characterized by continuous, pressure-type pain that is often bilateral and located in the anterior region. Migraine-like headaches are also reported, particularly in cases of vertebrobasilar stroke. In a lesion mapping study, it was found that infarctions in the insula and somatosensory cortex were strongly associated with headache, suggesting a central mechanism for stroke-related headache.
Headache Localization and Severity
Headache localization often corresponds to the stroke lesion. For instance, unilateral headaches are usually ipsilateral to the stroke lesion in about 68% of cases. The severity of headache does not appear to correlate with the size or location of the ischemic stroke lesion . In hemorrhagic strokes, headaches are more likely to be diffuse and incapacitating.
Risk Factors for Stroke-Related Headache
Demographic Factors
Several demographic factors are associated with an increased risk of headache in stroke patients. Younger age and female sex are significant risk factors . A history of migraine also increases the likelihood of experiencing headache at stroke onset.
Stroke Type and Location
The type and location of the stroke significantly influence the prevalence of headache. Headaches are more common in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage compared to those with ischemic stroke . Posterior circulation strokes, particularly those affecting the vertebrobasilar territory, are more frequently associated with headache than anterior circulation strokes .
Other Clinical Factors
Other clinical factors associated with headache at stroke onset include lower blood pressure values on admission and a history of ischemic heart disease . Stroke due to arterial dissection is also strongly associated with headache, emphasizing the role of extracranial arteries in headache genesis.
Conclusion
Headache is a prevalent and significant symptom in stroke patients, with varying characteristics and risk factors depending on the type and location of the stroke. Understanding these factors is crucial for better management and treatment of stroke-related headaches, ultimately improving patient outcomes. Further research is needed to establish comprehensive treatment guidelines and to explore the underlying mechanisms of stroke-related headache.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
