Hypnic headache: a case report with polysomnography.

Abstract

We report on a case of nocturnal headache attacks fulfilling the criteria for hypnic headache syndrome. Using an overnight polysomnography, one nocturnal headache attack was captured during the REM phase of sleep. Quality of sleep was poor with desaturation episodes. However, the hypnic headache attack was not associated with oxygen desaturation. This additional case supports the view of a relationship between the hypnic headache syndrome and the REM sleep stage. Lithium therapy decreased the intensity and frequency of headache attacks.

• Authors: N Patsouros, P Laloux, M Ossemann
• Journal: Acta neurologica Belgica (Acta Neurol Belg) Vol. 104 Issue 1 Pg. 37-40 (Mar 2004) ISSN: 0300-9009 [Print] Italy
• PMID: 15143961 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Lithium

Topics

• Diagnosis, Differential
• Female
• Headache Disorders (diagnosis, drug therapy, physiopathology)
• Humans
• Lithium (therapeutic use)
• Middle Aged
• Polysomnography
• REM Sleep Parasomnias (physiopathology)