Living with Hemicrania continua
A long-lasting headache on one side of the head, with flare-ups of stronger migraine-like pain.
Understanding Hemicrania continua
Primary means the headache is not caused by another medical condition. The pain stays on the same side and usually has no pain-free periods. Flare-ups can last from 20 minutes to days. It is more common in women and most often starts in adulthood.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these signs:
- Constant mild to moderate pain on one side of the head
- Flare-ups of severe, migraine-like pain
- Watering or red eye on the same side
- Stuffy or runny nose on the same side
- Drooping eyelid on the same side
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include brain and nervous system specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
American Migraine Foundation may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Brain and nervous system specialists (neurologists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: American Migraine Foundation
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with American Migraine Foundation
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says the cause of hemicrania continua is unknown. Doctors diagnose it by ruling out other causes of the pain and by looking at the symptoms.
Patient organizations
- American Migraine FoundationHemicrania continua · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Hemicrania continua.
Explore research for Hemicrania continua
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- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
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- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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