
Living with Paroxysmal Hemicrania
A rare headache condition with short, repeated attacks of pain on one side of the head, with eye and nose symptoms.
Understanding Paroxysmal Hemicrania
Attacks come with symptoms on the same side, like a runny nose or watery eye. The attacks are fairly short. GARD says the condition responds completely to a medicine called indomethacin. It can start at a variety of ages.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Repeated attacks of one-sided headache
- Watery eye
- Runny nose
- Red eye
- Drooping eyelid
- Sensitivity to light and sound
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.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Brain and nervous system specialists (neurologists)
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- 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 rare disease patient organizations for support
- 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 doesn't describe a cause for this condition yet.
Also known as: paroxysmal hemicrania (headache one side of head)
Patient organizations
Rare-disease groups that can help
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Paroxysmal Hemicrania.
Explore research for Paroxysmal Hemicrania
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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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