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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

Paroxysmal hemicrania is a rare headache disorder with repeated attacks of pain on one side of the head.

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

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include brain and nervous system specialists.

  3. Ask 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
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Would a trial of indomethacin be right for me?
How can I keep a headache diary to help with diagnosis?
Which headache specialist should I see?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually starta variety of ages

GARD doesn't describe a cause for this condition yet.

Neurological

Also known as: paroxysmal hemicrania (headache one side of head)

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Paroxysmal HemicraniaGARD ID 10794 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Paroxysmal Hemicrania.

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Explore research for Paroxysmal Hemicrania

Explore actively recruiting Paroxysmal Hemicrania studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Paroxysmal Hemicrania with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
  • Share your city to look for research near you
  • 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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