Neuro-ophthalmologic manifestations of primary headache disorders

Semin Ophthalmol. 2008 May-Jun;23(3):169-77. doi: 10.1080/08820530802012937.

Abstract

Headaches are the most common disorders of the central nervous system affecting 46% of the adult population worldwide. Headaches may be lifelong illnesses, often associated with substantial disability for the individual and the population as a whole. The International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-II) codifies headache disorders into fourteen categories, predominantly primary headaches and secondary headache disorders. Primary headache disorders, mainly migraine and trigeminal autonomic cephalgias (TACs), are frequently associated with neuro-ophthalmologic manifestations. Ophthalmologists are often the first physicians to be involved in the deciphering of headache-related visual disturbances. This article reviews two major primary headache disorders, migraine and trigeminal autonomic cephalgias, and discusses their neuro-ophthalmic complications, clinical presentation, and treatment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Eye Diseases / diagnosis
  • Eye Diseases / etiology*
  • Eye Diseases / therapy
  • Humans
  • Migraine Disorders / complications*
  • Migraine Disorders / diagnosis
  • Migraine Disorders / therapy
  • Trigeminal Autonomic Cephalalgias / complications*
  • Trigeminal Autonomic Cephalalgias / diagnosis
  • Trigeminal Autonomic Cephalalgias / therapy