Transient stabbing headache from an acute thalamic hemorrhage
2011
Stabbing Headache from Thalamic Hemorrhage
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Matthew S. Robbins
Primary Institution: Montefiore Headache Center, The Saul R. Korey Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Hypothesis
Can a small acute thalamic hemorrhage cause stabbing headaches?
Conclusion
The study found that a small thalamic hemorrhage can be associated with stabbing headaches in patients.
Supporting Evidence
- The patient experienced stabbing headache as the first symptom of a small thalamic hemorrhage.
- Neuroimaging revealed a small left thalamic hematoma.
- The pain was strictly in the right trigeminal distribution, corresponding to the left thalamic lesion.
Takeaway
A 95-year-old woman had a sudden sharp headache due to a small bleed in her brain, showing that even small injuries can cause big pain.
Methodology
Case report of a 95-year-old woman with a thalamic hemorrhage and associated stabbing headache.
Limitations
The lack of magnetic resonance imaging makes the exclusion of other acute lesions less definitive.
Participant Demographics
95-year-old right-handed Caucasian woman.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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