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Is Chiari type I malformation a reason for chronic daily headache?

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Abstract

This article briefly reviews the spectrum of headaches associated with Chiari type I malformation and specifically analyzes current data on the possibility of this malformation as an etiology for some cases of chronic daily headache (CDH). Chiari type I malformation is definitely associated with cough headache and not with primary episodic headaches, with the rare exception of basilar migraine-like cases. With regard to CDH, there is no clear evidence supporting an association with this malformation. An MRI study would be justified only in patients showing either a Valsalva-aggravating component or cervicogenic features. Hydrocephalus and low intracranial pressure syndrome should be ruled out in patients showing tonsillar herniation in an MRI study and consulting due to daily headache.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Service of Neurology, University Hospital, Paseo de San Vicente 58-182, 37007, Salamanca, Spain

    Julio Pascual MD, PhD

Authors
  1. Carmiña Riveira MD
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  2. Julio Pascual MD, PhD
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Correspondence to Julio Pascual MD, PhD.

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Riveira, C., Pascual, J. Is Chiari type I malformation a reason for chronic daily headache?. Curr Pain Headache Rep 11, 53–55 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-007-0022-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-007-0022-x

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