A case of coin-shaped headache
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32385/rpmgf.v42i1.14196Keywords:
Nummular headache, Coin-shaped headache, Primary headaches, Case reportAbstract
Introduction: Nummular headache, so named from the Latin nummus (coin), is a rare type of primary headache that presents localized pain in a well-circumscribed area of the scalp, typically round or elliptical in shape, with a diameter ranging between 1 and 6cm.
Case description: We report the case of an 80-year-old woman with a 2-year history of recurrent pain episodes localized in the left parietal region. The pain was confined to a well-defined, rounded area of the scalp measuring approximately 2×2cm and was described by the patient as a mild pressure sensation. The episodes were self-limited, occurred bimonthly, and lasted approximately 24 hours. Following analytical and imaging investigations and after excluding other differential diagnoses, particularly underlying structural lesions, symptomatic treatment with oral analgesics was initiated, resulting in favorable clinical progression.
Comment: An increasing number of nummular headache cases are being reported in the literature. In the presence of continuous or intermittent pain confined to a clearly delineated, round or elliptical area of the skull, the diagnosis of nummular headache should be considered. It is also essential to exclude other differential diagnoses, such as structural lesions, and to be aware of the current therapeutic options available for this condition.
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