Neuro-ophthalmology and its contribution to headaches: a case-based approach

Abstract

Many neuro-ophthalmic conditions are associated with head or ocular pain; some are benign and others are potentially life-threatening. Rather than listing and describing numerous conditions, this article presents three cases interfacing neuro-ophthalmology and headache, with a discussion of the differential diagnosis, approach to obtaining the proper diagnosis, and management. The discussions are not intended to be exhaustive, but include conditions encountered in practice that present a diagnostic challenge. The main issues are highlighted for each clinical scenario.

Keywords::

• angle-closure glaucoma
• carotid dissection
• giant cell arteritis
• intracranial hypertension
• ophthalmoplegic migraine
• orbital infection
• orbital inflammation
• painful ophthalmoplegia
• pseudotumor cerebri
• Tolosa–Hunt syndrome

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.