Hemicrania Continua

What is Hemicrania Continua?

Hemicrania continua is a rare, relentless, constant, one-sided headache that is accompanied at times by mild symptoms related to dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system in the face – small pupil, drooping eyelid, red or watering eye, stuffy or runny nose – similar to the symptoms of a cluster headache, but much less dramatic. The pain is usually dull but can wax and wane in severity.

Fortunately, these headaches often subside entirely with prescription anti-inflammatory medication. There is also growing evidence that melatonin may be helpful.