Hemicrania continua
MONDO:0018615Hemicrania continua (HC) is a type of primary headache disorder, which means the headache is not caused by another medical condition. Symptoms of HC include constant mild to moderate pain on one side of the head (unilateral) with periods of more intense, severe, migraine -like pain (exacerbations). These severe pain periods can last from 20 minutes to days. The frequency of exacerbations also varies greatly. The headache stays on the same side of the head and usually without pain free periods. HC is more common in women and most often starts in adulthood, but may begin anywhere from 5 to 67 years of age. Diagnosis of hemicrania continua (HC) is made by ruling out other possible causes of the pain and by clinical symptoms. During the periods of severe pain, at least one of the following symptoms must be present on same side of the body as the headache: watering or red eyes (conjunctival injection), congested or runny nose, or drooping eyelid. In addition, the headache pain must respond to treatment with indomethacin. The cause of HC is unknown. Other treatments for those who cannot tolerate long term indomethacin therapy are being studied.
12 clinical trials for this condition and its sub-types.
Follow this condition — get notified about new trialsBroader categories
-
New hope for migraine sufferers? Needle-Freezing technique targets pain hub
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested a minimally invasive procedure called pulsed radiofrequency on a nerve bundle in the face (the sphenopalatine ganglion) to see if it could reduce pain in 55 people with chronic headaches or facial pain who hadn't gotten relief from medication. The procedure uses…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Ankara City Hospital Bilkent • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 11:02 UTC
-
Tailored therapy shows promise for teens with headaches
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested a personalized psychological intervention for 5 adolescents aged 12-18 with recurrent headaches. Researchers used smartphone surveys to track each teen's unique headache triggers and coping patterns, then delivered 4-5 weekly online therapy sessions based on tha…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Royal Holloway University • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 09:06 UTC
-
Hands-On therapy may rewire headache brains, pilot study shows
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at how osteopathic manual therapy (OMT) changes the brain in people with migraines, tension, or cluster headaches. Researchers used MRI scans to see if OMT affects brain structure and activity. The goal was to understand how OMT reduces pain and disability, not …
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:29 UTC
-
Blood protein may help ER spot serious headaches
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at whether measuring a protein called S100B in the blood can help emergency doctors tell the difference between primary headaches (like migraines) and secondary headaches (caused by something serious like a bleed or infection). Researchers enrolled 81 adults wit…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nīmes • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:00 UTC
-
Headaches linked to poor sleep and mental health in new study
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at how headaches impact sleep, pain sensitivity, and emotional well-being in 132 adults aged 18-65. Researchers measured sleep quality, central sensitization (a heightened pain state), and levels of depression, anxiety, and stress using standard questionnaires. …
Sponsor: Nagihan Acet • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:59 UTC