Med. praxi. 2011;8(4):177-180

Cervicogenic headache

prof.MUDr.Zdeněk Ambler, DrSc.

Neurologická klinika LF UK a FN, Plzeň

Cervicogenic headache is a referred pain from the cervical spine. It is typically an asymmetric or unilateral headache that can be provoked

by neck movement, awkward head positions or pressure on tender points in the neck. The current International Headache Society and

Cervicogenic Headache International Study Group diagnostic criteria are presented. In the differential diagnosis secondary organic

disorders such as a space-occupying lesion particularly in the posterior cranial fossa or subarachnoid hemorrhage should be excluded.

Neurologic examination in cervicogenic headache should be normal and special manual musculoskeletal assessment will most often

suggest an underlying cervical spine abnormality. Computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is primarily used to

search for secondary causes of pain that may require other form management. The successful treatment of cervicogenic headache usually

requires a complex multifactorial approach using pharmacological treatment, and non-pharmacological approaches (rehabilitation

and manual therapy).

Keywords: cervicogenic headache, diagnostic criteria, cervical spine, facet joints, cervicogenic vertigo, treatment

Published: May 1, 2011  Show citation