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Bath-Related Headache

  • Uncommon and/or Unusual Headaches and Syndromes (J Ailani, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Pain and Headache Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

The purpose of this review is to summarize the most up-to-date literature on bath-related headache, a rare disorder.

Recent Findings

Initially described in middle-aged Asian women, it is now reported in a wider demographic. More information is available about the pathophysiology of bath-related headache, including its classification as a subtype of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS). Nimodipine can be effective in patients both with and without vasospasm.

Summary

Bath-related headache is a rare form of thunderclap headache. Although its mechanism is still unclear, it is associated with vasospasm and RCVS. Controlled trials investigating the use of nimodipine and other agents may be useful in furthering our understanding of and treatment of this phenomenon.

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References

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major Importance

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Correspondence to Aliza Kumpinsky.

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Conflict of Interest

Aliza Kumpinsky declares no conflict of interest. Dr. Nahas reports personal fees from Allergan, Amgen, electroCore, Ely Lilly, Avanir, and Supernus, all outside of the submitted work.

Human and Animal Rights and Informed Consent

This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

Additional information

This article is part of the Topical Collection on Uncommon and/or Unusual Headaches and Syndromes

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Kumpinsky, A., Nahas, S.J. Bath-Related Headache. Curr Pain Headache Rep 22, 68 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-018-0714-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-018-0714-4

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