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Current Pain and Headache Reports
Published in: Current Pain and Headache Reports 11/2023

Open Access 24-10-2023 | Headache | Secondary Headache (M Robbins, Section Editor)

The Spectrum of Headache in Leptomeningeal Metastases: A Comprehensive Review with Clinical Management Guidelines

Authors: Jessica A. Wilcox, Rachel Estrera, Adrienne Boire

Published in: Current Pain and Headache Reports | Issue 11/2023

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Headaches are a common, oftentimes debilitating symptom in patients with leptomeningeal metastases.

Recent Findings

The third edition of the International Classification of Headache Disorders provides a useful diagnostic framework for headaches secondary to leptomeningeal metastases based on the temporal relationship of headache with disease onset, change in headache severity in correlation with leptomeningeal disease burden, and accompanying neurologic signs such as cranial nerve palsies and encephalopathy. However, headaches in patients with leptomeningeal metastases can be further defined by a wide range of varying cancer- and treatment-related pathophysiologies, each requiring a tailored approach.

Summary

A thorough review of the literature and expert opinion on five observed headache sub-classifications in patients with leptomeningeal metastases is provided, with attention to necessary diagnostic testing, recommended first-line treatments, and prevention strategies.
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Metadata
Title
The Spectrum of Headache in Leptomeningeal Metastases: A Comprehensive Review with Clinical Management Guidelines
Authors
Jessica A. Wilcox
Rachel Estrera
Adrienne Boire
Publication date
24-10-2023
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Pain and Headache Reports / Issue 11/2023
Print ISSN: 1531-3433
Electronic ISSN: 1534-3081
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-023-01180-9

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