Determinants and impact of headache after acoustic neuroma surgery

Headache after acoustic neuroma surgery is known to occur clinically, but has not been studied systematically until recently. In the present study, 155 patients were surveyed regarding their experience of headache and associated symptoms following resection of an acoustic neuroma: 73 percent (n = 98...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inThe American journal of otology (New York, N.Y.) Vol. 15; no. 6; p. 793
Main Authors Pedrosa, C A, Ahern, D K, McKenna, M J, Ojemann, R G, Acquadro, M A
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.11.1994
Subjects
Cranial Nerve Neoplasms - pathology
Cranial Nerve Neoplasms - surgery
Female
Headache - diagnosis
Headache - etiology
Humans
Male
Neuroma, Acoustic - pathology
Neuroma, Acoustic - surgery
Postoperative Complications
Severity of Illness Index
Vestibulocochlear Nerve - pathology
Vestibulocochlear Nerve - surgery
Online AccessGet more information

Cover

More Information
Summary:Headache after acoustic neuroma surgery is known to occur clinically, but has not been studied systematically until recently. In the present study, 155 patients were surveyed regarding their experience of headache and associated symptoms following resection of an acoustic neuroma: 73 percent (n = 98) of patients undergoing suboccipital resection of an acoustic neuroma and 53 percent (n = 8) of patients undergoing translabyrinthine resection of acoustic neuroma complained of headache following surgery. The average pain intensity was greater for the suboccipital approach. Only 9 percent (n = 14) reported troublesome or frequent headaches preoperatively. Headache was described most often as tension type, with episodic acute exacerbations mimicking migraine. Clinical observations suggest that most patients are treated successfully with various combinations of reassurance, tricyclic antidepressants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, trigger-point injections, adjunctive stress management techniques (relaxation), and physical therapy. The impact of recurrent headache on work and recreational function is notable. Several possible pathophysiological and biopsychosocial models are proposed to account for the prevalent headache problem. Although spontaneous resolution usually occurs over time, additional study is needed to determine the natural history of postoperative headache once it occurs.
ISSN:0192-9763