Cluster-tic syndrome as the initial manifestation of multiple sclerosis

J Headache Pain. 2012 Jul;13(5):425-9. doi: 10.1007/s10194-012-0449-2. Epub 2012 Apr 28.

Abstract

We report the case of a patient diagnosed as having cluster-tic syndrome as the initial manifestation of multiple sclerosis (MS). The patient's headache bouts improved after treatment with antiepileptic drugs, steroids, and beta-interferon. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans showed a pontine demyelinating lesion involving the area of the trigeminal root inlet and main sensory nucleus. Neurophysiological studies correlated well with MRI lesions. The association between cluster-tic syndrome and MS is an exception, and the mechanism of the pain is still unknown; therefore, this case might suggest a pathophysiological relationship between the trigeminal main sensory nucleus and cluster-tic syndrome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Blinking / physiology
  • Cerebellum / pathology
  • Electric Stimulation
  • Functional Laterality
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Multiple Sclerosis / complications*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / diagnosis
  • Pons / pathology
  • Reaction Time
  • Reflex / physiology
  • Tic Disorders / complications*
  • Trigeminal Nuclei / pathology