Trigeminal Autonomic Cephalalgias.

Purpose Of Review: This article reviews the clinical features of and treatment options for the trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias (TACs).

Recent Findings: The TACs are a group of primary headache disorders characterized by short-lasting episodes of severe unilateral headaches that are associated with ipsilateral cranial autonomic symptoms. The best known and most commonly seen TAC in clinical practice is cluster headache. The other syndromes within this group include paroxysmal hemicrania, hemicrania continua, and short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks. Although these disorders share a similar phenotype, they are distinguished by differences in attack frequency and duration. Recognition of these clinical differences is paramount because treatment options vary; paroxysmal hemicrania and hemicrania continua demonstrate an absolute response to treatment with indomethacin, while the other syndromes respond to other agents.

Summary: Although much less common than other headache disorders seen in clinical practice, recognition of the TACs is especially important as they are among the most severe and disabling syndromes in headache medicine.