Intermittent headaches as the presenting sign of subacute angle-closure glaucoma

Neurology. 2005 Sep 13;65(5):757-8. doi: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000174435.37184.c3.

Abstract

Subacute angle closure causes intermittent episodes of transiently elevated intraocular pressure. Headache is often the chief complaint, which may lead to misdiagnosis. The authors examined headache characteristics and consequences of delayed diagnosis. Patients presenting with headaches have a substantial delay in diagnosis, contributing to permanent ocular damage and glaucoma. Patients with subacute angle closure misdiagnosed with migraine are older and have shorter-duration headaches than patients with typical migraine.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diagnostic Errors / prevention & control*
  • Glaucoma, Angle-Closure / complications*
  • Glaucoma, Angle-Closure / diagnosis
  • Glaucoma, Angle-Closure / physiopathology*
  • Headache Disorders / diagnosis
  • Headache Disorders / etiology*
  • Headache Disorders / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Migraine Disorders / diagnosis
  • Migraine Disorders / physiopathology
  • Optic Nerve Diseases / etiology
  • Optic Nerve Diseases / physiopathology
  • Optic Nerve Diseases / prevention & control
  • Retrospective Studies