Whiplash injury-induced atypical short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with conjunctival injection and tearing syndrome treated by greater occipital nerve block.

BACKGROUND

Short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT) syndrome is a rare type of trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia. SUNCT syndrome is typically idiopathic, and secondary SUNCT syndrome after indirect injury is very rare. We report a case of SUNCT syndrome manifested dramatically after a whiplash injury and treated by greater occipital nerve (GON) block.

CASE: A 62-year-old woman presented with headache associated with ipsilateral orbitofacial pain, lacrimination, and conjunctival injection after a car accident. Imaging study revealed no acute lesions. The symptoms were triggered and worsened by touch on the ipsilateral scalp and posterior neck region, and also by talking, swallowing, or chewing. We performed GON blocks for headache 3 times. The patient experienced pain relief after a GON block.

CONCLUSIONS

Secondary SUNCT syndrome induced by whiplash injury is rare. Our case showed good outcome of SUNCT syndrome treated by GON.