Study of Hypothalamic Metabolism in Spontaneous Cluster Headache Attacks

Study of Hypothalamic Metabolism in Spontaneous Cluster Headache Attacks

Cluster headache is characterized by unilateral excruciating head pain and autonomic dysfunction. Hypothalamic overactivity was observed in nitrate-induced cluster-headache and in only one case of spontaneous cluster headache 'Sprenger et al, 2004). This prompted the application of hypothalamic deep brain stimulation. The aim of this data is to precise the localisation of the hypothalamic activation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• cluster headache in crisis
• no serious illnesses in progress as cancer, autoimmune disease, liver disease
• patient without chronic psychiatric disease excluding moderate and reactional depression
• no demential disease
• no anxious or depressive disease
• no contraindication to PET scan (pregnancy and breast-feeding)
• social security cover
• written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• No effective contraception taken
• unable to realize a decubitus of 15 minutes long