definition
This type of headache is a manifestation of a delusion whose content involves a mechanism that the patient believes explains the headache. A patient with a psychotic disorder may present with delusions, or false fixed beliefs that are based on incorrect inferences about reality and are firmly held despite obvious proof to the contrary. If the HA is present prior to delusions then this should be considered a primary HA and not brought on by psychosis.
This patient should be referred to a professional psychologist/psychiatrist. |
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Diagnostic Criteria
A. Any headache that fulfills criterion C
B. Presence of a delusion whose content involves a mechanism that would explain the headache (e.g. the patient believes that a device has been implanted into his or her head, which is causing a headache, or that he or she has a brain tumor causing headache despite irrefutable proof to the contrary)
C. Evidence of causation demonstrated by either or both of the following:
1. Headache has developed with or after the onset of the delusion
2. Headache has remitted after remission of the delusion
D. Not better accounted for by another ICHD-3 diagnosis.
B. Presence of a delusion whose content involves a mechanism that would explain the headache (e.g. the patient believes that a device has been implanted into his or her head, which is causing a headache, or that he or she has a brain tumor causing headache despite irrefutable proof to the contrary)
C. Evidence of causation demonstrated by either or both of the following:
1. Headache has developed with or after the onset of the delusion
2. Headache has remitted after remission of the delusion
D. Not better accounted for by another ICHD-3 diagnosis.
References:
- Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society (IHS). The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (beta version). Cephalalgia. 2013;33(9):629-808.
Kyle Kibler, SPT, CSCS
A.T. Still University
Arizona School of Health Science
Physical Therapy Program
Published: July 13, 2015
A.T. Still University
Arizona School of Health Science
Physical Therapy Program
Published: July 13, 2015