title: Prolactinomas, dopamine agonists and headache: two case reports.
abstract: Headache is a common problem in patients with pituitary tumours. Small pituitary lesions can cause debilitating headache, suggesting that the size of the pituitary tumour may not be the only causal factor in pituitary-related headache. We present two cases of prolactinoma-associated headache. The first case has a clinical diagnosis of short-lasting unilateral headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT). The second case has a clinical diagnosis of hemicrania continua and idiopathic stabbing headache. In each case, the administration of dopamine agonists has led to an exacerbation of symptoms. We review the relevant literature to understand the pathophysiological implications of these cases.
authors.affiliation: Headache Group, Institute of Neurology, London, UK.
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Levy
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Matharu
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Goadsby
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000568:Amenorrhea / Q000209:etiology; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001971:Bromocriptine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000077465:Cabergoline; D018491:Dopamine Agonists / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004873:Ergolines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006261:Headache / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007213:Indomethacin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D010911:Pituitary Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood; D015175:Prolactinoma / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D011859:Radiography
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D018491:Dopamine Agonists; D004873:Ergolines; D001971:Bromocriptine; D011388:Prolactin; D000077465:Cabergoline; D007213:Indomethacin