Shunting the Diagnosis: A Case of Cavernoma Induced Hydrocephalus and Secondary Cluster-Like Headaches

Cavernomas are thin dilated vascular channels that lack smooth muscle or neural tissue. In this case report, the patient had headache attacks that resembled cluster headaches and cavernomas causing obstructive hydrocephalus requiring surgical intervention. Her cluster headaches did not improve with resolution of her hydrocephalus, but responded to treatment with verapamil and high flow oxygen. This case suggests that cavernomas may serve as a structural cause of secondary cluster headaches, and secondary cluster headaches can at times be responsive to primary cluster headache treatments like verapamil and high flow oxygen. The intent of this study is to demonstrate cavernomas as potential structural causes for secondary cluster headache.