OBJECTIVE: To describe the statuslike pattern of SUNCT (short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform pain with conjunctival injection and tearing) in two young women. BACKGROUND: SUNCT syndrome is a rare condition characterized by a short-lasting periocular pain associated with marked autonomic symptoms. Twenty-five cases have been reported in the literature with a high preponderance of males and a mean age of 51 years. The frequency of episodes shows a wide variability, not just among individuals but also in the same patient, and a statuslike pattern of almost continuous attacks has been described. METHODS: We report the cases of two young women (aged 26 and 23 years) with typical SUNCT features who suffered bouts of up to 60 paroxysms of pain per hour. Paraclinical investigations showed no abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS: Although unusual, paroxysms in SUNCT may overlap into a clinical status. A strong relationship with hormonal changes was noted in one patient. In both cases, the pain was refractory to treatment with indomethacin, carbamazepine, and hypnotics, and only intravenous methylprednisolone with oral carbamazepine may have been partially effective in one case.
OBJECTIVE: To describe the statuslike pattern of SUNCT (short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform pain with conjunctival injection and tearing) in two young women. BACKGROUND: SUNCT syndrome is a rare condition characterized by a short-lasting periocular pain associated with marked autonomic symptoms. Twenty-five cases have been reported in the literature with a high preponderance of males and a mean age of 51 years. The frequency of episodes shows a wide variability, not just among individuals but also in the same patient, and a statuslike pattern of almost continuous attacks has been described. METHODS: We report the cases of two young women (aged 26 and 23 years) with typical SUNCT features who suffered bouts of up to 60 paroxysms of pain per hour. Paraclinical investigations showed no abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS: Although unusual, paroxysms in SUNCT may overlap into a clinical status. A strong relationship with hormonal changes was noted in one patient. In both cases, the pain was refractory to treatment with indomethacin, carbamazepine, and hypnotics, and only intravenous methylprednisolone with oral carbamazepine may have been partially effective in one case.