Paroxysmal hemicrania is a relatively rare headache disorder that is most similar to cluster headaches. Unlike cluster headaches, however, the attacks are shorter-lasting, they occur more commonly in women, and they respond dramatically to a medication called indomethacin.

Criteria for diagnosing chronic paroxysmal hemicrania include the following:

A. At leas 50 headache attacks.

B. Attack frequency is above five per day for more than half of the time.

C. Pain is associated with at least one of the following:

1. Redness of the eyes
2. Tearing
3. Nasal congestion
4. Runny nose
5. Drooping eyelid
6. Eyelid swelling

D. Indomethacin (150 mg/day or less) is absolutely effective.

E. The headaches are not secondary to specific brain problem such as a stroke or a brain tumor.