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C. Evidence of causation demonstrated by either or both of the following:
1. Headache and transient neurological decits have developed or signi­cantly worsened in temporal relation to onset or worsening of the CSF lymphocytic pleocytosis, or led to its discovery
2. Headache and transient neurological decits have signicantly improved in parallel with improvement in the CSF lymphocytic pleocytosis
D. Not better accounted for by another ICHD-3 diagnosis.
A. Hassan et al.

33.6 Treatment

HaNDL syndrome is a self-limited disorder with a favorable outcome. Therefore, pharmacological therapy is typically limited to the symptomatic treatment of head­aches. Once the diagnosis of HaNDL has been established, reassurance of the patients should be done as they may experience further attacks that can occur weeks or months following the rst attack. The rare occurrence of risks and complications of HaNDL syndrome should also be explained to the patient and their family. Apart from the dramatic and sudden onset, the condition is self-limited and rarely causes lifelong complications.
Antiepileptic and migraine prevention can help prevent acute attacks because of their close association with migraine-like headaches. However, the response of these drugs is difcult to compare with the natural progression of the disease itself due to their self-limiting property [2].
Urgent re-evaluation for elevated intracranial pressure is recommended for recur­ring headaches or developing visual symptoms after recovery from HaNDL.Short­to medium-term management with CSF drainage and acetazolamide is needed to prevent visual loss [16].
In a case report, a patient was treated with ibuprofen (400mg, 3 times per day) with excellent response and remained asymptomatic and free of any relapse for 6months [12].

33.7 Conclusion

HaNDL syndrome usually presents as headache episodes with neurological symp­toms and considerable cerebrospinal uid lymphocytosis but no signs of central nervous system infection. At the same time, MRIs of the brain are normal. Although the etiology is still uncertain, viral infection is one of the factors for consideration. Due to similarities of symptoms with other neurological disorders, it is essential to rule out more serious diseases. Patients with HaNDL syndrome should be educated about the nature of the disease and must be well informed about the benign and self­limiting nature of the disease. The prognosis is excellent, and symptoms typically resolve within 1–3weeks. Apart from the dramatic and sudden onset, the condition is self-limited and rarely causes lifelong complications.
33 Headache withNeurological Decits andCSF Lymphocytosis (HaNDL Syndrome)
319

References

1. Bartleson JD, Swanson JW, Whisnant JP. A migrainous syndrome with cerebrospinal uid pleocytosis. Neurology. 1981;31(10):1257–62.
2. Berg MJ, Williams LS.The transient syndrome of headache with neurologic decits and CSF lymphocytosis. Neurology. 1995;45(9):1648–54.
3. Gómez-Aranda F, Cañadillas F, Martí-Massó JF, Díez-Tejedor E, Serrano PJ, Leira R, Gracia M, Pascual J. Pseudomigraine with temporary neurological symptoms and lymphocytic pleocytosis. A report of 50 cases. Brain. 1997;120(Pt 7):1105–13. https://doi.org/10.1093/
brain/120.7.1105.
4. Al-Chalabi M, Hegde P, Asghar F, Aladamat N, Delcimmuto N, Gharaibeh K, Samara M, Esengul Y, Mahfooz N, Sheikh A.Transient headache and neurological decits with cerebrospinal uid lymphocytosis syndrome: a comprehensive systematic review of 93 patients from 57 studies. Cephalalgia. 2023;43(4):3331024231157694. https://doi.org/10.1177/03331024231157694.
5. Al Hadidi M, Meng WD, Jumean K, Hawatmeh A.Syndrome of transient headache and neu­rologic decits with cerebrospinal uid lymphocytosis masquerading as meningitis in HIV patient. Ann Transl Med. 2017;5(6):138.
6. Erdağ E, Çelebisoy N, Yüceyar AN, Kürtüncü M, Vural B, Tüzün E.Antibodies to DNA repair proteins in headache with neurological decits and cerebrospinal uid lymphocytosis (HaNDL) patients. Acta Neurol Belg. 2015;115(2):137–40.
7. Kappler J, Mohr S, Steinmetz H.Cerebral vasomotor changes in the transient syndrome of head­ache with neurologic decits and CSF lymphocytosis (HaNDL). Headache. 1997;37(8):516–8.
8. Pascual J, Valle N.Pseudomigraine with lymphocytic pleocytosis. Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2003;7(3):224–8.
9. Burke MJ, Lamb MJ, Hohol M, Lay C.Unique CT perfusion imaging in a case of HaNDL: new insight into HaNDL pathophysiology and vasomotor principles of cortical spreading depression. Headache. 2017;57(1):129–34.
10. Smail RC, Baird-Gunning J, Drummond J, Ng K.A case report of a transient splenial lesion related to HaNDL syndrome. Cephalalgia. 2020;40(10):1119–22.
11. Headache Classication Committee of the International Headache Society (IHS). The interna­tional classication of headache disorders, 3rd edition. Cephalalgia. 2018;38(1):1–211.
12. Salazar-Orellana JLI, Prado-Miranda G, Maldonado-Ortiz A.Agraphia: presenting feature of syndrome of transient headache and neurological decits with cerebrospinal uid lymphocy­tosis (HaNDL). Cureus. 2021;13(2):e13178.
13. Morrison DG, Phuah HK, Reddy AT, Dure LS, Kline LB.Ophthalmologic involvement in the syndrome of headache, neurologic decits, and cerebrospinal uid lymphocytosis. Ophthalmology. 2003;110(1):115–8.
14. Mateo I, Pinedo A, Gómez-Beldarrain M, García-Moncó JC. Estado confusional agudo secundario a síndrome de cefalea y décit neurológicos transitorios con linfocitosis en líquido cefalorraquídeo [Acute confusional state secondary to transient headache and neurological decits with cerebrospinal uid lymphocytosis]. Neurologia. 2004;19(10):763–5.
15. Parasram M, Malhotra A, Yoo AS, Mir SA.HaNDL syndrome presenting with thunderclap headache. Case Rep Neurol Med. 2021;2021:9925004. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/9925004.
16. Mulroy E, Yap J, Danesh-Meyer H, Anderson N.Symptomatic intracranial hypertension dur­ing recovery from the syndrome of headache with neurologic decits and cerebrospinal uid lymphocytosis (HANDL). Pract Neurol. 2017;17(2):145–8.
https://doi.org/10.1016/s0161- 6420(02)01444- 6.
Chapter 34
Headache Attributed toChiari Malformation Type I(CM1)
ClaudiaBaptistaTavares

34.1 Introduction

Chiari malformation, also known as Arnold-Chiari malformation, is a congenital or acquired anomaly of the hindbrain, described in autopsies in 1891 by the Austrian pathologist Hans Chiari [1]. He identied four distinct anatomical variations char­acterized by displacement of the cerebellar tonsils beyond the foramen mag­num [2, 3].
This chapter discusses the most common form, Chiari malformation type 1 (CM1), in which only the cerebellar tonsils extend below the level of the foramen magnum. CM1 may occur in isolation or be associated with syringomyelia—a dis­order characterized by the development of a uid-lled cavity (syrinx) within the spinal cord, usually resulting from disrupted cerebrospinal uid (CSF) ow at the craniocervical junction. This condition may arise from a congenitally small poste­rior fossa or be acquired due to changes in intracranial pressure that lead to dis­placement of the cerebellar tonsils [1, 4].
Cerebellar tonsillar herniation may obstruct the foramina of Luschka and Magendie and impair the circulation of the cerebrospinal uid (CSF) between the fourth ventricle and the spinal subarachnoid space (Fig.34.1). This disruption may lead to the formation of syringomyelia, usually at the cervical region of the spinal cord or, in rare cases, the brainstem [4].
CM1 is more prevalent in women than men, and the peak age of presentation is 41years in adults and 8years in children [5].
CM1 is radiologically dened when the cerebellar tonsils project ve millime­ters or more below the level of the foramen magnum (Fig.34.2). Although often an incidental nding on neuroimaging, it may cause signicant symptoms, with head­ache being the most common complaint [6].
C. B. Tavares (*) Fluminense Federal University, School of Medicine, Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Switzerland AG 2026 D. Uludüz et al. (eds.), Rare Causes of Headache Disorders, Headache,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-032-10242-3_34
321© The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature
322
Fig. 34.1 Mechanisms proposed in CM1: Key pathophysiological aspects observed in CM1, including cerebellar tonsil herniation and CSF ow obstruction. The image also depicts syringomyelia, a condition that may occur in some cases of CM1. The two highlighted panels at the top compare altered CSF ow patterns typically observed in CM1 with normal ow dynamics, emphasizing the impact of tonsillar descent on craniospinal uid circulation
Fig. 34.2 MRI of a patient with CM1: T2-weighted midsagittal MRI demonstrating tonsillar descent and CSF space reduction at the foramen magnum
C. B. Tavares
Given the variability of symptoms and the possibility of overlapping with pri­mary headaches, a proper understanding of the underlying mechanisms of CM1 is essential. This chapter aims to discuss the mechanisms to prevent misdiagnoses and help distinguish headaches related to Chiari malformation from other types of head­aches, thus contributing to a more accurate and practical approach to patient management.
34 Headache Attributed toChiari Malformation Type I(CM1)
323

34.2 Pathophysiology

In CM1, headaches are usually located in the occipital region and tend to be trig­gered or intensied by Valsalva maneuvers, such as coughing, sneezing, or physical exertion, leading to increased intracranial pressure [7]. The following main mecha­nisms are involved in this pain (Fig.34.1):
1. Disruption of CSF ow: Cerebellar tonsillar herniation can obstruct CFS circula-
tion at the craniocervical junction and lead to increased intracranial pressure and worsened headaches, especially during Valsalva maneuvers. This obstruction disrupts the normal CSF ow between the posterior fossa and spinal cord, creat­ing an abnormal pressure gradient [8]. Studies employing cine magnetic reso­nance imaging (cine MRI) have demonstrated altered CSF ow in CM1 patients, characterized by turbulent jets and increased velocity in the foramen magnum. These disturbances may result in repetitive microtrauma to the upper cervical spinal cord and brainstem, contributing to the pathophysiology of the disease [9, 10].
2. Brainstem and spinal cord compression: Direct mechanical compression affects
pain pathways, contributing to chronic headache and associated neurological symptoms.
3. Dural stretching and irritation: The caudal descent of the cerebellar tonsils and
restricted CSF ow may lead to compensatory reductions in intracranial pressure in the posterior fossa and cause mechanical traction on pain-sensitive structures, such as the dura mater and cranial base vessels. This mechanism may explain orthostatic headaches in CM1 cases without syringomyelia [4].
4. Venous congestion and increased intracranial pressure: Impaired CSF ow may
contribute to venous hypertension, further exacerbating headaches [4].
5. Altered central sensitization: Evidence suggests that CM1 may lead to hyperex-
citability of the trigeminovascular system, similar to mechanisms observed in chronic migraine. Functional neuroimaging studies also indicated increased con­nectivity between the trigeminal nucleus and structures involved in chronic pain processing (e.g., thalamus and insular cortex) in CM1 patients [11, 12]. This nding may explain the presence of migraine-like headaches in some cases.

34.3 Case Presentation

A 42-year-old woman with no prior comorbidities presented with a history of mod­erate and intermittent occipital headache since the age of 37, which had become more frequent over the past six months, dizziness, and postural instability. The patient reported intense bilateral pain in the occipital region, pulsatile at times and constrictive at others, that worsened with Valsalva maneuvers (coughing, sneezing, and physical exertion) and was partially relieved by rest. She also reported intermit­tent upper limb (UL) paresthesia and episodes of hand numbness upon waking.
324
C. B. Tavares
Despite having no family history of Chiari malformation, her mother had a diagno­sis of chronic migraine.
A neurological exam revealed preserved strength and sensation throughout the body, a negative Romberg sign, subjective complaints of postural instability, increased deep tendon reexes in the UL (bilateral biceps reex), and reduced tac­tile discrimination.
MRI of the posterior fossa and cervical spine showed cerebellar tonsils descent of seven millimeters below the level of the foramen magnum. Additionally, there was a syrinx cavity extending from the C2 to C6 vertebrae and partial obstruction of cerebrospinal uid (CSF) ow at the craniocervical junction. Cine MRI also showed increased ow velocity in turbulent jets. The diagnosis was a headache attributed to CM1. Gabapentin was initiated to modulate pain and paresthesia, and acetazol­amide to reduce CSF ow obstruction and relieve the headache.
After six months of conservative treatment, the patient presented a 50% reduc­tion in headache episodes but remained highly symptomatic during exertion, with episodes of incapacitating headaches impacting quality of life, along with hyperre­exia and paresthesia in UL.
A possible neurosurgical intervention was discussed with the patient, and a pos­terior fossa decompression with suboccipital craniectomy and duraplasty was planned (Fig.34.2). The decision to perform a dural opening in association was based on studies suggesting a higher rate of headache relief and lower risk of recur­rence compared with bone-only decompression.
Six months post-surgery, the patient reported complete resolution of headaches and signicant improvement in sensory symptoms. The follow-up MRI showed a normalization of the CSF ow at the craniocervical junction.

34.4 Case Discussion

Based on clinical and imaging ndings, the central diagnostic hypothesis was head­ache attributed to CM1, according to the International Classication of Headache
Disorders [13]. The presence of occipital pain triggered by Valsalva, neurological symptoms, and the impact on CSF ow conrmed the dysfunction at the craniocer­vical junction. MRI is an advanced diagnostic tool that allows for detailed evalua­tion of the posterior fossa anatomy, craniocervical junction integrity, and CSF pulsatile ow. In this case, it was crucial to distinguish CM1 with CSF ow restric­tion from cases without relevant hemodynamic impact. Changes in CSF dynamics correlate more strongly with symptoms than the extent of cerebellar tonsil descent [10].
The management of headaches in CM1 must consider the severity of symptoms, the presence of neurological signs, and the impact on quality of life. For patients without severe neurological decits, conservative pharmacological treatment with central pain modulators and/or CSF ow regulators is recommended rst.
34 Headache Attributed toChiari Malformation Type I(CM1)
325
34.5 Characteristics ofHeadache Related toCM1
CM1-related headaches have distinct characteristics [13]:
• Location: Occipital or suboccipital, often radiating to the vertex or frontal
regions.
• Onset and duration: Typically chronic, with episodic exacerbations.
• Triggering factors: Valsalva maneuvers (coughing, sneezing, and straining) or
neck movements.
• Associated symptoms: Neck pain, dizziness, nystagmus, sleep disturbances, and
autonomic dysfunction.

34.6 Diagnostic Algorithm

Step 1: Clinical suspicion. Identify key symptoms:
• Suboccipital headache aggravated by Valsalva maneuvers.
• Neck pain and stiffness.
• Occasional vertigo or balance issues.
• Neurological signs, such as nystagmus, gait instability, hyperreexia, and paresthesia.
Step 2: Initial diagnostic workup.
• Perform brain MRI to assess tonsillar descent: more than ve millimeters is considered signicant.
• Cine MRI to evaluate CSF ow dynamics.
Step 3: Genetic testing.
• Considered in cases with syndromic characteristics or family history. Use next-generation sequencing to investigate mutations in the OLFML2A, SLC4A9, and COL4A1 genes [14].
Step 4: Additional diagnostic evaluations.
• Ophthalmologic assessment if papilledema is suspected [15].
Step 5: Apply third edition of International Classication of Headache Disorders
(ICHD-3) diagnostic criteria (ICHD, 2018).
According to the ICHD-3, CM1-related headache should:
1. Be associated with CM1 ndings on MRI.
2. Improve after decompression surgery.
3. Have a characteristic location and trigger prole.
CM1-related headache should be excluded if:
326
C. B. Tavares
1. Another headache disorder better explains the symptoms.
2. MRI shows secondary tonsillar descent due to altered CSF pressure.
3. The headache lacks CM1-specic characteristics, such as Valsalva triggers or improvement after decompression.
Step 6: Conrm the diagnosis.
• Integrate clinical and imaging ndings.
Step 7: Classication re-evaluation.
• Differentiate between symptomatic and incidental CM1.
Headaches associated with CM1 may be confused with primary headache, migraine,
tension-type headache, or occipital neuralgia. However, some characteristics may help to perform a differential diagnosis of migraine, which is more preva­lent [13]:
• Triggering: CM1 headache is typically triggered by Valsalva maneuvers, which are different from migraine.
• Pain location: Although migraine may present with associated occipital pain, CM1-related headache frequently extends to the neck and shoulders.
• Response to treatment: Patients with CM1 are usually resistant to triptans and occipital blockages, but they may have signicant relief after surgical decom­pression of the posterior fossa.
A recent machine learning-based neuroimaging study identied structural brain
changes as potential biomarkers for differentiating between primary and second­ary headaches in CM1 [16].

34.7 Treatment

1. Pharmacological treatment Among the available drugs, the following can be highlighted:
Gabapentin (300–900mg/day) acts on the hyperexcitability of the upper cer­vical spine and can reduce associated paresthesia [17].
Topiramate (50–100mg/day) is a modulator of glutamate that reduces central sensitization. It may also reduce segmental pressure of the CSF and alleviate headaches [18].
Acetazolamide (250–500mg/day) may help alleviate headache symptoms, particularly in patients with signs of intracranial hypertension. Its mechanism involves direct inhibition of cerebrospinal uid secretion at the choroid plexus, leading to sustained intracranial pressure reduction for up to 10hours and an approximate 40% decrease in CSF ow [19].
P2X7 receptor antagonists, such as JNJ-47965567, lead to cytokine release (interleuin-1β (IL-1 β), tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α], and IL-6) associated
34 Headache Attributed toChiari Malformation Type I(CM1)
with neuropathic pain and hypersensitization of the trigeminovascular path­way. A review suggested that P2X7 receptor antagonists may reduce microg­lial inammatory responses and have shown signicant analgesic potential in experimental models of neuropathic pain and chronic headache [20].
Anti-Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP) monoclonal antibodies (ere- numab, fremanezumab, and galcanezumab) are used for refractory migraines and provide sustained improvement in pain frequency and intensity [21]. While studies for CM1 are still limited, the use of anti-CGRP may be a viable alternative for patients with persistent post-surgical headaches or headaches unresponsive to conventional therapy.
2. Other therapeutic approaches Physical therapy and lifestyle modications: Although high-quality evidence
is lacking, physical therapy focused on postural correction and cervical stabiliza­tion is often considered in clinical practice. Lifestyle adjustments such as avoid­ing activities that increase intrathoracic and intracranial pressure are also recommended based on pathophysiological rationale.
3. Surgical treatment Posterior fossa decompression (Fig.34.3): The standard approach to relieve
tonsillar herniation in severe or progressive cases. Posterior fossa decompression with or without duraplasty are indicated in patients with (1) disabling headache, particularly when triggered by Valsalva maneuvers (e.g., coughing, sneezing,
327
Fig. 34.3 Decompression surgery for CM1: Representation of the posterior fossa decompression procedure with duraplasty, highlighting anatomical landmarks and expected CSF restoration
328
C. B. Tavares
and exertion); (2) signicant CSF ow restriction at the foramen magnum on cine-MRI; (3) progressive syringomyelia; and (4) progressive neurological de­cits, including cervicomedullary myelopathy, brainstem dysfunction (hyperre­exia, paresthesias, and motor decits), cerebellar symptoms (ataxia, dysmetria, and nystagmus), autonomic dysfunction (blood pressure instability and neuro­genic syncope), central sleep apnea, neurogenic dysphagia with no other identi­ed cause, and craniovertebral deformity impacting CSF dynamics.
Studies indicated that up to 80% of patients subjected to posterior fossa
decompression presented sustained headache improvement, especially those with signicant CSF ow obstruction before the surgery [22, 23].
Duraplasty: Expansion of the dura mater to improve CSF ow. Despite a higher risk of complications, posterior fossa decompression with
duraplasty has been associated with better clinical outcomes in patients with syringomyelia [24].
Cervical fusion: In cases of atlantoaxial instability, cervical fusion may be
considered a treatment option. Vertebral fusions, such as atlas assimilation and C2–3 fusion, may represent adaptive responses to chronic craniovertebral junc­tion instability. From this perspective, isolated atlantoaxial xation could stabi­lize the region and reverse associated neural and musculoskeletal changes, including those observed in patients with CM1 [25].
CM1 can be managed conservatively or through surgical decompression,
with the latter being more effective in symptomatic patients with cough-induced headaches and progressive syringomyelia [26]. Treatment selection must con­sider the severity of symptoms to ensure the best prognosis.
The development of new biomarkers and pharmacological therapies, such as
P2X7 inhibitors and anti-CGRP, may represent a promising avenue for manag­ing refractory headaches, particularly in patients unresponsive to surgery or with persistent pain after decompression. However, specic studies in Chiari malfor­mation are still lacking [20, 21].

34.8 Conclusion

Headache in CM1 represents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge that requires approaches beyond conventional imaging ndings. The clinical case presented, despite being hypothetical, was created based on evidence to illustrate the complex­ity and emphasize the need for an individualized approach.
This chapter explored the key aspects of CM1, including central sensitization, CSF ow dysfunction, the role of cine MRI in assessing CSF ow obstruction, and different therapeutic strategies. Rather than categorizing patients in clinical proles, it is essential to understand how the disease affects their functionality and quality of life.