Unilateral corneal arcus and conjunctival vessel alterations in cranial autonomic dysregulation: A case report

Abstract

Background

Cranial autonomic dysregulation is a common symptom of patients suffering from cluster headache or migraine. The peripheral vascular dysfunction may increase the risk for ischemic or hemorrhagic strokes, myocardial infarction, retinal vasculopathy, cardiovascular mortality, and peripheral artery diseases. Furthermore, it may also manifest with ocular symptoms, e.g., increased lacrimation, conjunctival injection, and facial swelling.

Case presentation

We here report a case of a patient with migraine and ocular signs of a vascular dysregulation that have led to persisting changes of conjunctival vessels and to a corneal arcus.

Conclusions

Autonomic vascular dysregulation may not only cause headaches but also persisting changes of ocular tissues, e.g., conjunctival vessel alterations and a corneal arcus.