Headache in rheumatic diseases

Headaches are a common, but under-recognized symptom of rheumatic diseases. They can result from intracranial (inflammation, thrombosis, etc.) or extracranial pathology, such as irritation, or degeneration of anatomically related structures such as the eyes, neck, and sinuses. In addition, patients with rheumatologic disorders have the same tendencies as the general population to develop primary headaches. While the latter are benign in nature, the former type of headaches may signal disease manifestation, progression, or complication. Information on headache syndromes related to rheumatologic disorders as well as understanding of underlying disease processes and mechanisms is important. This will help to improve diagnostics and treatment of rheumatic diseases.