Stroke-like migraine attacks after radiation therapy syndrome: a case report and literature review

Abstract

Stroke-like migraine attacks after radiation therapy syndrome is a late complication of cranial radiation. It typically presents as reversible, unilateral cortical signs and symptoms such as confusion, hemiparesis, seizures, and headaches. Magnetic resonance imaging is also required for diagnosis, demonstrating cortical linear gadolinium enhancement. Typically, these magnetic resonance imaging findings resolve as patients experience partial or complete improvement in their symptoms and signs after a few weeks. Although a very rare condition, it is becoming increasingly observed as survival rates from brain tumors improve. In this report, we describe a typical case of stroke-like migraine attacks after radiation therapy syndrome and present a review of the literature.

Keywords

• Stroke-like migraine attacks after radiation therapy
• SMART syndrome
• Radiotherapy
• Brain tumor