Barré–Liéou syndrome
Historical headache syndrome linked to cervical spine abnormalities.
Barré–Liéou syndrome is a traditional medical diagnosis describing a complex headache syndrome originally hypothesized to be due to cervical spondylosis. The syndrome was first described in 1925 by French neurologist Jean Alexandre Barré and independently in 1928 by Chinese physician Yong-Cheon Lieou. Though not frequently utilized in modern medicine, the original works of Barré and Liéou were foundational in identifying that pain can originate from a structural abnormality in the cervical spine, a key feature distinguishing cervicogenic headache from other headache syndromes.
Quick Facts
- Synonym
- Posterior cervical sympathetic syndrome
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Barré–Liéou syndrome was first described in 1925 by French neurologist Jean Alexandre Barré. Chinese physician Yong-Cheon Lieou independently described the syndrome in 1928. The syndrome was originally hypothesized to be due to cervical spondylosis, with damage to the posterior cervical sympathetic chain theorized to play a role through prolapsing of a disc in the mid-cervical spine. However, the medical theory as originally postulated was found to contain inconsistencies.
Reader's Guide
Barré–Liéou syndrome is regarded by many current medical researchers as synonymous with cervicogenic headache. Its significance lies in the foundational concept that headache pain can originate from a structural abnormality in the cervical spine, a crucial feature distinguishing cervicogenic headache from other headache syndromes. The syndrome presents with symptoms including headache, neck pain, orofacial pain, ear pain, toothache, tinnitus, and nasal congestion. Diagnosis may involve thermography or MRI to rule out structural problems in the neck. Treatments include sympathetic nerve blocks, physical therapy, neck brace, and traction. Although the original theory contained inconsistencies, the syndrome's legacy endures in modern understanding of cervicogenic headache.
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