Red Ear: Syndrome or Symptom?

Red ear syndrome (RES) is a rare disorder characterized by attacks of unilateral ear pain during which the ear becomes red. Episodes can occur spontaneously, or be triggered, in most cases, by rubbing or touching the ear. Both duration and frequency are variable. RES has been explained by a dysfunction of cervical spinal nerves (C3 root) and a dysregulation with disinhibition of brainstem trigemino‐autonomic circuits, leading to sympathetic inhibition and parasympathetic hyperactivity producing vasodilation. We describe 6 new cases of RES with different characteristics. Although all presented the cardinal symptom of red ear, the headache patterns were suggestive of other primary headaches (migraine or cluster headache). Therapeutic response was obtained when directed to the associated primary headache phenotype, suggesting that RES may be a phenomena associated with different headaches, rather than a syndrome in itself.     

Lifetime Basilar Migraine: A Pontine Syndrome?

We describe the clinical and radiological findings of an 82-year-old woman patient with basilar type migraine attacks occurring over 70 years with a similar pattern of intensity and symptoms. We provide some evidence to suggest that gradual development of calcifications in the pontine tegmental nuclei can trigger attacks of basilar type migraine.     

How atypical can Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome be?

A 24‐year‐old man with diarrhea found to have acute renal failure with microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (MAHA). A diagnosis of hemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) was made. He was initiated on plasma exchange and hemodialysis. On day 6, he was started on eculizumab. His renal functions progressively improved. His main complication during eculizumab therapy was hypertension‐related posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome.     

Anxiety in Menopause: A Distinctly Different Syndrome?

Anxiety is a common mood symptom that may be experienced by some menopausal women; however, few studies have explored the concept of anxiety in the context of menopause. Consequently, the anxiety experience in menopause is not well defined and raises the question: Is menopausal anxiety a unique and distinctly different syndrome? The aim of this qualitative study was to gain an in-depth understanding of the experience of new-onset anxiety in menopausal women.