SUNA stands for short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with cranial autonomic symptoms.
It belongs to the trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias and is closely related to SUNCT.
SUNA is distinguished from SUNCT by the pattern of autonomic symptoms: both eye redness and tearing are not required.
Diagnosis requires a detailed attack history and examination by an experienced clinician.
MRI is commonly considered to exclude secondary causes.
The specialist must distinguish SUNA from SUNCT, TN, cluster headache and other short-lasting pain disorders.
Treatment should be led by neurology or a specialist headache service and usually focuses on preventive medicines.
Severe uncontrolled periods may require treatment in a specialist setting.
Treatment does not work in the same way for everyone and needs specialist monitoring.
Frequent unpredictable attacks can affect speech, eating, sleep and work. A diary should record pain side, duration, attack count, triggers and eye or nasal symptoms.
Frequent unpredictable attacks can affect confidence, work, sleep and normal social contact.
Support for sleep, anxiety, low mood and coping can sit alongside medical treatment. It does not mean the pain is imagined.
If you feel unable to keep yourself safe, call 999 or go to A&E. For urgent mental-health help that is not an immediate emergency, use NHS 111 and select the mental-health option where available.
Short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with cranial autonomic symptoms.
They are closely related, but SUNCT requires both eye redness and tearing.
Yes. This overlap with TN is one reason specialist diagnosis matters.
They are usually too slow for very brief attacks. Preventive specialist treatment is more relevant.
Other facial pain conditions and useful information
This information is for general guidance and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional.
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