Headache Frequency Research Articles

Clinical characteristics of patients with migraine accompanied by tremor.

Migraine and tremor share some genetic mutation sites, and clinical studies have also confirmed their correlation. This study aims to explore the clinical and electrophysiological characteristics of migraine patients with concomitant tremor, and to analyze the relevant influential factors of tremor occurrence. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 217 migraine patients who visited the Third Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical University from June 2022 to October 2023. The Clinical Rating Scale for Tremor (CRST), Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) were respectively used to assess the tremor symptoms, degree of headache, anxiety, and depression of patients. All patients underwent routine head MR scanning and electromyography examination, and were divided into a migraine with tremor group and a migraine without tremor group based on the electromyogram examination. The migraine with tremor group and the migraine without tremor group were included 52 patients (23.96%) and 165 patients (76.04%), respectively. Compared with the migraine without tremor group, the migraine with tremor group had a longer course and duration of headache, higher frequency of headache attacks, higher NRS score, GAD-7 score, and PHQ-9 score, and fewer weekly physical exercises. The differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the presence or absence of prodromal headache and white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) between the 2 groups (both P>0.05). The evaluation results of the CRST showed that out of 217 migraine patients, 39 patients (17.97%) were accompanied by tremors. The electromyographic results showed that all 52 migraine patients with tremors had upper limb tremors, including 28 migraine patients with postural tremors and 24 migraine patients with static tremors. Compared with the migraine patients with static tremors, the migraine patients with postural tremors had lower average frequency, peak frequency, and headache onset frequency (all P<0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that frequency of physical exercise, duration of illness, frequency of headache attacks, NRS score, GAD-7 score, and PHQ-9 score were risk factors for migraine patients with concomitant tremors (all P<0.05). Patients with migraine mainly experience upper limb postural tremors. Reduced physical exercise, long course of disease, long duration of headache, frequent headache attacks, severe headache, anxiety, and depression are risk factors for migraine patients with concomitant tremors.

Utility of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Chronic Daily Headache Prophylaxis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Management of chronic daily headaches (CDH) remains challenging due to the limited efficacy of standard prophylactic pharmacological measures. Several studies have reported that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can effectively treat chronic headaches. The objective was to determine the utility of rTMS for immediate post-treatment and sustained CDH prophylaxis. All procedures were conducted per PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ProQuest databases were searched for controlled clinical trials that have tested the efficacy of rTMS on populations with CDH. DerSimonian-Laird random-effects meta-analyses were performed using the 'meta' package in R to examine the post- vs. pre-rTMS changes in standardized headache intensity and frequency compared to sham-control conditions. Thirteen trials were included with a combined study population of N = 538 patients with CDH (rTMS, N = 284; Sham, N = 254). Patients exposed to rTMS had significantly reduced standardized CDH intensity and frequency in the immediate post-treatment period (Hedges' g = -1.16 [-1.89, -0.43], p = 0.002 and Δ = -5.07 [-10.05, -0.11], p = 0.045 respectively). However, these effects were sustained marginally in the follow-up period (Hedges' g = -0.43 [-0.76, -0.09], p = 0.012 and Δ = -3.33 [-5.52, -1.14], p = 0.003). Significant between-study heterogeneity was observed, at least partially driven by variations in rTMS protocols. Despite the observed clinically meaningful and statistically significant benefits in the immediate post-treatment period, the prophylactic effects of rTMS on CDH do not seem to sustain with discontinuation. Thus, the cost-effectiveness of the routine use of rTMS for CDH prophylaxis remains questionable. Protocol preregistered in PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42021250100).

Quality of life in patients after vestibular schwannoma surgery

AimTo evaluate the most important factors of quality of life in patients after vestibular schwannoma surgery.Materials and methodsPatients with unilateral sporadic occurrence of vestibular schwannoma who underwent surgery via suboccipital-retrosigmoid approach were included in the prospective study (2018–2021). Patients after previous Leksell gamma knife irradiation (or other methods of stereotactic radiosurgery) were excluded. Quality of life was assessed using 10 validated questionnaires that were distributed preoperatively, 3 months and 1 year after the surgery.ResultsA total of 76 patients were included in the study, complete data were analysed in 43 of them (response rate 57%). Grade III and IV represented up to 70% of all tumors. Patients with larger tumors had a significantly higher risk of postoperative facial nerve paresis, liquorrhea and lower probability of hearing preservation. Patients with smaller tumors and those, who suffered from headaches before surgery had more frequent and severe headaches after surgery. Postoperative headaches were associated with higher incidence of anxiety and tinnitus. More frequent anxiety was also identified in patients with preoperative serviceable hearing who became deaf after surgery. Nevertheless, tinnitus and hearing impairment appeared to have less impact on overall quality of life compared to headaches and facial nerve function.ConclusionAccording to our results, tumor size, postoperative function of the facial nerve and occurrence of postoperative headaches had the greatest influence on the overall postoperative quality of life in patients after vestibular schwannoma surgery.

Efficacy of lumbar motor control training in treatment of patients with cervicogenic headache

BackgroundCervicogenic headache (CGH), is a secondary headache arising from cervical disorders. Training core muscles have a corrective effect on the whole spine. Moreover, increased deep neck flexors (DNFs) activation is closely linked with balanced core stabilization of the global cervical-thoracic-lumbopelvic chains. This study aimed to investigate the effect of lumbar motor control training combined with cervical stabilization exercises compared to cervical stabilization exercises alone in CGH patients.MethodsFifty-two subjects of both genders with CGH and chronic mechanical neck pain (CMNP) participated in this study. They were recruited from the outpatient Physical Therapy Clinic at Mubarak Central Hospital, Giza, Egypt; their mean age was 28.1 ± 5.8 years and their BMI was 22.8 ± 1.6 kg/m2. They received treatment for three sessions per week for 4 weeks. Subjects were assigned randomly into two equal groups; the control group: received cervical stabilization exercises (axial elongation, cranio-cervical flexion, cervical extension, rowing, and Y-exercise). Study group: received cervical stabilization exercise in addition to lumbar motor control training (abdominal draw-in maneuver, side plank, and quadruped position), each exercise had a 4-week progression. Headache frequency, duration, intensity by visual analog scale (VAS), and neck functional disability by Neck Disability Index (NDI) were measured before the first session and after the last session of the 4 weeks of treatment.ResultsThere was a high statistically significant difference in post-treatment mean values of headache frequency, headache duration, headache intensity, and neck functional disability between the two groups in favor of the study group.ConclusionAdding lumbar motor control training to cervical stabilization exercise is more effective than cervical stabilization alone in decreasing headache frequency, duration, intensity, and neck functional disability in CGH patients with CMNP.Trial registrationNCT05952115. Registered 11 July 2023-retrospectively registered, https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/prs/app/action/LoginUser?ts=1&cx=-jg9qo4.

Neuromodulation Techniques for Headache Management.

This narrative review aims to summarize evidence regarding the current utilization and future applications of neuromodulation in patients with headaches, with special attention paid to migraine and chronic cluster headache. A search was conducted in PubMed in August of 2023 to survey the current literature on neuromodulation for the treatment of headache. In total, the search yielded 1989 results, which were further filtered to include only systematic reviews published between 2022 to 2023 to capture the most up-to-date and comprehensive research on this topic. The citation lists of these articles were reviewed to find additional research on neuromodulation and supplement the results presented in this paper with primary literature. Research on the use of neuromodulation for the treatment of headache has predominantly focused on four neuromodulation techniques: peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), deep brain stimulation (DBS), and spinal cord stimulation (SCS). Outcome measures reported in this article include impact on migraine and headache frequency and/or pain intensity, adverse effects of the neuromodulation technique, and associated costs, when available. We found that neuromodulation has developed utility as an alternative treatment for both chronic cluster headaches and migraines, with a reduction in frequency and intensity of headache most elucidated from the articles mentioned in this review.

Effect of different non-pharmacologic placebo treatments on migraine prevention: a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Placebo control plays an important role in evaluating the effectiveness of interventions. Specifying differential effects of various placebo controls on migraine prevention would be essential in the explanation of preventive treatment for migraine and the indirect comparison between different prophylactic therapeutics. To access the impact of different non-pharmacologic placebo types on different outcomes in migraine patients. We searched PubMed, Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials, Embase, and Web of Science databases from the date of creation to June 19, 2023. Randomized controlled trials of migraine that included sham intervention of acupuncture or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or non-invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation (nVNS) or repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) or transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) were conducted. The primary outcome was the migraine days, and the secondary outcomes were the number of migraine attacks, headache days, headache frequency, and responder's rate. Placebo effects were assessed using five individual placebos for network meta-analysis, using mean differences to measure the relative effect of pair-wise comparisons between interventions. A total of 50 trials with 4880 subjects were included. Twenty-seven trials were evaluated for low risk of bias. The results of indirect comparisons show that sham rTMS and sham tDCS had optimal and similar effects in reducing migraine days; sham acupuncture has the greatest effect on reducing the number of migraine attacks and relieving headache frequency; sham rTMS had a highly significant advantage in reducing headache days compared with the other placebo controls. Based on the network meta-analysis results, we found that sham acupuncture had the greatest effect on migraine prophylaxis. The strong placebo effect of sham acupuncture should be considered when assessing the therapeutic effect.

Preoperative estimation of intracranial compliance in symptomatic children with Chiari malformation type 1: impact on outcome and risk of complications

BackgroundThe role of reduced intracranial compliance (ICC) in the outcome after foramen magnum decompression (FMD) was demonstrated in adults with Chiari malformation Type 1 (CMI). However, similar observations from children treated for CMI are missing.MethodsWe reviewed pediatric cases of CMI referred to FMD between 2006 and 2022. Children with clinical and/or radiological signs suggesting reduced ICC (Group A) underwent overnight measurements of the pulsatile intracranial pressure (ICP): mean ICP wave amplitude (MWA) served as a surrogate marker of ICC. Children with more typical symptoms of CMI (Group B) underwent FMD without preoperative ICC estimation. This study presents the clinical, radiological, and outcome differences between these groups.ResultsSixty-four children (mean age 11.1 ± 4.3 years) underwent FMD: In Group A (n = 30), the finding of reduced ICC as estimated from preoperative ICP measurement resulted in CSF diversion (ventriculoperitoneal shunt) before FMD in 11 children. Two patients required shunt due to complications after FMD (total shunt rate 43%). In Group B (n = 34) treated with FMD without preoperative ICC estimation, five children (15%) required shunting due to complications. In Group A, we found a significantly higher frequency of headache, nausea, fatigue, and dizziness. The outcome assessed by the modified Chicago Chiari Outcome Scale (mean follow-up 83 ± 57 months) was comparable between the groups, but the complication rate after FMD was significantly lower in Group A (7% vs. 32%; p = 0.011). The number of procedures (ICP measurement, FMD, shunt, re-do FMD, shunt revisions) was significantly higher in Group A (2.6 ± 0.9 vs. 1.5 ± 1.1 per patient; p < 0.001).ConclusionIn symptomatic children with CMI, the preoperative estimation of ICC from the overnight measurement of pulsatile ICP was more reliable for identifying those with reduced ICC than clinical and radiological assessment alone. When children with abnormally reduced ICC were identified and treated with CSF diversion before FMD, the complication rate was significantly reduced.

Serum calcitonin gene-related peptide in patients with persistent post-concussion symptoms, including headache: a cohort study.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) plays an important role in migraine pathophysiology, and post-traumatic headache (PTH) frequently presents with migraine-like features. Despite several clinical similarities, few studies have explored CGRP in PTH and concussion. This study investigates serum CGRP levels in patients with persistent post-concussion symptoms (PPCS), including PTH. This cohort study was based on serum samples from individuals aged 18-30years with PPCS who participated in a previously published randomized controlled trial of a non-pharmacological intervention. The primary outcome was serum CGRP concentrations, determined at baseline before randomization and at follow-up 7months later, using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). CGRP levels at baseline were compared with healthy anonymous blood donors in the same age group. Baseline serum samples were collected from 86 participants with PPCS. The participants were most often female (78%) and migraine-like headache was the most frequent headache phenotype (74%). Serum CGRP levels were higher in participants with PPCS than in 120 healthy individuals (median: 158.5pg/mL vs. 76.3pg/mL, p = 0.050). A stratified analysis revealed that females with PPCS had a fivefold higher median than healthy females (166.3pg/mL vs. 32.1pg/mL, p = 0.0006), while no differences were observed in males (p = 0.83). At follow-up, CGRP levels decreased with a median change of - 1.3pg/mL (95% confidence interval: - 17.6-0, p = 0.024). Elevated serum levels of CGRP in patients with PPCS and a decrease over time suggest an involvement of CGRP in PTH/PPCS. If confirmed in other studies, it could pave the way for CGRP-targeted therapies, which could have clinical significance.

The relationship between the frequency of headaches associated with the personal protective equipment and its influencing factors is mediated by depression: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundTo evaluate the factors affecting personal protective equipment (PPE) associated with headaches in healthcare workers during the first hit of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in China in order to provide evidence for improving the prevention and treatment of PPE-associated headaches in frontline medical personnel. MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, the baseline characteristics and the prevalence of the PPE-associated headaches among frontline healthcare workers at Wuhan Taikang Hospital were objectively evaluated by means of a questionnaire survey. We obtained predictors of PPE-associated headaches frequency by multiple regression analyses. The path analysis model was applied to determine the interrelationships between the variables related to PPE-associated headaches frequency. ResultsAmong the 520 participants, 436 (83.85 %) reported PPE-associated headaches during the anti-epidemic period. Compare with non-PPE-associated headache, age, PHQ-9 score >10, nurses, and PSQI>5were statistically significant found in participants with PPE-associated headaches. Multivariable linear regression showed that the occupation(nurse), pre-existing primary headache diagnosis, headache intensity and depression were risk factors for the frequency of PPE-associated headaches. The path analysis model observed that direct effects from occupation (nurse), pre-existing primary headache diagnosis, headache intensity and depression on the frequency of PPE-associated headaches. Depression indirectly mediated the effects of headache intensity and sleep quality on headache frequency. (All P < 0.05) ConclusionThis study provided a path analysis model that illustrates the relationships between PPE-associated headaches frequency and its related factors among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is crucial to the management of PPE-associated headaches to reduce its consequences for frontline healthcare workers.

Association between Cervical Muscle Weakness and Functional Limitations due to Headache in Doctors

Background: Headaches and neck discomfort are prevalent issues, particularly among healthcare professionals, and are often related to muscular weaknesses and postural anomalies. The intricate relationship between cervical muscle strength and the frequency and intensity of headaches necessitates a deeper understanding for effective management and treatment strategies. Objective: The primary objective of this study was to investigate the association between cervical muscle weakness and functional limitations due to headaches in doctors, considering the impact of long working hours and the physical demands of the medical profession. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among doctors working at Akhtar Saeed Trust Hospital, Farooq Hospital, and AMDC in Lahore from June to December 2022. Participants with conditions like fibromyalgia, history of head and neck trauma, or degenerative cervical spine disease were excluded. The strength of cervical muscles was assessed using Manual Muscle Testing, and the intensity of headaches was evaluated using the Headache Impact Test (HIT-6) questionnaire. The sample size was calculated to be approximately 150, with data analysis performed using SPSS version 25. The study employed descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and parametric tests to analyze the data. Results: The study found significant correlations between cervical muscle strength and headache impact. Among participants with moderate cervical flexor strength, HIT scoring ranged from 30 in the 36-50 range to 28 in the 60-78 range. For strong cervical flexors, the range was 34 in the 36-50 to 6 in the 60-78 range. Similar patterns were observed in cervical extensors and side flexors. The Chi-square values were significant across all muscle groups (18.45 for flexors, 32.164 for extensors, 50.175 for right side flexors, and 45.30 for left side flexors), all with a p-value of 0.000. Conclusion: The study demonstrates a significant association between cervical muscle strength and the impact of headaches, indicating that weaker cervical muscles are associated with higher headache frequency and severity. These findings suggest the need for targeted muscle strengthening and posture correction interventions among doctors to mitigate the risks of headache and neck discomfort.

REFLEXOTHERAPY ACCORDING TO THE “BALANCE OF HEXAGRAMS” METHOD IN THE COMPLEX REHABILITATION OF DISEASES WITH PAIN SYNDROME

Abstract. The article raises the following topical issues – complex treatment of diseases with pain syndrome: disorders of functions of the gastrointestinal tract abd cephalalgias. Various diseases, especially those that occur with a pain syndrome, and those that are aggravated adverse psychosocial factors, manifest themselves with a protracted course. Medicinal methods of treatment are not fully effective, so non-medicinal technologies should be resorted to. Combined treatment using reflexotherapy methods has been used for a various diseases, it is especially when other methods are insufficiently effective . The article as well presents the main theoretical principles of the "Balancing of Hexagrams" method and its practical implementation. A two clinical case is also presented: a patient with subacute gastritis with psychoemotional disorders and patient with cephalalgia of the occipital area with cervico-brachialgia. Summing up, it should be noted that patients with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract with psychoemotional disorders and patients with cephalalgia of the occipital region with cervico-brachialgia are seen in the practice of neurologists and reflexologists. In the complex of therapeutic measures for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract with psychoemotional disorders and cephalalgia of the occipital region with cervico-brachialgia, the use of the acupuncture method “balancing hexagrams” can be effective. Purpose. To consider the peculiarities of the use of reflexotherapy by the method of “balancing hexagrams” in the complex rehabilitation of patients with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract with pain syndrome, cephalgia of the occipital region. Scientific novelty. For the first time in our country, the technique of making acupuncture prescriptions and acupuncture using the method of “balancing hexagrams” was used in the complex rehabilitation of patients with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract with pain syndrome, cephalgia of the occipital region. Methods. We consider two clinical cases of the use of reflexology using the method of “balancing hexagrams” in the complex rehabilitation of patients with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract with pain syndrome, cephalgia of the occipital region. The methods of clinical objective neurological examination, the method of syndromic diagnosis of traditional Chinese medicine, the pulse diagnosis method, and the tongue diagnosis method were used. Results. As a result of treatment using the “balancing hexagrams” method, the condition of the patients improved: in the first case, the pathological manifestations of the gastrointestinal tract, back pain decreased, in the second case, the frequency and intensity of headaches in the back of the head, pain in the right arm decreased. Conclusions: 1. In the practice of a reflexologist, gastritis is encountered, and with this disease, reflexology methods are effective first of all for psycho-emotional disorders. 2. In the complex of treatment measures for gastritis, the use of the acupuncture method "balancing hexagrams" can be effective. 3. For headaches in the occipital region and cervicobrachialgia in complex rehabilitation, the use of the acupuncture method “balancing hexagrams” can also be effective.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 patients with preexisting dementia: a large multicenter propensity-matched Brazilian cohort study

BackgroundAlthough dementia has emerged as an important risk factor for severe SARS-CoV-2 infection, results on COVID-19-related complications and mortality are not consistent. We examined the clinical presentations and outcomes of COVID-19 in a multicentre cohort of in-hospital patients, comparing those with and without dementia.MethodsThis retrospective observational study comprises COVID-19 laboratory-confirmed patients aged ≥ 60 years admitted to 38 hospitals from 19 cities in Brazil. Data were obtained from electronic hospital records. A propensity score analysis was used to match patients with and without dementia (up to 3:1) according to age, sex, comorbidities, year, and hospital of admission. Our primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. We also assessed admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), kidney replacement therapy (KRT), sepsis, nosocomial infection, and thromboembolic events.ResultsAmong 1,556 patients included in the study, 405 (4.5%) had a diagnosis of dementia and 1,151 were matched controls. When compared to matched controls, patients with dementia had a lower frequency of dyspnoea, cough, myalgia, headache, ageusia, and anosmia; and higher frequency of fever and delirium. They also had a lower frequency of ICU admission (32.7% vs. 47.1%, p < 0.001) and shorter ICU length of stay (7 vs. 9 days, p < 0.026), and a lower frequency of sepsis (17% vs. 24%, p = 0.005), KRT (6.4% vs. 13%, p < 0.001), and IVM (4.6% vs. 9.8%, p = 0.002). There were no differences in hospital mortality between groups.ConclusionClinical manifestations of COVID-19 differ between older inpatients with and without dementia. We observed that dementia alone could not explain the higher short-term mortality following severe COVID-19. Therefore, clinicians should consider other risk factors such as acute morbidity severity and baseline frailty when evaluating the prognosis of older adults with dementia hospitalised with COVID-19.

Headache and Other Pain Syndromes in Multiple Sclerosis: A Narrative Review.

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic and progressive neurological disease, with an important socio-economic burden. Over time, an increased incidence of headaches like migraines and tension headaches has been observed among these patients. Headaches have not been considered as multiple sclerosis-related symptoms, even representing a red flag for multiple sclerosis diagnosis. It is uncertain whether the headache-multiple sclerosis association could be explained by the presence of common triggers or a common physiopathological mechanism (involvement of tertiary B-cell follicles). An important differential diagnosis is between multiple sclerosis attacks and migraines with aura, which can also be associated with neurological deficits. Another important aspect is the occurrence or exacerbation of the cephalalgic syndrome after the initiation of therapy for multiple sclerosis (DMTs), or the improvement of headache after the initiation of certain DMT drugs. In addition to headaches, individuals diagnosed with multiple sclerosis often report experiencing diverse pain syndromes, contributing to an additional decline in their overall quality of life. These syndromes are frequently neglected, the focus being on slowing down the progression of neurological deficits. This review aims to evaluate the characteristics of multiple-sclerosis-related headaches (frequency, possible correlation with attacks, and disease-modifying therapies) and the key distinctions in imaging characteristics between demyelinating lesions in multiple sclerosis and those observed in cases of primary headaches.

Патология шейного отдела позвоночника и головная больу пациентов с синдромом дисплазии соединительной ткани

This study aimed at evaluating the role of pathologic changes in the vertebral motor segment (VMS) of the cervical spine in the development of headache in patients with connective tissue dysplasia (CTD). &#x0D; Materials and methods. The study involved 130 patients, aged 18-59, with complaints of headache. 100 patients (76.9 %) had clinical manifestations of CTD (main group). The control group consisted of 30 patients (23.1 %) without CTD manifestations. The presence of CTD was confirmed by phenotyping according to T.I. Kadurina’s tables. The headache nature, frequency, and intensity were analyzed in all patients, and standard neurological examination, manual testing, and neuroimaging studies of all patients were performed.&#x0D; In the study presented, it was found that chronic migraine, headache associated with temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJD) was more common in the group of patients with CTD. Patients with headache on the background of CTD had pathological changes in the cervical spine in the vast majority of cases. Functional blockade of the VMS of the cervical spine with the formation of myofascial trigger zones in the trapezius and pericranial muscles is detected significantly more often in patients with CTD.&#x0D; Thus, it is necessary to take into account the presence of functional disorders in the VMS of the cervical spine when diagnosing and treating headache in patients with CTD.

The effectiveness of agomelatine on headache severity and frequency in episodic migraine without aura; a parallel randomized controlled trial study

BackgroundMigraine is a headache disorder that affects public health and reduces the patient’s quality of life. Preventive medication is necessary to prevent acute attacks and medication overuse headaches (MOH). Agomelatine is a melatonin antagonist.AimsThis study aimed to determine the effectiveness of agomelatine on the severity and frequency of migraine attacks.MethodsThe study is a parallel randomized controlled trial with two groups of intervention and control. 400 patients were evaluated. Eligible individuals, including those with episodic migraine headaches without aura between the ages of 18 and 60 years who did not receive preventive treatment beforehand, were enrolled. Also, patients did not receive any specific medications for other diseases. Among these, 100 people met the inclusion criteria and entered the study. These subjects were randomly assigned to one of the two groups. The intervention group received 25 mg of agomelatine daily and the control group received B1. In this study, the effect of agomelatine on the frequency and severity of attacks, mean monthly migraine days (MMD), and migraine disability assessment (MIDAS), were assessed. The study was triple-blind and after three months, a post-test was performed. Data were analyzed using SPSS software.ResultsA total of 100 patients were randomly assigned to either intervention or control groups. The prescriber physician and the data collector did not know about the allocation of patients to groups. Before the intervention, there was no significant difference in the headache frequency per month (t=-0.182, df = 98, p = 0.85), mean MMD (p = 0.17), headache severity (p = 0.076), and MIDAS (p = 0.091). After the study, there was a significant difference between the two groups in terms of the headache frequency per month (p = 0.009), and mean of MMD (p = 0.025). There was also a significant difference between pretest and posttest in two groups in the headache severity (p < 0.001) and MIDAS (p < 0.001).ConclusionAgomelatine can be used as a preventive medication for migraine without aura. It is suggested that agomelatine be studied in comparison with other preventive drugs for patients with migraine.Trial retrospectively registrationTrial Retrospectively registration= IRCT20230303057599N1. Date: 2023-5-24 The present study is a residency thesis approved by the Tehran University of Medical Sciences.

The Ability of Injections Versus Needle Insertion to Decrease the Severity and Frequency of Symptoms for Patients With Chronic Headaches: A Critically Appraised Topic

Clinical Scenario: Headaches can be categorized as tension-type headaches, migraine, trigeminal autonomic cephalgia, and other primary headache disorders according to the Third International Classification of Headache Disorders. Headaches are one of the most common disorders within the nervous system and have a prevalence of &gt;48% within the general population. Nerve blocks are a type of nerve stimulation that is believed to help reduce the frequency and severity of headaches. The physiological effect of the greater occipital nerve block on headaches is thought to be due to the central nervous system connections of the greater occipital nerve and trigeminal and cervical afferent fibers, which is believed to be the prime origin of migraine headaches. Nerve blocks can contain a variety of drug regimens including steroids, local anesthetics, or a mixture of both. Trigger point injections (TPIs) are an invasive therapy where a needle is guided directly into a trigger point that has been previously identified upon examination. Botulinum toxin A is an alternative treatment modality that can be injected with TPIs. Botulinum toxin A is a potent naturally occurring toxin that causes dose-dependent muscular relaxation by inhibiting the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction. Summary of Key Findings: (1) Both greater occipital nerve blocks and TPIs have been shown to reduce headache frequency and severity in the short term; however, it appears to be due to the needle injected into the soft tissue structures and not due to the type of solution injected. (2) Ultrasound guidance allows for a more accurate and effective technique than a blind injection as it allows for accurate injection into the targeted muscles, thereby minimizing complications and increasing the chance of success. (3) Once symptoms have been alleviated, clinicians should evaluate the patient’s mechanics in the upper trunk to determine whether there are any mechanical abnormalities leading to the formation of myofascial pain and/or trigger points causing the headache symptoms. If identified and treated appropriately, this can allow for a long-term solution in correcting the cause rather than the symptoms alone. (4) Participants receiving a greater occipital nerve block or TPI, despite the drug regimen or dosage, experienced similar benefits with no statistical significance. In deciding which treatment approach to take, the clinician should speak with the patient to educate them on the available options and allow the patient to be part of the decision-making process to best meet their needs and include a rehabilitation plan with all the treatment approaches. Clinical Question: In patients who experience chronic headaches, was there a greater decrease in headache frequency and severity with a greater occipital nerve block or TPI? Clinical Bottom Line: Needles into the supraclavicular region for headaches lead to decreased severity and frequency of headaches in the short term but will not lead to headache resolution. Strength of Recommendation: B.

Acute medications' intake for migraine: a one-year report in patients undergoing first evaluation at a third level Italian headache center.

Headache disorders, particularly primary headaches like migraine and tension-type headache, still remain underdiagnosed and undertreated despite their high prevalence and significant impact on quality of life. In recent years, several specific medications targeting key pathways in the pathophysiology of migraine have been developed. Despite this advancement, numerous studies indicate that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and analgesics remain the most commonly used drugs. This study focused on the use of NSAIDs and simple analgesics as acute treatments for migraine among patients at a tertiary headache center. A retrospective observational study was conducted at the Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico throughout 2022. Data were collected on the type and frequency of headaches, the usage and dosage of NSAIDs and other medications, and changes in their use at follow-up visits. Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate the efficacy and determinants of NSAID consumption and headache frequency changes. Two hundred and eightythree patients diagnosed with migraine undergoing their first examination at our center were enrolled. Initially, 58.7% of patients used NSAIDs or simple analgesics, which decreased to 46.6% 3 months after, while triptan use increased from 65.1 to 72.8%. Changes in prophylactic therapies were significantly associated with a decrease in NSAID intake (W = 834.000, p = 0.004) and in headache frequency (W = 5960.5, p = 0.003). Specifically, the addition of topiramate or amitriptyline was associated with a reduction in NSAID use and headache frequency. Even pain freedom after the intake of NSAIDs improved from 55.2 to 79.4% of cases at follow-up. The study highlights the importance of appropriate diagnosis and tailored treatment strategies in the management of primary headaches. It underscores the need for specialized care to enhance treatment efficacy and patient outcomes, demonstrating that adjustments in prophylactic therapy can significantly reduce NSAID intake and improve headache care. This reinforces the role of tertiary headache centers in providing specialized care that can adapt treatments to individual patient needs and improve overall headache management.

Cognitive behavioral therapy in the treatment of patients with chronic migraine and concomitant chronic insomnia: a prospective, randomized trial

To evaluate the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary program, including Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), in the treatment of patients with chronic migraine (CM) and concomitant chronic insomnia (CI). The study included 96 patients with CM and CI, average age 35.7±8.6. All patients underwent clinical interviews and testing using clinical and psychological techniques. Patients were randomized into two groups: group 1 received study treatment (an multudisciplinary program including CBT for pain and insomnia, combined with standard treatment for migraine), group 2 received standard treatment for migraine (preventive and acute pharmacotherapy for migraine, recommendations about lifestyle and sleep hygiene). All patients were assessed for clinical and psychological parameters before treatment and at 3, 6, 12 and 18 months follow-up. At 3 month follow-up a statistically significant improvement was observed in group 1: a decrease in the frequency of headaches and the use of painkillers, parameters on the Insomnia Severity Index (ITI), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) (p<0.05). At 6, 12 and 18 months follow-up the achieved improvements were maintained. At 3 month follow-up, group 2 showed a statistically significant improvement in only 4 parameters: a decrease in the frequency of headaches and painkiller use, and parameters for ITI and MIDAS. These parameters increased to values that were not statistically significantly different from the parameters before treatment in group 2 at 6 month follow-up. At 3 month follow-up in group 165% of patients achieved clinical effect (CE) according to CM (headache frequency decreased by 50% or more), in group 2 - 40%, which was not statistically significantly different (p>0.001); in group 1, 76% of patients achieved CE according to CI (ITI decreased by 8 points or more), which is statistically significantly more than in group 2 with 45% of patients with CE (p<0.001). At 18 month follow-up, in group 1, 81.5% of patients achieved CE according to CM, which is statistically significantly more than in group 2 with 33% of patients with CE (p<0.001); in group 1, 85% of patients achieved CE according to CI, which is statistically significantly more than in group 2, where 38% of patients had CE (p<0.001). High effectiveness of CBT in patients with CM and combined CI was noted.

The relationship between myofascial trigger points sensitivity, cervical postural abnormality, and clinical tension-type headache parameters

ABSTRACT Background Myofascial Trigger Points (MTrPs) play a significant role in the pathogenesis of Tension Type Headache (TTH). Abnormal cranio-cervical posture has been linked to various types of headaches. However, the correlation between MTrPs sensitivity, cervical postural alignment, and clinical measures of headache has not been extensively studied in patients with TTH. Objectives To investigate the relationship between MTrPs sensitivity in cervical and pericranial muscles, cervical postural abnormality, and clinical headache parameters in patients with TTH. Furthermore, to investigate the effect of sex on the examined variables and their association with headache type (episodic vs chronic TTH). Methods A total of 72 patients with TTH of both sexes were enrolled in this study. Headache frequency and disability as clinical measures of headache, pressure pain threshold (PPT) of bilateral upper trapezius (UT) and suboccipital (SUB) muscles, cervical lordosis angle (CA), and anterior head translation (AHT) were measured. Results Pericranial MTrPs sensitivity did not demonstrate any correlation with clinical headache parameters or cervical postural abnormality. However, there was a significant correlation between the frequency of headaches and the level of disability (r = 0.32, P < 0.05). In addition, episodic TTH was more prevalent in females who exhibited greater AHT and MTrPs sensitivity of both bilateral UT and right SUB muscles than males. Conclusions There was no correlation found between the frequency of headaches and the level of disability with measures of cervical posture alignment or MTrPs sensitivity in individuals with TTH.. Based on findings, Clinicians should consider sex differences when assessing patients with TTH.

Headache, Migraines, Obesity and Medication Burden on Fibromyalgia Impact and Quality of Life

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a common, complex, and chronic pain disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in localized areas. A multitude of other central sensitization related symptoms contribute to a profound medication burden and diminished quality of life for affected individuals. We evaluated the impacts of gender, chronicity of headache, migraine, obesity and medication burden on overall FM impact. We used the following validated questionnaires: Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) and measured weight and body mass index (BMI) on a large university cohort of FM subjects. We found that female subjects with FM showed a significant increase in FIQR compared to males with FM. Additionally, we noted positive correlations between weight (Wt) and FIQR, BDI and CSI; BMI and FIQR, and BMI and CSI. Fibromyalgia subjects with a history of migraines (FM-migraine) showed statistically significant increases in FIQR, BDI and CSI compared to FM subjects with no reported history of migraines (FM-non-migraine). There was a steady increase in FIQR, BDI and CSI values with an increase in the frequency of headaches in both the FM -migraine and FM -non-migraine groups. When evaluating BMI, when comparing survey responses of overweight and obese patients to normal weight patients, all FIQR, BDI and CSI values were significantly increased in the various classes of overweight except CSI for the overweight category which appeared to approach significance (p=0.057). There were no statistically significant differences in questionnaire responses for individuals with FM on medications relative to those on no medications. Taken together, a history of migraines and headaches, frequency of headaches and obesity may impact survey responses significantly, negatively impact quality of life and correlate with higher levels of depression but medication burden did not.