Headache Impact Test-6 Scores Research Articles

Application Value of a Machine Learning Model in Predicting Mild Depression Associated with Migraine without Aura.

Aims/Background To investigate the application value of a machine learning model in predicting mild depression associated with migraine without aura (MwoA). Methods 178 patients with MwoA admitted to the Department of Neurology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from March 2022 to March 2024 were selected as subjects. According to their inpatient medical records, 38 patients were selected as the validation group by random number method, and the remaining 140 patients were included in the modelling group. According to the diagnosis results, the patients in the modelling group and validation group were further divided into a MwoA with mild depression group and a MwoA without mild depression group. Results The results of univariate analysis and Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that gender, course of disease, attack frequency, headache duration, Migraine Disability Assessment Questionnaire (MIDAS), and Headache Impact Test-6 (HIT-6) score were independent influencing factors for mild depression in MwoA patients (p < 0.05). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis results showed that the area under the curve of the established prediction model for MwoA patients with mild depression in the modelling group and the validation group was 0.982 and 0.901, respectively, the sensitivity was 0.978 and 0.857, respectively, and the specificity was 0.892 and 0.929, respectively. Conclusion Gender, course of disease, seizure frequency, headache duration, MIDAS score, and HIT-6 score are independent influencing factors for mild depression in patients with MwoA. The model displays good performance for the prediction of mild depression in patients with MwoA.

Association of anti-calcitonin gene-related peptide with other monoclonal antibodies for different diseases: A multicenter, prospective, cohort study.

Although there is extensive evidence about the safety of monoclonal antibodies against calcitonin gene-related peptide (anti-CGRP mAbs) in combination with traditional drugs, scarce data are available on the safety of their combination with other mAbs. This study aimed to evaluate the 6-month effectiveness and tolerability of anti-CGRP mAbs in combination with other mAbs for different diseases. Patients included in the Italian Headache Registry and treated concomitantly with an anti-CGRP mAb and another mAb were included. Effectiveness outcomes for migraine included reduction from baseline of monthly headache days (MHDs), Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) score, Headache Impact Test-6 (HIT-6) scores, and Patients' Global Impression of Change (PGIC) scale. Adverse events (AEs) were recorded. Thirty-eight patients were included. In 27 patients (71.1%), the anti-CGRP mAb was added to a previously ongoing mAb. Nine patients (23.7%) discontinued one of the two mAbs before the end of treatment (seven discontinued the anti-CGRP mAb and two the other mAb). One patient discontinued for AEs. Anti-CGRP mAbs were discontinued due to ineffectiveness (n = 5, 55.5%) and one each (11.1%) for clinical remission and lost to follow-up. MHDs significantly decreased from baseline to 3 months (p < 0.0001) and 6 months (p < 0.001), as did the MIDAS and the HIT-6 scores at 3 and 6 months (p < 0.001). For anti-CGRP mAbs, 27.4% of patients reported PGIC ≥ 5 at 3 months and 48.3% at 6 months. Mild AEs associated with introduction of a second mAb were detected in six patients (15.8%). In this real-world study, anti-CGRP mAbs showed safety and effectiveness when administered concomitantly with other mAbs.

Predictors of migraine interictal burden: The hidden role of subjective memory complaints.

The "interictal burden of migraine" (MIB) is a new concept that encompasses the overall impact of the disease between migraine episodes. However, the factors that contribute to this interictal burden are still unclear. This study aimed to identify explanatory factors of interictal burden in patients with migraine. This prospective cross-sectional observational including 200 patients with migraine (92% [n = 184] female, with a mean [standard deviation] age of 44.8 [12] years, 53% [n = 106] with chronic migraine) completed a clinical and questionnaire assessment targeting MIB, migraine impact, and depressive and cognitive complaints. More than three-fourths (76% [n = 152]) of patients had moderate-to-severe interictal burden. Higher interictal burden (MIB Scale ≥2) was associated with higher headache frequency (eight vs. 14, p = 0.001) and intensity (headache index score 17.0 vs. 30.0, p = 0.002), higher headache impact (six-item Headache Impact Test score 59.2 vs. 63.9, p = 0.001), and more subjective memory complaints (Subjective Memory Complaints Questionnaire [SMC] score 9.0 vs. 4.5, p = 0.001), as well as anxiety (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)-Anxiety score 5 vs. 10, p < 0.001) and depression symptoms (HADS-Depression score 5 vs. 8, p < 0.001). Once accounted for these potential explanatory variables, subjective memory complaints and impact of headache during ictal phase remained as individual determinants of the interictal burden, with SMC explaining 15% (odds ratio 1.15, 95% confidence interval 1.03-1.28; p = 0.010) of the interictal burden. This finding highlights the need to consider cognitive complaints as part of the construct of interictal burden of these patients to refine the focus of their management.

The effect of physical therapy integrated with pharmacotherapy on tension-type headache and migraine in children and adolescents

BackgroundTension-type headache (TTH) and migraine are prevalent neurological conditions in children and adolescents that significantly impact activity of daily living (ADL) and quality of life (QOL). Although physical therapy targeting cervical myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) on TTH and migraine has been extensively studied in adults, the efficacy in pediatric patients remains unexplored. The aim of this study is to reveal the effect of physical therapy integrated with pharmacotherapy on TTH and migraine in children and adolescents.MethodsWe conducted a prospective, observational cohort study recruiting consecutive patients aged 6 to 18 years with TTH and migraine with cervical MTrPs. They were classified into 4 types of headaches: frequent episodic TTH (FRTTH), chronic TTH (CTTH), episodic migraine (EM) and chronic migraine (CM). The once-weekly 40-minutes physical therapy session integrated with pharmacotherapy (integrated physical therapy) was continued until the treatment goals (headache days per week less than 2 days, headache impact test-6 (HIT-6) score to below of 50, and the ability to attend school daily) was achieved. Multifaceted assessments including headache frequency (headache days per week), headache intensity using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), pain catastrophizing score (PCS), hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) score, HIT-6 scores, and EuroQol 5 dimensions 5-level questionnaire (EQ-5D-5 L) scores, were conducted to evaluate the treatment effects.Results161 patients were enrolled in this study. 106 patients (65.8%) were diagnosed with TTH: 70 (66.8%) with FETHH, 36 (34.0%) with CTTH, and 55 patients (34.2%) were diagnosed with migraine: 43 patients (78.2%) with EM, 12 patients (21.8%) with CM. We observed significant improvements in headache frequency, headache intensity, PCS, HADS score, HIT-6 scores, and EQ-5D-5 L scores before and after the treatment in all 4 types of headaches. The average number of sessions required to achieve the treatment goals was 4 times (weeks) for patients with FETTH and EM, 5.5 for those with CTTH, and 7.5 for those with chronic migraine.ConclusionThe integrated physical therapy on pediatric TTH and migraine patients with the cervical MTrPs was significantly effective in reducing headache symptoms and improving ADL and QOL.

The Neuroprotective Role of Indole-3-Propionic Acid in Migraine Pathophysiology.

Background and Objectives: Migraine is a leading cause of disability worldwide, with complex pathophysiological mechanisms involving oxidative and nitrosative stress. Recent research suggests that Indole-3-Propionic Acid (IPA) may have a neuroprotective role in reducing nitrosative stress. This study aims to elucidate the roles of IPA and nitrosative stress biomarkers in migraine patients, focusing on their potential as therapeutic targets. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional, case-control study included 57 migraine patients and 30 healthy controls. Patients were categorized into episodic migraine (EM) and chronic migraine (CM) groups. Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics were documented through structured interviews. Validated scales such as the Visual Analog Score (VAS), Headache Impact Test 6 (HIT-6), Migraine Disability Assessment Test (MIDAS), Migraine 24 h Quality of Life Scale (24 h QoL), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and Migraine Attacks-Subjective Cognitive Impairments Scale (Mig-SCog) were administered. Venous blood samples were collected, and serum levels of IPA, Nitric Oxide (NO), Nitric Oxide Synthase (NOS), and Peroxynitrite (ONOO-) were measured using ELISA and spectrophotometric methods. Results: Significant differences in serum IPA and NO levels were observed between migraine patients and controls. Specifically, higher serum IPA levels were found in the EM group, while higher serum NO levels were observed in the CM group. Elevated NO levels correlated with increased migraine attack frequency. Conversely, serum IPA levels showed a negative correlation with attack frequency, suggesting a protective role. Specifically, NO levels were positively correlated with the number of painful days, NSAID usage, VAS scores, HIT-6 scores, and MIDAS scores, while negatively correlated with 24 h QoL scores. Conclusions: The study highlights the significant involvement of IPA and nitrosative stress in migraine pathophysiology. Elevated IPA levels, particularly in EM patients, suggest its potential neuroprotective role. These findings underscore the importance of targeting oxidative and nitrosative stress pathways in developing effective migraine therapies.

Altered functional connectivity of parietal opercular 2 in patients with vestibular migraine: a resting-state fMRI study

Objective: To investigate the differences in resting-state functional connectivity (FC) between patients with vestibular migraine (VM) and migraine without aura (MwoA) in order to infer the possible neuroimaging mechanisms of VM. Methods: Thirty VM patients admitted to the Department of Neurology of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University from December 2019 to December 2022 were selected as the experimental group (EG) (6 males and 24 females, with mean age of 38.3 years) and 26 MwoA patients as the control group (7 males and 19 females, mean age 35.5 years). General demographic and clinical data such as gender, age, year of education, course of disease and frequency of attacks were collected for all the patients, as well as data of Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), headache Visual Arialogue Scale (VAS), Headache Impact Test 6 (HIT-6) and Migraine Disability Assessment Questionnaire (MIDAS). VM patients were also assessed by Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), dizziness VAS and Vestibular Disorders Activities of Daily Living (VADL) scales. All patients underwent resting-sate functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) scans. Bilateral parietal opercular cortex 2 (OP2) and primary visual cortex (V1) were used as regions of interests (ROIs). Differences in FC between ROIs and other brain regions were calculated between the two groups. In view of the brain regions with significant differences, z-values of FC were extracted for each subject in the EG, and Pearson partial correlation analysis was conducted between z-values of FC and clinical characteristics of patients, P<0.05 was considered to have significant correlation. SPSS 22.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results: There was no significant difference in gender, age, years of education, course of disease, frequency of attack and scores of MoCA, HAMA and HAMD between the two groups (P>0.05). Headache VAS, HIT-6 and MIDAS scores in VM patients were significantly lower than those in MwoA patients (P<0.05). Compared with MwoA patients, the FC between left OP2 and bilateral precuneus and left thalamus was significantly increased in VM patients, and the FC between right OP2 and left thalamus and right anterior cingulate gyrus were significantly increased (P<0.05, False Discovery Rate correction). Correlation analysis showed that the FC between left OP2 and left precuneus was positively correlated with DHI score in VM patients (P=0.007, r=0.480), and the FC between right OP2 and left thalamus was positively correlated with the disease course in VM patients (P=0.015, r=0.439). Conclusions: The pathogenesis of VM may be related to the altered FC of vestibular, pain and visual-motor networks, abnormalities of these neural pathways may be important imaging biomarkers of VM pathogenesis.

Beyond movement: Headache in patients with functional movement disorders.

To evaluate headache comorbidity in a cohort of patients with functional movement disorders by assessing the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and temporal relationship of headache with the onset of functional symptoms. Functional movement disorders are common and potentially treatable. Although headache is frequent in these patients, few studies have evaluated their headache features. This observational cohort study included consecutive patients with functional movement disorders evaluated in our Functional Movement Disorders Unit between October 2021 and November 2022. Clinical and demographic features from clinical charts were reviewed, and patients completed a self-administered questionnaire designed by the authors that included headache characteristics, disease duration, treatments received, and the Headache Impact Test-6. Headache type was classified as per the Classification of Headache Disorders, third edition (ICHD-3). A total of 51 patients with functional movement disorders were included. Of those, 40 (78%) reported having recurrent headache. Headache intensity was moderate-severe in 33/40 (83%), and about two-thirds experienced headache >9 days/month. Disability secondary to headache was high (median [interquartile range] Headache Impact Test-6 score 62 [49-66]). Based on the ICHD-3, 23/40 (58%) of patients with headache met the criteria for migraine or probable migraine, 11/40 (27%) for tension-type headache, two of 40 (5%) for new daily persistent headache, and one of 40 (3%) for primary exercise headache, while three of 40 (7%) were unclassifiable. The onset of headache occurred before the functional movement disorder in 28/40 (70%), after the functional movement disorder in five of 40 (12%), and simultaneously in six of 40 (15%). In this last group, four of the six (67%) patients described a daily headache from the onset, and two met the criteria for new daily persistent headache. Headache is a frequent condition in patients with functional movement disorders and an additional burden of disability beyond their motor symptoms. We found that, besides migraine and tension-type headache, new daily persistent headache may be a comorbid phenotype in patients with functional movement disorders and should be further studied in larger prospective studies.

Three-month treatment outcome of medication-overuse headache according to classes of overused medications, use of acute medications, and preventive treatments

Medication overuse headache (MOH) is a chronic headache disorder that results from excessive use of acutely symptomatic headache medications, leading to more frequent and severe headaches. This study aims to assess the 3-month treatment outcomes in MOH patients, focusing on the types and usage of overused medications, as well as preventive treatments. This prospective cross-sectional study analyzed the treatment outcomes of 309 MOH patients from April 2020 to March 2022. Patients were advised to discontinue overused medications immediately and offered preventive treatments based on clinical judgment. Data on headache characteristics, medication use, and impact on daily life were collected at baseline and 3 months. Results showed overall significant improvements in headache-related variables in patients completing the 3-month treatment follow-up. The median number of headache days per month decreased from 15 days at baseline to 8 days after 3 months (p < 0.001). Patients who overused multiple drug classes demonstrated increased disability levels (mean Headache Impact Test-6 score: 62 at baseline vs. 56 at 3 months, p < 0.01). Those who continued overusing medications reported more days of severe headache (mean 18 days at baseline vs. 14 days at 3 months, p < 0.05) and greater impact (mean Migraine Disability Assessment score: 35 at baseline vs. 28 after 3 months, p < 0.05) compared to the baseline. Differences in headache outcomes were evident across different preventive treatment groups, with generalized estimating equation analyses highlighting significant associations between clinical characteristics, overused medication classes, and preventive treatments. Most MOH clinical features significantly improved after 3 months of treatment. However, notable interactions were observed with certain clinical presentations, suggesting possible influences of overused medication classes, usage patterns, and preventive treatment types on MOH treatment outcomes. This study underscores the importance of individualized treatment strategies and the potential benefits of discontinuing overused medications.

The Effects of Combination Herbal Medicine Tablet on Migraine Headache: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo, Controlled Study

Background: Migraine is the second most common cause of headache, various methods have been mentioned for the treatment of migraine, including herbal medicine. Iaraj Fiqra is a combination of Aloe, saffron, cinnamon, mustalci, balsam incense and asaroon and claim to be effective in migraine. The present study aims to compare the effect of Iaraj Fiqra and placebo tablets on migraine headache. Methods: In this randomized, controlled trial, patients with migraine (based on the International Headache Society definition) received Iaraj Fiqra (500mg/daily) or placebo tablets for two months. Headache characteristics were measured using the Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) and Headache Impact Test-6 (HIT-6). Results: Iaraj Fiqra reduced significantly the frequency (P=0.007), the severity (P=0.000) and the duration (P=0.000) of attacks compared to placebo. MIDAS and HIT-6 scores were significantly reduced in the drug group other than the placebo group (P=0.014 and P=0.000 respectively). Analgesic use also reduced. No significant difference was observed between the two groups in term of side effects (P=0.23). Conclusion: This study showed that Iaraj Fiqra had significant effects on reducing headache characteristics and analgesic use and given its limited side effects, it is recommended for the treatment of migraine.

Effectiveness of galcanezumab on sleep quality, migraine outcome, and multidimensional patient-reported outcome measures: a real-world experience in Turkish patients with episodic and chronic migraine.

This real-world study aimed to investigate the impact of galcanezumab on sleep quality, migraine outcome and multidimensional patient-reported outcomes measures (PROMs) in patients with episodic migraine (EM) and chronic migraine (CM). Fifty-four patients with episodic migraine (n = 24) or chronic migraine (n = 30) received a 3-month series of galcanezumab injections and were evaluated for sleep quality, measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), as well as migraine outcomes such as monthly headache days (MHDs), monthly migraine days (MMDs), and headache severity. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) such as the Migraine Disability Assessment Scale (MIDAS), Headache Impact Test-6 (HIT-6), SF-36 Health-related Quality of Life (HRQoL), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were additionally included in the assessment. The percentage of patients with poor sleep quality (total PSQI scores ≥ 5) was 72.7% at baseline, decreasing to 57.5% and 56.2% at the 1st and 2nd months, respectively. By the 3rd month of galcanezumab injections, significant improvement was observed in the sleep disturbances domain in the overall study population (p = 0.016), and in subgroups of patients with low anxiety levels (p = 0.016) and none/minimal depression (p = 0.035) at baseline. Patients with sleep disorder at baseline exhibited marked improvements in total PSQI scores (p = 0.027) and in the subjective sleep quality (p = 0.034) and daytime dysfunction (p = 0.013) domains, by the 3rd month. Over the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd months, there were significant improvements in MHDs (p < 0.001), MMDs (p < 0.001), HIT-6 scores (p < 0.001 for each), BAI scores (p < 0.001 for each), BDI scores (p ranged from 0.048 to <0.001), and HRQoL scores (p ranged from 0.012 to <0.001). Galcanezumab demonstrates notable benefits in improving sleep quality, along with a comorbidity-based and domain-specific effect on sleep parameters, which involved sleep disturbances domain in patients without depression or anxiety at baseline but the total PSQI scores, subjective sleep quality and daytime dysfunction in those with sleep disorder at baseline. The treatment also facilitates rapid-onset enhancements in migraine outcomes as well as various PROMs.

A real-world prospective observational study of eptinezumab in Asian patients with migraine.

To evaluate the real-world effectiveness of eptinezumab for migraine prevention in Asian patients. Eptinezumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a potent vasodilator with an important role in migraine pathophysiology. Although there is robust clinical evidence from pivotal Phase 3 placebo-controlled trials of the efficacy of eptinezumab for migraine prevention, there are limited data on the real-world effectiveness of eptinezumab in Asian patient cohorts. This was a non-interventional, prospective, multisite cohort study of adults with migraine (International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition criteria) in Singapore who were prescribed eptinezumab (100 mg at baseline and Month 3, administered intravenously) and were followed until Month 6. The primary endpoint was change from baseline in monthly migraine days (MMDs) at Month 3 and Month 6. Secondary endpoints were ≥30% and ≥50% responder rates, and change from baseline in the Headache Impact Test-6 (HIT-6), Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS), Migraine-Specific Quality of Life (MSQ), patient-identified most bothersome symptom (PI-MBS), acute medication use at Month 3 and Month 6, and safety. Enrolled patients (completed = 29/30) had on average 3.4 (SD 2.9) previous preventive treatments; 29/30 of the patients had trialed at least one previous preventive treatment without benefit. Most had previously trialed oral preventives (87%, 26/30) and anti-CGRP (70%, 21/30). Relative to baseline, mean MMDs decreased by 4.3 days (95% CI 2.1-6.4; p < 0.001) at Month 3 and 4.9 days (95% CI 2.1-7.7; p < 0.001) at Month 6. At Month 3 and Month 6, 14/30 (47%) and 15/29 (52%) of the patients were ≥30% responders, and 6/30 (20%) and 8/29 (28%) patients were ≥50% responders, respectively. The number of patients with severe life impairment based on the HIT-6 score (total score 60-78) decreased from 24/30 (80%) at baseline to 19/30 (63%) at Month 3 and 19/29 (66%) at Month 6. The mean MIDAS score decreased by 24.6 points (95% CI 2.82-46.38; p = 0.028) at Month 6, and the mean MSQ score increased by 12.2 points (95% CI 5.18-19.20; p = 0.001) at Month 3 and 13.6 points (95% CI 4.58-22.66; p = 0.004) at Month 6. Most patients reported improvement in the PI-MBS at Month 3 (73%, 22/30) and Month 6 (55%, 16/29). Acute medication use for headache relief decreased by 3.3 days/month (95% CI 1.0-5.6; p = 0.007) at Month 3 and 4.7 days/month (95% CI 1.7-7.7; p = 0.003) at Month 6. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were reported in 16/30 (54%) patients, mostly mild/moderate in severity. No serious TEAEs led to treatment discontinuation. Quarterly eptinezumab administration was effective and well-tolerated in Asian patients with chronic migraine.

Improving Function and Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Neck Pain, Tension-Type Headache, and Forward Head Posture: The Role of Eyeball Exercise and Cervical Stabilization Programs.

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of eyeball exercise and cervical stabilization programs to patients with chronic neck pain, tension-type headache (TTH), and forward head posture (FHP). MATERIAL AND METHODS The design of this study was a randomized controlled trial. A total of 40 participants were randomly divided into 2 groups: the experimental group (n=20) and the control group (n=20). Both groups received cervical manual therapy and biofeedback-guided stabilization exercises (30 min/session, 3 sessions/week, 6 weeks). In addition to the regular treatments, the participants in the experimental group also performed eyeball exercises for 20 minutes per session, 3 sessions per week, for a total of 6 weeks. Changes in neck pain (numeric rating scale, NRS), neck disability index (NDI), quality of life (Short Form-12 Health Survey Questionnaire, SF-12), headache impact test-6 (HIT-6), craniovertebral angle (CVA), cranial rotation angle (CRA), and muscle tone were measured. RESULTS Both groups showed significant improvements in NRS, NDI, SF-12, HIT-6 scores, CVA, CRA, and muscle tone (p<0.05). The experimental group had significant differences in NDI, SF-12, HIT-6 scores, and suboccipital muscle tone compared to the control (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Combining the eyeball exercise program with commonly used manual therapy and stabilization exercises for patients with chronic neck pain can help reduce nerve compression and promote muscle relaxation in the eye and neck areas. The method is thus proposed as an effective intervention to enhance function and quality of life in patients with chronic neck pain patients, TTH, and FHP.

Does a Healthy Weight Body Mass Index at Onset of Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Change the Outcomes? A United Kingdom Prospective Cohort Study

ABSTRACT Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) predominantly affects reproductive-aged females with obesity. However, the prevalence and impact of a healthy weight body mass index (BMI) at disease presentation is not known. This study aimed to evaluate the visual and headache outcomes stratified by the presenting BMI. This was a longitudinal prospective cohort study (IIH Life) based on a tertiary neuro-ophthalmology IIH service, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Trust, United Kingdom, recruiting consecutive patients living with IIH between 2012 and 2021. Those with a presenting BMI were included. The outcome measures included visual outcomes of LogMAR visual acuity, Humphrey visual field perimetric mean deviation (PMD), optical coherence tomography (OCT) measurements, and headache outcomes of frequency, severity, and Headache Impact Test-6 score. Three hundred seventy-five people with IIH and a documented baseline BMI. About 3.7% of the entire cohort had a healthy weight BMI at IIH presentation and 15.5% BMI < 30 kg/m2. The baseline PMD was worse in patients without obesity; however, OCT papilloedema measures were similar. The presence of obesity was associated with a small but significant greater worsening in visual acuity but slower macular ganglion cell layer loss. There was no impact on PMD or papilloedema prognosis related to baseline obesity. The headache outcomes showed heterogeneity, with worse baseline headache frequency in patients with obesity. No BMI group was associated with worse headache outcomes. Patients with a healthy weight BMI or those without obesity at baseline make up a small proportion of IIH patients. BMI at presentation does not appear to influence long-term visual or headache outcomes.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide: a possible biomarker in migraine patients with patent foramen ovale

BackgroundSerum CGRP has been found to increase during migraine attack. However, whether CGRP can identify MA with PFO subtypes in MA remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the differential expression of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) between migraine (MA) patients with and without patent foramen ovale (PFO), and to evaluate the predictive value of CGRP for MA with PFO.MethodsA total of 153 patients with MA, 51 patients with PFO and 102 patients without. Venous blood was drawn and HIT-6 score was calculated during the onset of MA, and blood routine, inflammatory indexes and serum CGRP were detected. The differences in serum markers and HIT-6 scores were compared between the two groups, and the risk factors of MA with PFO were determined by univariate and multivariate logistics regression. Furthermore, the correlation between CGRP level with right-to-left shunt (RLS) grades and headache impact test-6 (HIT-6) score in MA patients with PFO were assessed. Independent risk factors were screened out by multivariate Logistic regression analysis. We used the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve to analyze the diagnostic value of these risk factors in MA complicated with PFO.ResultsThe serum CGRP level and HIT-6 scores in the MA with PFO group were significantly higher than those in the MA group (P < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis showed that CGRP was an independent risk factor for MA with PFO (OR = 1.698, 95% CI = 1.325–2.179, P < 0.001). CGRP values ​​increased with the increase of RLS grade(Spearmen rho = 0.703, P < 0.001). Furthermore, a positive correlation between CGRP and HIT-6 scores was found (Spearmen rho = 0.227; P = 0.016). ROC curve showed that the optimal cut-off value for diagnosing MA with PFO was 79 pg/mL, the area under the curve (AUC) for predicting MA with PFO was 0.845, with 72.55% sensitivity and 78.43% specificity.ConclusionsMA patients with PFO have higher serum CGRP level. elevated CGRP concentration was associated with higher RLS grade and increased HIT-6 score. Higher serum CGRP level has certain clinical value in predicting PFO in MA patients.Trial registrationThis study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Zhuhai Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine (Ethics batch number: 20,201,215,005).

Addressing limitations of single GON blockade treatment and repetitive intervention with GON block or onabotulinum toxin A in chronic migraine- part 2 of three men in a boat study

This study investigated the effectiveness of three treatment interventions for managing migraine symptoms over a three-month assessment period: single greater occipital nerve block (GON), repetitive GON block, and single GON block combined with onabotulinium toxin A (BoNT-A) treatment. Significant improvements were observed across all treatment groups in various migraine-related parameters, including medication usage, frequency and severity of attacks, and subjective measures such as Headache Impact Test-6 scores and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores. Notably, all groups showed reductions in NSAID and triptan usage, total number of attacks with VAS>4, and number of headache days. However, slight differences in the magnitude of improvements were observed between the groups, with GON block combined with BoNT-A treatment demonstrating slightly greater reductions compared to single GON block treatment. Additionally, the integration of BoNT-A therapy alongside GON blockade appeared to confer supplementary benefits in migraine prophylaxis. These findings highlight the importance of implementing comprehensive treatment approaches to address various aspects of migraine management and improve patient outcomes.

Efficacy of greater occipital nerve block treatment for migraine and potential impact of patient positioning during procedure: Results of randomised controlled trial.

PurposeAssess the efficacy, and potential impact of patient positioning for 10 minutes immediately post-procedure, of greater occipital nerve (GON) block for treatment of migraine. MethodsProspective multicentre non-blinded randomised controlled trial, randomisation and treatment of 60 neurology clinic patients with poorly controlled migraine. Outcomes measured with Headache Impact Test-6 (HIT-6), modified MIgraine Disability Assessment Scale (M-MIDAS), and RELIEF scores. ResultsPatient positioning did not lead to significant difference in RELIEF score (34% vs 11%, p-value 0.10, Chi-squared test) at day 90. When considered in a multiple regression analysis, the sitting position outperformed supine position significantly (p-value 0.04). However, no significant difference in HIT-6 score between the supine (n = 27) and sitting position groups (n = 33) was detected at baseline (p-value 0.76), day 30 (p-value 0.69) or day 90 (p-value 0.54, Mann-Whitney U-test). The HIT-6 score significantly improved post-GON block, from median 67 (baseline pre-GON) to 59 (day 30) and 62 (day 90) for the supine group and a score of 66, 61–62 for the sitting group (all p-value ≤ 0.001, intra-group comparison using Wilcoxon test); M-MIDAS achieved similar outcomes. Overall, a significant minimal clinically important improvement was obtained with GON block, and the GON injections were deemed very tolerable by patients (median score of 2 on 10 cm pain scale). ConclusionRegardless of patient positioning, GON block is an effective and near-painless procedure for migraine symptom control. Unlike earlier published observational study data, this trial concludes that a sitting patient position immediately post-GON is preferred.

Dynamic changes in glymphatic function in reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome.

The pathophysiology of the reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) remains enigmatic and the role of glymphatics in RCVS pathophysiology has not been evaluated. We aimed to investigate RCVS glymphatic dynamics and its clinical correlates. We prospectively evaluated the glymphatic function in RCVS patients, with RCVS subjects and healthy controls (HCs) recruited between August 2020 and November 2023, by calculating diffusion-tensor imaging along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) index under a 3-T MRI. Clinical and vascular (transcranial color-coded duplex sonography) investigations were conducted in RCVS subjects. RCVS participants were separated into acute (≤ 30days) and remission (≥ 90days) groups by disease onset to MRI interval. The time-trend, acute stage and longitudinal analyses of the DTI-ALPS index were conducted. Correlations between DTI-ALPS index and vascular and clinical parameters were performed. Bonferroni correction was applied to vascular investigations (q = 0.05/11). A total of 138 RCVS patients (mean age, 46.8years ± 11.8; 128 women) and 42 HCs (mean age, 46.0years ± 4.5; 35 women) were evaluated. Acute RCVS demonstrated lower DTI-ALPS index than HCs (p < 0.001) and remission RCVS (p < 0.001). A continuously increasing DTI-ALPS trend after disease onset was demonstrated. The DTI-ALPS was lower when the internal carotid arteries resistance index and six-item Headache Impact test scores were higher. In contrast, during 50-100days after disease onset, the DTI-ALPS index was higher when the middle cerebral artery flow velocity was higher. Glymphatic function in patients with RCVS exhibited a unique dynamic evolution that was temporally coupled to different vascular indices and headache-related disabilities along the disease course. These findings may provide novel insights into the complex interactions between glymphatic transport, vasomotor control and pain modulation.

Association between anemia severity and migraine in iron deficiency anemia.

Migraine is an episodic public health problem that usually occurs with a severe headache. Various mechanisms and outcomes have been reported between iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and migraine. We aimed to investigate the effect of the presence and severity of anemia and iron parameters on the frequency and severity of migraine attacks. The study included 104 patients with IDA and newly diagnosed migraine in the neurology outpatient clinic and 38 age and gender-matched controls with normal hemoglobin levels. Patients were divided into 3 subgroups (mild, moderate, and severe anemia) to determine a significant relationship between the severity of IDA and migraine attacks. All patients were asked validated questions with the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Headache Impact Test-6 (HIT-6), and the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) face-to-face. In this study, 85.6% of the participants were female, and 22 (14.6%) of them were male. Thirty-two mild anemia patients' mean age was 36.6 ± 12.5, 41 with moderate anemia was 46 ± 14.2, and 31 with severe anemia patients' mean age was 48 ± 14.1. There was no significant difference between the subgroups in VAS, HIT-6 score, headache type, and headache frequency. Menstrual migraine is associated with low hemoglobin levels. A significant increase was found in VAS and HIT-6 scores with low ferritin levels. The presence and severity of anemia and iron deficiency do not affect the frequency and severity of migraine attacks in groups other than menstruation-related migraine. An inverse relationship was found between VAS, HIT-6, and ferritin levels. VAS was found to be more effective than HIT-6.

Real-world experience with calcitonin gene-related peptide-targeted antibodies for migraine prevention: a retrospective observational cohort study at two Japanese headache centers

BackgroundAlthough randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have shown that calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-targeted monoclonal antibodies (CGRP mAbs) are an efficacious and safe therapeutic modality for migraine prevention, their clinical benefits have not been well validated in Japanese patients in the real-world setting. The present study aimed to evaluate the real-world efficacy and safety of galcanezumab, fremanezumab, and erenumab in Japanese patients with migraine.MethodsThis observational retrospective cohort study was conducted at two headache centers in Japan. Patients with migraine who had experienced treatment failure with at least one traditional oral migraine preventive agent were treated with a CGRP mAb de novo. The primary efficacy endpoints were the changes from baseline in monthly migraine days (MMDs) and Headache Impact Test-6 (HIT-6) score after 3 dosing intervals (V3). We explored whether demographic and clinical characteristics predicted therapeutic outcomes at V3.ResultsSixty-eight patients who completed three doses of a CGRP mAb (85.3% female [58/68], mean age: 46.2 ± 13.1 years) were included in the analysis. There were 19 patients with chronic migraine. The baseline MMDs were 13.4 ± 6.0. After 3 doses, the MMDs significantly decreased to 7.4 ± 5.5 (p < 0.0001), and the 50% response rate was 50.0%. HIT-6 score was significantly reduced from 66.7 ± 5.4 to 56.2 ± 8.7 after 3 doses (P = 0.0001). There was a positive correlation between the changes in MMDs and HIT-6 score from baseline after 2 doses (p = 0.0189). Those who achieved a ≥ 50% therapeutic response after the first and second doses were significantly more likely to do so at V3 (crude odds ratio: 3.474 [95% CI: 1.037 to 10.4], p = 0.0467). The most frequent adverse event was constipation (7.4%). None of the adverse events were serious, and there was no need for treatment discontinuation.ConclusionsThis real-world study demonstrated that CGRP mAbs conferred Japanese patients with efficacious and safe migraine prevention, and an initial positive therapeutic response was predictive of subsequent favorable outcomes. Concomitant measurement of MMDs and HIT-6 score was useful in evaluating the efficacy of CGRP mAbs in migraine prevention.

Monitoring of optic sheath diameter during acute migraine attack: an objective criteria for the severity of disease.

The etiology of migraine can be complex and multifactorial but not clear, also, intracranial pressure has been already associated with migraine attacks. This study aimed to monitor intracranial pressure during migraine attack to understand the possible relations with disease and severity. A prospective randomized study was designed. Patients with a definitive diagnosis of migraine underwent ultrasonography for optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) measurement before treatment and were re-measured after the attack was resolved. The severity of the migraine was assessed with Headache Impact Test-6 (HIT-6) and Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) questionnaire before the treatment and after the symptoms regressed. ONSD values and scores from the questionnaires were compared before and after the migraine attack. The study included 11 (52.4%) women and 10 (47.6%) men, and 42 eyes were evaluated. ONSD was detected as 4.23 ± 0.26 mm in the right eye and 4.10 ± 0.32 mm in the left eye during the migraine attack and decreased to 3.65 ± 0.41 mm in the right eye and 3.50 ± 0.33 mm in the left eye after the attack was treated (p < 0.001, both). A similar statistical improvement was found in HIT-6 and MIDAS scores with ONSD after treatment (p < 0.001). A significant positive correlation was found between the ONSD value in both eyes and HIT-6/MIDAS scores during the migraine attack, and also, after the migraine attack. A subjective increase of ONSD values during the migraine attack decreased after the disease resolved, also changes in ONSD values were significantly correlated with the severity of symptoms.