Location Of Headache Research Articles

Clinical Significance of Isolated Sphenoid Sinusitis Identified in Pediatric Patients Presenting with Headache.

Background and Objectives: Brain imaging studies in pediatric patients with headaches often reveal inflammation of the sphenoid sinus. When we encounter patients presenting with headaches without respiratory symptoms, determining the causal relationship between isolated sphenoid sinusitis observed in brain imaging studies and headache is challenging. This study aims to evaluate the clinical characteristics of pediatric patients with headaches and isolated sphenoid sinusitis identified by brain imaging studies and to determine the effects of antibiotics on headache relief. Materials and Methods: Among patients aged <18 years with headaches, those in whom isolated sphenoid sinusitis was observed on brain imaging were included. Their medical records were retrospectively reviewed to evaluate their clinical characteristics and outcomes. Based on antibiotic and analgesic effects, the included patients were categorized into acute bacterial sinusitis (BS) and non-BS groups, and clinical data were compared between the two groups. Results: Brain imaging studies were performed for 1751 patients, and 205 (11.7%) and 41 (2.3%) patients demonstrated sinusitis and isolated sphenoid sinusitis, respectively. For the 41 patients with isolated sphenoid sinusitis, migraine with or without aura (58.5%) was the most frequent type of headache. Throbbing pain (34.1%) occurred most frequently, and the temporal area (51.2%) was the most common location of headache. Nausea/vomiting (56.1%) was the most common accompanying symptom, followed by ocular symptoms (34.1%). Only one (2.4%) patient complained of neurologic symptoms. Headache improved in 26 (63.4%) patients, with improvement without antibiotic therapy in 19 (46.3%) patients. The acute BS and non-BS groups demonstrated comparable characteristics, except for a higher frequency of ocular symptoms in the acute BS group than in the non-BS group (p = 0.044). Conclusions: Isolated sphenoid sinusitis was rarely identified in pediatric patients with headache examined using brain imaging studies. Considering the clinical characteristics and antibiotic effects, early intensive antibiotic therapy cannot be prioritized.

Prospective analysis of optic nerve diameter and NSE values in patients with refractory headaches

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the usability of ultrasonographic optic nerve diameter measurement and plasma neuron-specific enolase (NSE) levels in detecting secondary causes of headaches in patients with refractory headaches in emergency department.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in a university-based adult emergency department over 3 years. Sixty-six consecutive patients presenting to the emergency department with refractory headaches and 50 healthy volunteers for the control group were included. Information recorded included the duration of complaints, type and location of headache, symptoms, co-morbidities, results of imaging studies, optic nerve diameters, results of lactate, arterial blood gas and NSE levels.&#x0D; Results: A total of 66 patients were included, comprising 33 females. The mean age was 43.05 ± 17.06 years. Secondary causes of headache were identified in 45 patients (68.2%). Evaluation of ultrasonographic optic nerve diameter revealed that 17 (25.8%) right and 21 (31.8%) left optic nerve diameters were ≥5 mm. Optic nerve diameter values were significantly higher in patients diagnosed with secondary headache compared to those with primary headache, with no statistically significant difference observed in NSE values. Lactate levels in patients with secondary headaches were significantly higher than those in patients with primary headaches.&#x0D; Conclusion: In patients admitted to the emergency department with refractory headaches and normal imaging, ultrasonographic optic nerve diameter measurement may be preferred as an easily accessible method to guide the detection of secondary causes. NSE was not an effective in the early selection of patients with secondary headaches.

Comparison of migraine with left- versus right-sided headache: A cross-sectional study.

The goal of this study was to clarify whether clinical differences exist between patients with migraine who experience headache that is typically left-sided ("left-migraine") versus right-sided ("right-migraine") during attacks. Migraine has been associated with unilateral headache for millennia and remains a supportive trait for the clinical diagnosis of migraine of the International Classification of Headache Disorders. It is currently unknown why headache in migraine is commonly unilateral, and whether headache-sidedness is associated with other clinical features. This is a cross-sectional study comparing left- versus right-migraine using all available intake questionnaires of new patients evaluated at an academic tertiary headache center over a 20-year period. Eligibility was based on patient written responses indicating the typical location of headache during attacks. In our analyses, the side of headache (left or right) was the predictor variable. The outcomes included various migraine characteristics and psychiatric comorbidities. We identified 6527 patients with migraine, of which 340 met study eligibility criteria. Of these, 48.8% (166/340) had left migraine, and 51.2% (174/340) had right migraine. When comparing patients with left- versus right-migraine, patients with left migraine experienced 3.6 fewer headache-free days (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3-5.9; p = 0.002) and 2.4 more severe headache days (95% CI 0.8-4.1; p = 0.004) in the previous 4 weeks. No significant differences in age, sex, handedness, migraine characteristics, or psychiatric comorbidities were identified between the two groups. Patients with migraine with typically left-sided headache during attacks reported a higher burden of headache frequency and severity than those with typically right-sided headache during attacks. These findings may have implications for our understanding of migraine pathophysiology, treatment, and clinical trial design.

Exploration of the methods and rules of syndrome/pattern differentiation and treatment of headache from the acupuncture-moxibustion prescriptions of ancient literature based on the data mining technology.

The study aims to identifying and exploring the methods and rules of the syndrome/pattern differentiation and treatment of headache through collating acupuncture-moxibustion prescriptions recorded earliest in ancient literature. Using Excel2016 software, the structural data table was prepared with "name of disease", "location of disease", "etiology and pathogenesis", "complicated symptoms", "sites for acupuncture and moxibustion" and "techniques of acupuncture and moxibustion" included. The normative approach was conduced on "name of disease", "etiology and pathogenesis", "complicated symptoms" and "nomenclature of acupoint". Using conventional literature statistical method, combined with Apriori algorithm of association rule, the implicit multi-dimensional correlation rules were explored among various elements of syndrome/pattern differentiation of headache and corresponding therapeutic methods. Based on the findings of the study, the regularity was distinct regarding the treatment at "distal acupoints along the affected meridian and the local acupoints at the affected area" after identifying the location of headache; the strong association was presented between "etiology and pathogenesis" and "acupoint selection", and between "etiology and pathogenesis" and "therapeutic methods", including 9 and 12 rules, respectively. Guanyuan (CV 4) selected in treatment of headache was associated with kidney deficiency, the combination of Zhongwan (CV 12) and Zusanli (ST 36) was with phlegm, Fengfu (GV 16), Fengchi (GB 20), Xinghui (GV 22) and Baihui (GV 20) was with wind, and Hegu (LI 4) was with cold. Moxibustion was dominant in treatment if headache was caused by pathogenic cold or related to deficiency syndrome; acupuncture was used specially for the case caused by phlegm, or interaction of wind and phlegm or wind and heat. For heat syndrome, either acupuncture or moxibustion was applicable, in general, acupuncture was more commonly used in comparison with moxibustion for headache. There were 6 association rules regarding the acupoint selection and the techniques of acupuncture and moxibustion. Moxibustion was generally applied to Xinghui (GV 22), Shangxing (GV 23) and Baihui (GV 20) ; and acupuncture was to Fengfu (GV 16), Hegu (LI 4) and Zusanli (ST 36). There were few association rules between the complicated symptoms and acupoint selection. Among nearly 100 complications, there were only 3 feature associations. Zhongwan (CV 12) was selected for the case with poor appetite, Chengjiang (CV 24) was with neck stiffness, and Fengchic (GB 20) combined with Fenglong (ST 40) or Jiexi (ST 41) was used if vertigo was present. In the ancient time, regarding the treatment of headache, acupuncture and moxibustion are delivered based on the three aspects, i.e. the location of illness, the etiology and pathogenesis, and the complicated symptoms. For acupoint selection, in line with the courses of affected meridians, the adjacent and distal acupoints are combined according to the location of headache. The acupoint prescription is composed in terms of the etiology and pathogenesis. The techniques of acupuncture and moxibustion are optimized in consideration of the sites where acupuncture and moxibustion are operated.

Cumulative seizure occurrence and the predictors of seizure in low- and high-grade gliomas

Objective: We aimed to determine the cumulative seizure occurrence, 1-year, and 5-years of preoperative seizures in gliomas, and an update on the predictors. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of 239 patients with histopathologically confirmed gliomas in University Malaya Medical Centre, Malaysia, between 2008-2020. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to determine the cumulative incidence of seizures. Logistic regression was performed to determine the predictors of preoperative seizures. Results: A total of 80/239 patients (33.5%) had preoperative seizures. They were more commonly seen in those with younger age of presentation (40.0% in those &lt;40 years old vs. 26.9% in ≥40 years old, p&lt;0.05) and low-grade tumors (42.2% vs. 28.8% in high-grade tumors). Those with cortical involvement, especially the frontal lobe, or without focal deficit, headache, nausea, or vomiting were more likely to have seizures preoperatively. Logistic regression identified three significant predictors for preoperative seizure: absence of focal deficits at presentation (OR 6.090, 95% CI 3.110-11.925, p&lt;0.001), cortical location (OR 3.834, 95% CI 1.363-10.786, p&lt;0.05) and absence of headache at presentation (OR 2.487, 95% CI 1.139-5.431, p&lt;0.05). The cumulative incidence of seizure was 29% at one year and 32% at 5-year for gliomas. Specifically, the seizure incidence was higher in low-grade gliomas (39% at 1-year) and certain tumor types such as ganglioglioma (50%), oligodendroglioma (48%), and astrocytoma (45%). Conclusion: The cumulative incidence of preoperative seizures in low-grade gliomas and certain tumor types is high. The predictors included cortical involvement and absence of focal neurological deficit or headache at presentation.

Headache features in people with whiplash associated disorders: A scoping review

BackgroundWhiplash-associated headache (WAH) is one of the most common symptoms after a whiplash injury, leading to high disability. Nevertheless, the clinical characteristics of WAH have not been well described. ObjectiveTo synthesise the existing literature on the clinical characteristics of WAH. DesignScoping review. MethodsThe protocol for this scoping review was registered in Open Science Framework and the PRISMA extension for Scoping Reviews tool was used to ensure methodological and reporting quality. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science and Scopus. The search was performed by one author and the screening of articles was conducted by two authors independently. ResultsA total of 11363 articles were initially identified and finally 26 studies were included in the review. Headache intensity was the most commonly reported feature. Headache duration, frequency and location were also reported in at least four studies. Few studies reported physical impairments that may be related to the presence of WAH. A differentiation with concussion characteristics was only performed in eight studies. ConclusionWAH appears to be of mild to moderate intensity, typically with episodes of short duration which is commonly experienced in the occipital region amongst other regions, and with a tendency to reduce in intensity over time.

3D measurement of clavicular and scapular orientations: The association with clinical characteristics and responsiveness to scapular repositioning in patients with neck pain

BackgroundClavicular and scapular orientations vary between neck pain patients as do clinical features and responses (changes in pain and rotation range) to scapular repositioning. Associations between these factors are unknown. ObjectivesTo identify subgroups of neck pain patients based on three-dimensional (3D) measures of clavicular and scapular orientations and differences between subgroups in clinical characteristics and responses to scapular repositioning. DesignCross-sectional study. MethodsEligible participants were recruited as part of a larger study. The 3D clavicular and scapular orientations were analyzed on the more painful side of the neck using a hierarchical cluster analysis. Clinical characteristics were neck pain location, intensity, duration, disability and presence of headache. Responses to scapular repositioning were classified as “yes and no”. ResultsFifty-eight participants (29 responsive; 29 non-responsive to scapular repositioning) participated in the study. Analysis identified two distinct subgroups: subgroup1 had greater clavicular retraction and scapular downward rotation (n = 26) and subgroup2 had greater clavicular elevation and scapular internal rotation and anterior tilt (n = 32). Headache and dominant pain in the upper neck were more frequent in subgroup 1 while dominant pain in the lower neck was frequent in subgroup 2 (p < 0.01). Most participants who responded positively to scapular repositioning (88.5%) were in subgroup1 and most non-responsive participants (81.2%) in subgroup2. ConclusionsThe 3D clavicular and scapular orientations identified two subgroups of neck pain patients. Participants with predominantly downward scapular rotation were distinguished by pain in the upper neck, presence of headache and a positive response to scapular repositioning.

OnabotulinumtoxinA in chronic migraine: is the response dose dependent?

BackgroundOnabotulinumtoxinA has been widely used for control of chronic migraine. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the efficacy of different doses of the onabotulinumtoxinA therapy in patients with chronic migraine.MethodsThis is a retrospective paired comparison study on patients with chronic migraine who received at least 3 rounds of 150 units of onabotulinumtoxinA followed by at least 3 rounds of 200 units of onabotulinumtoxinA. The data from the patient-reported questionnaires about headache days, severe headache days and wearing off periods were reviewed.ResultsA total of 175 patients were included in this study. The headache days and severe headache days decreased from 13.62 ± 10.79 and 5.88 ± 6.73 to 11.02 ± 10.61and 4.01 ± 4.89 days, after increase in the onabotulinumtoxinA dose, respectively (P < 0.001 for both comparisons). The favorable effect of the 200 units compared to the 150 units of the onabotulinumtoxinA, was independent from the headache location and the duration of the onabotulinumtoxinA 150 units therapy; and persisted as patients continued to receive the higher dose of onabotulinumtoxinA. Increase in the onabotulinumtoxinA dose was also associated with a decreased wearing off period (P < 0.05).ConclusionWe found that increase in the onabotulinumtoxinA is associated with fewer headache and severe headache days. Future randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm the dose-dependent response to onabotulinumtoxinA.

Revisiting the ICHD-3 criteria for headache attributed to mild traumatic injury to the head: Insights from the Toronto Concussion Study Analysis of Acute Headaches Following Concussion.

BackgroundThere is limited prospective data on the prevalence, timing of onset, and characteristics of acute headache following concussion/mild traumatic brain injury.MethodsAdults diagnosed with concussion (arising from injuries not related to work or motor vehicle accidents) were recruited from emergency departments and seen within one week post injury wherein they completed questionnaires assessing demographic variables, pre-injury headache history, post-injury headache history, and the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT-3) symptom checklist, the Sleep and Concussion Questionnaire (SCQ) and mood/anxiety on the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI).ResultsA total of 302 participants (59% female) were enrolled (mean age 33.6 years) and almost all (92%) endorsed post-traumatic headache (PTH) with 94% endorsing headache onset within 24 hours of injury. Headache location was not correlated with site of injury. Most participants (84%) experienced daily headache. Headache quality was pressure/squeezing in 69% and throbbing/pulsing type in 22%. Associated symptoms included: photophobia (74%), phonophobia (72%) and nausea (55%). SCAT-3 symptom scores, Brief Symptom Inventory and Sleep and Concussion Questionnaire scores were significantly higher in those endorsing acute PTH. No significant differences were found in week 1 acute PTH by sex, history of migraine, pre-injury headache frequency, anxiety, or depression, nor presence/absence of post-traumatic amnesia and self-reported loss of consciousness.ConclusionsThis study highlights the very high incidence of acute PTH following concussion, the timing of onset and characteristics of acute PTH, the associated psychological and sleep disturbances and notes that the current ICHD-3 criteria for headaches attributed to mild traumatic injury to the head are reasonable, the interval between injury and headache onset should not be extended beyond seven days and could, potentially, be shorted to allow for greater diagnostic precision.

The epidemiology of airplane headache: A cross-sectional study on point prevalence and characteristics in 50,000 travelers.

BackgroundThe current knowledge on the epidemiology and clinical manifestation of airplane headache is mostly derived from case series and small cohort studies without evidence from large populations.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted over a five-month period in the arrival area of two international airports in Germany. 50,000 disembarking passengers were addressed about headaches during their flight to determine headache prevalence, and those confirming and willing to participate underwent a structured interview.ResultsHeadache during travel was reported by 374 passengers (0.75%), and 301 underwent a structured interview. One hundred and one (0.2%) met the diagnostic criteria of airplane headache. Six passengers suffered from migraines and 134 from tension-type headaches. The differences in the age and gender distribution between the airplane headache and non-airplane headache groups were not statistically significant. The onset (79.2%), duration (82.2%), and location (73.3%) of airplane headache mostly complied with current diagnostic criteria but pain intensity (42.6%) and quality (42.6%) did less so.ConclusionOur data suggest a substantially lower prevalence of airplane headaches than previously reported. The pain intensity and quality seem less characteristic than assumed, suggesting a need to refine the current diagnostic criteria.

The Relationship of Myofascial Trigger Points (MTrPs) Pain to Headache: Type, Location, and Intensity of Headache

Headaches are one of the most common nervous system disorders with a major impact on public health. They can be caused by various etiologies, and some of them are symptoms of serious pathology. The location and intensity of the headache are related to the etiology of the headache. In some cases, headaches can be accompanied by pain due to myofascial trigger points (MTrPs), which are small hyper-irritating spots located centrally within bands that have been injured or overworked. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between Myofascial Trigger Points (MTrPs) Pain and the Type, Location, and Intensity of Headaches. This type of research is analytic observational with a cross-sectional design. Data were collected in October and December of 2014, and a sample of 50 people was drawn using a consecutive sampling technique.Data were gathered through neurologists' history-taking and physical examinations, as well as interviews using a numerical pain scale (NPS), and then analyzed using Fisher and Mann Whitney.The results showed that MTrPs were positive for M. sternocleidomastoid in 38 people, M. trapezius in 36 people, M. temporalis in 31 people, M. masseter superficialis in 20 people, M. suboccipital in 18 people, M. levator scapulae in 34 people, and M. obliquus superior in 20 people. The highest number of active MTrPs was 4 in 15 people, and referred pain from MTrPs was present in only 5 people. It can be concluded that there is no relationship between Myofascial Trigger Points (MTrPs) pain and the type of headache, but there is a relationship between Myofascial Trigger Points (MTrPs) pain and the location and intensity of the headache.

Headache Diary Mobile Application for Monitoring and Characterizing Posttraumatic Headaches.

This study analyzed the data collected using a headache diary mobile application to characterize posttraumatic headaches (PTHs) in a sample of US veterans. Specifically, we measured patient engagement with the mobile application and compared our findings with previous literature regarding PTHs. A Headache Center of Excellence (HCoE) in a Veterans Health Administration facility. Forty-nine veterans currently being treated for ongoing PTH-related complaints with English fluency, reliable access to the internet, and a mobile phone. Observational study of PTH characteristics using the mobile application over the course of 1 year. Main outcome measures were collected via a headache diary mobile application developed for patients to track headache-associated symptoms, headache location, triggers, type, intensity, and duration. Patients also completed a baseline Headache Impact Test (HIT-6) survey. In total, 1569 entries were completed during the first year of application deployment. On average, patients completed 2.5 entries per week and used the application for 70 days. They frequently reported associated PTH symptoms of photophobia (56.7%) and headaches triggered by emotional stress (35.1%). Network analyses revealed patterns of co-occurrence in triggers of headache pain, associated symptoms, and headache pain location. Headache pain severity and impact ratings from the headache diary demonstrated convergent validity with the established HIT-6 measure. Headache diary mobile applications are a promising tool for monitoring and characterizing PTHs in veterans. Present results mirror past studies of PTH characteristics. Mobile application headache diaries may be used in both clinical and research settings to monitor headache symptoms and communicate the functional impact of headaches in real time.

Headache in spontaneous intracranial hypotension: an overview with indications for differential diagnosis in the clinical practice.

Headache is the most common symptom of spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH). The present review focuses on data regarding headache features reported in the most relevant published articles and summarizes the main SIH headache features, namely, orthostatic headache, headache triggered by Valsalva maneuver, pattern of onset of headache, and location and quality of headache. Published data indicate that the clinical suspect of this disorder may be challenging, due to its protean presentation. Among the main implications for clinical practice, we suggest to suspect SIH in all patients with a new onset headache, as different forms of primary and secondary headache should be considered in the differential diagnosis of SIH, particularly cervicogenic headache, new daily persistent headache, and headaches precipitated by Valsalva maneuver. The clinical interview must include specific questions on the possible orthostatic feature of headache, although its absence should not make clinicians to reject the SIH hypothesis as headache cannot be orthostatic in each patient and in all periods of the natural history of the disease. Other disorders with orthostatic symptoms, such as in postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD), should be considered in the differential diagnosis. Awareness that SIH can present with acute, sudden onset requires that clinicians working in the emergency settings should consider SIH in the range of diagnoses of thunderclap headache.

Peripheral Occipital Nerve Decompression Surgery in Migraine Headache.

Background:Migraine headache in the occipital region is characterized by a recurrent pain of moderate to severe intensity. However, the diagnosis can be difficult because of the multitude of symptoms overlapping with similar disorders and a pathophysiology that is not well-understood. For this reason, the medical management is often complex and ineffective.Methods:A literature search according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines was conducted to evaluate the surgical treatment of occipital migraines. Inclusion criteria were: English language, diagnosis of migraine, occipital neuralgia, or tension headache in compliance with the classification of the International Headache Society, follow-up at minimum 3 months, and adult age. The treatment had to consist of peripheral occipital nerve surgery.Results:323 records were identified after duplicates were removed, 30 full text articles were assessed for eligibility, and 9 records were selected for inclusion. A total of 1046 patients were included in the review. General positive response after surgery (>50% reduction in occipital migraine headaches) ranged from 80.0% to 94.9%. However, many differences in the selection of patients, target of decompression surgery, and measurement outcome were described.Conclusion:Despite the decennial proven effectiveness and safeness of surgical therapy for chronic occipital migraine headaches, more significant proof is needed to definitively confirm its use as a standard therapy.

Clinical predictors of significant intracranial computed tomography scan findings in adults experiencing headache disorder.

IntroductionRadiological assessments for adult headache disorder show significant intracranial findings in 2.5% to 10% of performed computed tomography scans (CT-scans), leading to an overuse consideration for CT-scan requests by physicians in headache-experiencing patients. Therefore, we undertook this study in order to determine predictors of significant intracranial CT-scan findings in adults experiencing headache disorder; in order to help physicians better select patients who need imaging, which would subsequently decrease the costs of headache disorder management and the useless irradiation rates.MethodsWe carried out a cross-sectional study in the medical imaging departments of Yaounde Central Hospital and Douala Laquintinie Hospital, which are two teaching hospitals in Cameroon, over a period of five months. We consecutively and non-exhaustively included all consenting patients aged eighteen years and above, referred to the radiology department to perform a head CT-scan as aetiological workup of headache disorder, from either a traumatic or non-traumatic mechanism. Patients having a known brain lesion and those with a Glasgow coma scale less than thirteen were excluded. The clinical history of patients was taken and a complete physical examination was performed. Demographic data, clinical characteristics of the headache, results of neurological and physical examinations were collected and correlated to the results of head CT-scan.ResultsWe enrolled 169 patients in the study, 56.2% were males, with a sex ratio of 1.3; sudden onset of headache increased by two the risk of discovering significant intracranial pathology (p = 0.032). Occipital and cervical location of headache, headache evolving by crisis, and recurrent paroxysmal headache were rather significantly correlated to no structural brain finding. An abnormal neurological examination with specifically abnormal stretch reflexes, aphasia, loss of consciousness, raised intracranial signs, weakness, and meningeal signs were predictive of structural intracranial pathology. Otorrhagia, epistaxis, and periorbital ecchymosis in addition were predictive in post-traumatic headaches.ConclusionAbnormal results from neurological examination are the best clinical parameters to predict structural intracranial pathology on CT-scan in adult patients experiencing headache disorder. In case of post-traumatic headaches, in addition, otorrhagia, epistaxis, and periorbital ecchymosis are too highly predictive.

Dural arteriovenous fistulas and headache features: an observational study

BackgroundDural arteriovenous fistulas are intracranial vascular malformations, fed by dural arteries and draining venous sinuses or meningeal veins. Clinical course varies widely and ranges from benign with spontaneous remission to fatal, due to cerebral hemorrhage. In a 10-year single institution experience, clinical presentation of dural arteriovenous fistulas, and in particular headache and angiographic features, as well as long-term outcome were analyzed.MethodsData of 42 intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas of 40 patients concerning demographic characteristics, medical history and risk factors, clinical presentation and headache features, location and neuroimaging findings, as well as treatment and outcome, were collected. Furthermore, we used the modified-Rankin Scale to assess the long-term outcome, by telephone contact with patients and/or their relatives.ResultsPatients aged between 25 and 89 years (mean age 55.8 ± 15.5). According to different clinical presentation and evolution, related to their unique drainage pattern into the cavernous sinus, we examined the carotid-cavernous fistulas separately from other dural arteriovenous fistulas. Interestingly, we found that the migraine-like headache was the major onset symptom of dural arteriovenous fistulas different from carotid-cavernous fistulas (p = 0.036). On the other hand, non-migraine-like headache was a typical characteristic of carotid-cavernous fistulas (p = 0.003). Moreover, ocular symptoms were more frequently observed in carotid-cavernous fistulas (92.9% p < 0.001). Seventy percent of patients did not report any impact on quality of life (mRS 0 or 1) at follow-up.ConclusionsThese findings suggest a link between the site of lesion and clinical features of the headache, a symptom that usually leads to hospitalization. In particular, ocular symptoms accompanying non-migraine-like headache should be promptly recognized and raise the suspicion of a carotid-cavernous fistula, while migraine-like headache may suggests other dural arteriovenous fistulas. This study provides new significant insights on headache and its characteristics as a presentation symptom in dural arteriovenous fistulas.

Interrater and Intrarater Reliability of the Colloid Cyst Risk Score.

The Colloid Cyst Risk Score (CCRS) was developed to identify symptomatic patients and stratify risk of hydrocephalus among patients with colloid cysts. Its components consider patient age, cyst diameter, presence/absence of headache, fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) hyperintensity, and location within the third ventricle. To independently evaluate the inter- and intrarater reliability of the CCRS. Patients with a colloid cyst were identified from billing records and radiology archives. Three independent raters reviewed electronic medical records to determine age, presence/absence of headache, cyst diameter (mm), FLAIR hyperintensity, and risk zone location. Raters made 53 observations, including 5 repeat observations.Fleiss' generalized kappa (κ) was calculated for all of the nominal criteria, whereas Kendall's coefficient of concordance (W) and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were calculated for the overall score. Total CCRS score demonstrated extremely strong agreement (W=0.83) using Kendall's W coefficient and good agreement (ICC=0.74) using the ICC (P<.001). For interrater reliability of individual criteria, age (κ=1.00) and FLAIR hyperintensity (κ=0.89) demonstrated near perfect agreement. Axial diameter (κ=0.63) demonstrated substantial agreement, whereas agreement was moderate for risk zone (κ=0.51) and fair for headache (κ=0.26). Intrarater reliability for total CCRS score was extremely strong using Kendall's W, good to excellent using ICC, and fair to substantial using weighted kappa. The CCRS has good inter- and intrarater reliability when tested in an independent sample of patients, though strength of agreement varies among individual criteria. The validity of the CCRS requires independent evaluation.

The Relationship between the Phases of the Menstrual Cycle on the Incidence and Severity of Headache after Spinal Anesthesia.

Introduction Headache after spinal anesthesia is a common complication, which is caused after dural puncture due to discharge of cerebrospinal fluid and reduction in the volume and pressure. Studies have shown that a variety of factors are involved including needle shape, needle size, patient's sex, age, duration of surgery, history of spinal anesthesia, and history of headaches. One possible factor is the phase of the menstrual cycle. Many studies have investigated the effect of the menstrual cycle on factors such as postoperative nausea, vomiting, propofol injection pain, and sore throat after intubation. Also, many studies have investigated the effect of different phases of the menstrual cycle on migraine headaches. Therefore, we decided to investigate the effect of different phases of the menstrual cycle on headache after spinal anesthesia. Materials and Methods To determine the relationship between headache after spinal anesthesia and menstrual cycle, the study included all the patients undergoing spinal anesthesia in Shohada Ashayer and Asalian Hospitals of Khorramabad. This cohort study included 279 patients, and data collection tool was a questionnaire. The data from the questionnaire included age, menstrual phase, surgical procedures, pain location, pain intensity, history of spinal anesthesia, history of headache, and headache after spinal anesthesia. Results There was no statistically significant difference between the location of headache, the history of spinal anesthesia, the location of headache, the history of headache, and menstrual phase. Conclusion Considering the high incidence of postdural puncture headache in follicular phase, it is recommended that patients with a high risk of headaches undergo spinal anesthesia and surgery in the luteal phase.

Is Single-Drug Prophylaxis in Migraine Prevention a Better Option than Combination Therapy? An Observational Study in a Rural Tertiary Care Center in North West India.

Background Migraine is a primary headache disorder that has a great impact on quality of life of patients. Pharmacologic therapy may be given in acute or abortive form and in the form of preventive therapy. In what form is preventive therapy to be given? Whether monotherapy is to be used or combination therapy? In what cases does combination therapy fare better than monotherapy? These queries are still unanswered. Materials and Methods All patients with headache reporting to the outpatient department were screened, and those fulfilling inclusion criteria were included in the study. Those patients who had chronic daily headache (headache for 15 or more days in a month) or who had other comorbidities and those who were taking any other drugs and were pregnant were excluded from the study. Baseline parameters, duration of headache, frequency of attacks, severity, and location of headache, triggers, and aggravating factors were recorded. Then, patients were started on abortive and preventive therapy. The follow-up was done at 3 and 6 months and if required earlier. At each follow-up, data regarding frequency, severity, and adverse effects were recorded and analyzed. Results We studied 105 patients of migraine, out of which 15 (14.3%) were males and 90 (85.7%) were females. Moreover, most (72%) of the patients were of the age group of 30 to 49 years. Only 11 (10.5%) patients required three or more preventive medicines for the control of headache and rest 94 (89.5%) patients were controlled on single (49 patients, i.e., 46.7%) or two 45, that is, 42.9% preventive medicines 49. Conclusion For the newly diagnosed migraine cases, the single-drug preventive therapy is more useful than the combination of drugs.

Investigation of the risk factors for the transition of episodic migraines to chronic migraines

Chronic migraine (CM) is a frequent complication of migraines that has a serious impact on personal and social life and is still underdiagnosed. The aim of this study was to determine risk factors for the progression to CM and to investigate the relationship of these factors to the disease prognosis. In all, 115 CM and 377 episodic migraine patients from between February 2015 and December 2017 were enrolled. The age of disease onset, headache duration and frequency, presence of aura and type of aura, clinical properties and location of headache, pain severity, trigger factors, presence of family history, visual analogue scale (VAS) and Allodynia Symptom Checklist (ASC) scores, presence of allodynia, and Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) scores were recorded and the 2 groups were compared statistically. Logistic regression was used to determine the independent risk factors for a conversion to CM. The mean age of the 492 patients (408 female, 84 male) was 36.03±12.67 years, the disease duration was 10.78±10.36 years, the attack frequency was 10.35±9.06 attacks/month, and the attack duration was 30.10±23.54 hours. There were 115 patients (104 female, 11 male) with CM. Female gender (p=0.015), attack frequency (p<0.001), ASC score (p=0.002), VAS score (p=0.001), and MIDAS score (p<0.001) had greater representation in the CM group. Medication overuse (relative risk [RR]: 0.9) and allodynia (RR: 0.3) were independent risk factors for a transition to CM in the logistic regression analysis (p<0.05). Based on the present data of a tertiary headache center, it was concluded that CM is a disabling neurological disease with a serious personal and public burden. Special care should be taken among patients with medication overuse and cutaneous allodynia with regard to the possibility of transition to CM.