Mean Headache Research Articles

Headache determines quality of life in idiopathic intracranial hypertension

BackgroundThe effect of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) on quality of life (QOL) is poorly understood. Our objectives were to compare QOL in IIH to the normal UK population; to investigate QOL changes with treatment of IIH, using a weight loss intervention, and to determine which clinical factors influence QOL.MethodsThis was a prospective cohort evaluation of QOL, using the 36-Item Short Form (SF-36) Health Survey questionnaire, before and after a therapeutic dietary intervention which resulted in significant reduction in body mass index (BMI), intracranial pressure (ICP), papilloedema, visual acuity, perimetric mean deviation (Humphrey 24–2) and headache (six-item headache impact test (HIT-6) and headache diary). Baseline QOL was compared to an age and gender matched population. The relationship between each clinical outcome and change in QOL was evaluated.ResultsAt baseline, QOL was significantly lower in IIH compared to an age and gender matched population in most domains, p < 0.001. Therapeutic weight loss led to a significant improvement in 10 out of 11 QOL domains in conjunction with the previously published data demonstrating significant improvement in papilloedema, visual acuity, perimetry and headache (p < 0.001) and large effect size. Despite significant improvement in clinical measures only headache correlated significantly (p < 0.001) with improving QOL domains.ConclusionsQOL in IIH patients is significantly reduced. It improved with weight loss alongside significant improvement in clinical measures and headache. However, headache was the only clinical outcome that correlated with enhanced QOL. Effective headache management is required to improve QOL in IIH.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s10194-015-0521-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Efficacy of frovatriptan as compared to other triptans in migraine with aura.

BackgroundThe treatment of migraine attacks with aura by triptans is difficult since triptans most probably are not efficacious when taken during the aura phase. Moreover, there are insufficient data from randomised studies whether triptans are efficacious in migraine attacks with aura when taken during the headache phase. In this metaanalysis, we aimed to compare the efficacy of frovatriptan versus rizatriptan, zolmitriptan, and almotriptan.MethodsFive double-blind, randomized, controlled crossover trials were pooled. All trials had an identical design. Patients were asked to treat three consecutive migraine attacks with frovatriptan 2.5 mg and three consecutive migraine attacks with a comparative triptan (rizatriptan 10 mg; zomitriptan 2.5 mg; almotriptan 12.5 mg).ResultsIn this analysis, 117 migraine attacks with aura could be included (intention-to-treat population). The mean headache intensity after 2 hours was 1.2 +/- 1.0 for frovatriptan and 1.6 +/- 1.0 for the other triptans (p<0.05); all triptans showed significant improvement of headache. Frovatriptan resulted in significantly lower relapse rates at 24 hours and 48 hours when taken in migraine attacks with aura.ConclusionsOur data suggest that frovatriptan is efficacious and even superior in some endpoints also when taken during the headache phase in migraine attacks with aura. This is of particular importance for those many patients who have migraine attacks both without and with aura.

Effect of Vitamin D supplementation on symptoms and C-reactive protein in migraine patients.

Migarine is the most common headache around the world including Iran. In recent years, Vitamin D deficiency has been shown to a global health problem. A few studies have been determined inverse association between serum levels of Vitamin D with a headache. So, in this study, we investigated the effect of Vitamin D supplementation on symptoms and C-reactive protein (CRP) among patients with migraine. This study was randomized, double-blind, and controlled-placebo clinical trial. Sixty-five migraine patients aged 10-61 years were included for analysis. Vitamin D was administrated for 10 weeks with 50,000 IU dosage of Vitamin D per week. Multivariate analysis of covariate and univariate analysis of covariate were done to determine the effects of Vitamin D supplementation on symptoms, including severity, duration, frequency of headache, and the headache diary result (HDR). Mean headache frequency and HDR had significant difference among two groups (5.9 ± 7.0 vs. 7.0 ± 6.0, P = 0.06 and 85.0 ± 134.2 vs. 132.1 ± 147.1, P = 0.04). But, a mean difference of headache frequency was marginally significant (P = 0.06). These values were lower among the intervention group compared to placebo group. The association was not observed between CRP with migraine disease. In this study, we shown Vitamin D supplementation may be useful in decreasing frequency of headache attacks and HDR among patients with migraine.

Chinese Herbal Therapy for Chronic Tension-Type Headache.

Objective. To investigate the effects of Chinese herbal therapy on chronic tension-type headache. Method. 132 patients with chronic tension-type headache were enrolled in the study. All patients filled in headache questionnaire at baseline phase and 4, 8, and 12 weeks after baseline. As an alternative therapeutic method, the patients were orally administrated Chinese herbal concoction for ten days. Therapeutic effects were evaluated during 12 weeks of followup. Result. In the primary outcome analysis, mean headache scores were significantly lower in the group. Scores fell by 25%–40% during 12 weeks of followup. Patients fared significantly well for most secondary outcome measures. From baseline to 4–12 weeks of followup, the number of days with headache decreased by 6.8–9.5 days. Duration of each attack also significantly (P < 0.05) shortened from 5.3 hours at 4 weeks to 4.9 hours after 8 weeks of followup. Days with medication per four weeks at followup were lower than those at the baseline. The differences were significant (P < 0.05, 0.01) for all end points. Days with medication fell by 56.6% at 12 weeks. Conclusion. The study has provided evidence that Chinese herbal therapy can be clinically useful for the treatment of chronic tension-type headache.

The association between stress and headache: A longitudinal population-based study.

We studied the association between stress intensity and headache frequency for tension-type headache (TTH), migraine and migraine with coexisting TTH (MigTTH). We studied a population-based sample of 5159 participants (21-71 years) who were asked quarterly between March 2010 and April 2012 about headache and stress. Log-linear regression in the framework of generalized estimating equations was used to estimate regression coefficients presented as percent changes to describe the association between stress intensity (modified visual analog scale (VAS) from 0 to 100) and headache frequency (days/month) stratified by headache subtypes and age groups and adjusted for sex, age, frequent intake of acute pain drugs, drinking, smoking, BMI and education. TTH was reported in 31% participants (48.1 ± 12.5years, 51.5% women, 2.2 ± 3.9 mean headache days/month, 52.3 ± 26.7 mean stress), migraine in 14% (44.8 ± 11.3years, 73.3%, 4.5 ± 5.2 days/month, 62.4 ± 23.3), MigTTH in 10.6% (43.5 ± 11.5 years, 61.0%, 3.6 ± 4.8 days/month, 58.6 ± 24.1), 23.6% were unclassifiable, and 20.8% had no headache. In participants with TTH an increase of 10 points on VAS was associated with an increase of headaches days/month of 6.0% (adjusted). Higher effects were observed in younger age groups (21-30/31-40/41-50/51-60/61-71 years: 9.8/10.2/7.0/6.5/3.5%). Slightly lower effects were observed for migraine (4.3%, 8.1/5.1/3.4/6.3/0.3%) and MigTTH (4.2%, 5.5/6.8/6.9/5.8/-0.7%). Our study provides evidence for an association between stress intensity and headache frequency.

EHMTI-0349. Levetiracetam in the treatment of pediatric headache

Migraine headache is common among the pediatric and adolescent population, with prevalence rates ranging from approximately 3% to 4% in early ages to as high as 8% to 23% during adolescence. Before puberty, boys have more headaches than girls, but after puberty, migraine headaches occur more frequently in girls. Recent studies have highlighted the potential use of levetiracetam in pediatric migraine prophylaxis, it resulted in significant decreases in mean headache frequency were observed at dosages similar to those used in epilepsy patients, with good tolerability.

Antiepileptics in migraine prophylaxis: an updated Cochrane review.

The efficacy of several antiepileptics in the preventive treatment of episodic migraine in adults has been systematically reviewed. Because many trial reports have been published since then, an updated systematic review was warranted. We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed/MEDLINE (1966 to January 15, 2013), MEDLINE In-Process (current week, January 15, 2013), and EMBASE (1974 to January 15, 2013) and hand-searched Headache and Cephalalgia through January 2013. Prospective, controlled trials of antiepileptics taken regularly to prevent the occurrence of migraine attacks, to improve migraine-related quality of life, or both, were selected. Mean headache frequency on topiramate and sodium valproate is significantly lower than placebo. Likewise, topiramate and divalproex demonstrated favorable results for the proportion of subjects with ≥ 50% reduction of migraine attacks. For topiramate, 100 mg and 200 mg outperformed 50 mg, but this was paralleled by a higher adverse event rate. For valproate/divalproex, a dose-effect correlation could not be established. There was no unequivocal evidence of efficacy for any of the other antiepileptics. Topiramate, sodium valproate and divalproex are effective prophylactic treatments for episodic migraine in adults. In contrast to previous reports, there is insufficient evidence to further support the use of gabapentin.

PedMIDAS‐Based Scoring Underestimates Migraine Disability on Non‐School Days

The aim of this study is to compare daily Pediatric Migraine Disability Assessment (PedMIDAS)-based scores for headaches occurring on school days vs non-school days and during the school year vs the summer holiday. The PedMIDAS is the only instrument validated to assess migraine disability among school-aged children. However, the PedMIDAS may underestimate disability during prolonged school holidays. In a prospective cohort study, migraine patients aged 10-18 years completed a 90-day Internet-based headache diary. For each headache day, they answered PedMIDAS-based questions and rated their headache intensity (scale 1-10). PedMIDAS-based scores, headache intensity ratings, and relative headache frequencies were compared for school days vs non-school days and for the school year vs the summer holiday. Fifty-two patients completed 4680 diary entries comprising 984 headache days. The headache frequencies and intensity ratings did not differ between time periods. However, the mean headache disability scores (as measured from PedMIDAS-based questions) were significantly different for school days (0.85) compared to non-school days (0.45), P < .001, and for the school year (0.73) compared to the summer holiday (0.46), P < .016. Given similar headache intensities and frequencies, daily PedMIDAS-based scores significantly underestimate headache disability on non-school days. Accordingly, PedMIDAS scoring during the school year may not be comparable to assessments done during the summer holiday. These potential differences must be considered when using the instrument as an outcome measure for clinical trials.

Results of Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery in Patients with Mucosal Contact Points Suffering From Chronic Daily Headache Non-Responding to Medications

Summary Pain is a worldwide health disorder causing depression and decrease in daily activities, as well as cognitive, memory and attention impairments. In this regard, mucosal contact headache is a second type of headache disorder in the International Classification of Headache Disorders. Some studies have reported that contact points may work as triggers in the initiation of chronic daily headache. The aim of the paper was to evaluate the effects of surgical removal of contact points on relief of chronic daily headache. In this prospective study, thirty patients underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery and the intensity of pain was examined by visual analogue scale (VAS) before and after a six-month follow-up. Study population included 13 (43.3%) males and 17 (56.6%) females aged from 14 to 54 years, with mean age of 30 years. After surgical removal of contact points, the mean headache (days/month) was decreased from 8.3±6.5 to 1.5±1.7 days (P&lt; 0.005). The length of daily headache was reduced from 3.5±3.1 hour/day to 36±0.8 minute/day. Based on the VAS pain rating scale, the severity of pain decreased from 5.2±1.8 (preoperative) to 1.47±1.3 (postoperative) (P:0.013). Nasal septal deviation was the commonest anatomical variation identified in these patients (21 subjects-70 %). Surgical removal of contact points can improve the therapeutic outcomes in management of patients with chronic daily headache. These contact points may act as triggers for chronic daily headache.

Valproate (valproic acid or sodium valproate or a combination of the two) for the prophylaxis of episodic migraine in adults.

Some antiepileptic drugs but not others are useful in clinical practice for the prophylaxis of migraine. This might be explained by the variety of actions of these drugs in the central nervous system. The present review is part of an update of a Cochrane review first published in 2004, and previously updated (conclusions not changed) in 2007. To describe and assess the evidence from controlled trials on the efficacy and tolerability of valproate (valproic acid or sodium valproate or a combination of the two) for preventing migraine attacks in adult patients with episodic migraine. We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; The Cochrane Library 2012, Issue 12), PubMed/MEDLINE (1966 to 15 January 2013), MEDLINE In-Process (current week, 15 January 2013), and EMBASE (1974 to 15 January 2013) and handsearched Headache and Cephalalgia through January 2013. Studies were required to be prospective, controlled trials of valproate taken regularly to prevent the occurrence of migraine attacks, to improve migraine-related quality of life, or both. Two review authors independently selected studies and extracted data. For headache frequency data, we calculated mean differences (MDs) between valproate and comparator (placebo, active control, or valproate in a different dose) for individual studies and pooled these across studies. For dichotomous data on responders (patients with ≥ 50% reduction in headache frequency), we calculated odds ratios (ORs) and, in select cases, risk ratios (RRs); we also calculated numbers needed to treat (NNTs). We calculated MDs for Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) scores. We also summarised data on adverse events from placebo-controlled trials and calculated risk differences (RDs) and numbers needed to harm (NNHs). Ten papers describing 10 unique trials met the inclusion criteria. Analysis of data from two trials (63 participants) showed that sodium valproate reduced headache frequency by approximately four headaches per 28 days as compared to placebo (MD -4.31; 95% confidence interval (CI) -8.32 to -0.30). Data from four trials (542 participants) showed that divalproex sodium (a stable combination of sodium valproate and valproic acid in a 1:1 molar ratio) more than doubled the proportion of responders relative to placebo (RR 2.18; 95% CI 1.28 to 3.72; NNT 4; 95% CI 2 to 11). One study of sodium valproate (34 participants) versus placebo supported the latter findings (RR for responders 2.83; 95% CI 1.27 to 6.31; NNT 3; 95% CI 2 to 9). There was no significant difference in the proportion of responders between sodium valproate versus flunarizine (one trial, 41 participants) or between divalproex sodium versus propranolol (one trial, 32 participants). Pooled analysis of post-treatment mean headache frequencies in two trials (88 participants) demonstrates a slight but significant advantage for topiramate 50 mg over valproate 400 mg (MD -0.90; 95% CI -1.58 to -0.22). For placebo-controlled trials of sodium valproate and divalproex sodium, NNHs for clinically important adverse events ranged from 7 to 14. Valproate is effective in reducing headache frequency and is reasonably well tolerated in adult patients with episodic migraine.

Topiramate for the prophylaxis of episodic migraine in adults.

Some antiepileptic drugs but not others are useful in clinical practice for the prophylaxis of migraine. This might be explained by the variety of actions of these drugs in the central nervous system. The present review is part of an update of a Cochrane review first published in 2004, and previously updated (conclusions not changed) in 2007. To describe and assess the evidence from controlled trials on the efficacy and tolerability of topiramate for preventing migraine attacks in adult patients with episodic migraine. We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; The Cochrane Library 2012, Issue 12), PubMed/MEDLINE (1966 to 15 January 2013), MEDLINE In-Process (current week, 15 January 2013), and EMBASE (1974 to 15 January 2013) and handsearched Headache and Cephalalgia through January 2013. Studies were required to be prospective, controlled trials of topiramate taken regularly to prevent the occurrence of migraine attacks, to improve migraine-related quality of life, or both. Two review authors independently selected studies and extracted data. For headache frequency data, we calculated mean differences (MDs) between topiramate and comparator (placebo, active control, or topiramate in a different dose) for individual studies and pooled these across studies. For dichotomous data on responders (patients with ≥ 50% reduction in headache frequency), we calculated odds ratios (ORs) and, in select cases, risk ratios (RRs); we also calculated numbers needed to treat (NNTs). We calculated MDs for selected quality of life instruments. Finally, we summarised data on adverse events from placebo-controlled trials and calculated risk differences (RDs) and numbers needed to harm (NNHs). Twenty papers describing 17 unique trials met the inclusion criteria. Analysis of data from nine trials (1737 participants) showed that topiramate reduced headache frequency by about 1.2 attacks per 28 days as compared to placebo (MD -1.20; 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.59 to -0.80). Data from nine trials (1190 participants) show that topiramate approximately doubled the proportion of responders relative to placebo (RR 2.02; 95% CI 1.57 to 2.60; NNT 4; 95% CI 3 to 6). Separate analysis of different topiramate doses produced similar MDs versus placebo at 50 mg (-0.95; 95% CI -1.95 to 0.04; three studies; 520 participants), 100 mg (-1.15; 95% CI -1.58 to -0.71; six studies; 1620 participants), and 200 mg (-0.94; 95% CI -1.53 to -0.36; five studies; 804 participants). All three doses significantly increased the proportion of responders relative to placebo; ORs were as follows: for 50 mg, 2.35 (95% CI 1.60 to 3.44; three studies; 519 participants); for 100 mg, 3.49 (95% CI 2.23 to 5.45; five studies; 852 participants); and for 200 mg, 2.49 (95% CI 1.61 to 3.87; six studies; 1025 participants). All three doses also significantly improved three or more domains of quality of life as compared to placebo. Meta-analysis of the three studies that included more than one dose of topiramate suggests that 200 mg is no more effective than 100 mg. With regard to mean headache frequency and/or responder rate, seven trials using active comparators found (a) no significant difference between topiramate and amitriptyline (one study, 330 participants); (b) no significant difference between topiramate and flunarizine (one study, 83 participants); (c) no significant difference between topiramate and propranolol (two studies, 342 participants); (d) no significant difference between topiramate and relaxation (one study, 61 participants); but (e) a slight significant advantage of topiramate over valproate (two studies, 120 participants). Relaxation improved migraine-specific quality of life significantly more than topiramate. In trials of topiramate against placebo, seven adverse events (AEs) were reported by at least three studies. These were usually mild and of a non-serious nature. Except for taste disturbance and weight loss, there were no significant differences in the frequency of AEs in general, or of the seven specific AEs, between placebo and topiramate 50 mg. AEs in general and all of the specific AEs except nausea were significantly more common on topiramate 100 mg than on placebo, with NNHs varying from 3 to 25, and the RDs versus placebo were even higher for topiramate 200 mg, with NNHs varying from 2 to 17. Meta-analysis demonstrates that topiramate in a 100 mg/day dosage is effective in reducing headache frequency and reasonably well-tolerated in adult patients with episodic migraine. This provides good evidence to support its use in routine clinical management. More studies designed specifically to compare the efficacy or safety of topiramate versus other interventions with proven efficacy in the prophylaxis of migraine are needed.

Migraine days and body mass index (BMI) in a series of Japanese migraineurs

94 out of 231 underweight migraineurs (40.1%), 383 of 945 normal-weight ones (40.6%), 61 of 139 overweight ones (43.9%), 15 of 31 obese ones (48.4%), and 9 of 10 morbid obese ones (90.0%) had more than 15 headache days and 8 migraine days (p<0.05, Pearson’s chi-square test). Mean headache days were 13.9 ± 0.7 (SE), 13.7 ± 0.35, 14.8 ± 0.9, 15.2 ± 2.0 and 20.5 ± 2.5 days/month in underweight, normal, overweight, obese and morbid obese migraineurs, respectively (N.S., ANOVA). Mean migraine days were 6.4 ± 0.4, 6.5 ± 0.2, 8.2 ± 0.5, 9.5 ± 1.3 and 12.5 ±1.3, respectively (p< 0.0001, ANOVA). BMI was significant risk factor after age adjustment (p<0.001, partial correlation analysis). Conclusion

Attachment styles in children affected by migraine without aura

BackgroundIn recent years, great attention has been given to the presence of psychological problems and psychiatric comorbidity that are also present in children affected by primary headaches. The relationship between pain and attachment has been identified, and it may be that pain perception may change in relation with specific attachment styles. The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalent attachment style and verify its putative relationship and correlation with the main characteristics of migraine attacks, in school-aged children affected by migraine without aura (MoA).Materials and methodsThe study population consisted of 219 children (103 males, 116 females) aged between 6 and 11 years (mean 8.96 ± 2.14 years), consecutively referred for MoA compared with 381 healthy controls (174 males, 207 females; mean age 9.01 ± 1.75 years) randomly selected from schools. All the children were classified according to the attachment typologies of the Italian modified version of the Separation Anxiety Test; monthly headache frequency and mean headache duration were assessed from daily headache diaries kept by all the children. Headache intensity was assessed on a visual analog scale. The chi-square test and t-test, where appropriate, were applied, and the Spearman rank correlation test was applied to explore the relationship between the types of attachment style and clinical aspects of MoA.ResultsThe MoA group showed a significantly higher prevalence of type A (avoidant) attachment (P<0.001) and a significantly lower prevalence of type B (secure) attachment (P<0.001) compared with the control group. Moreover, the Spearman rank correlation analysis showed a significant relationship between MoA characteristics and the attachment style of MoA children.ConclusionThe main findings of the present study were the higher prevalence among MoA children of the avoidant attachment style (type A) and the significantly lower prevalence of the secure style attachment (type B) compared with the normal controls, suggesting that the study of psychiatric comorbidity in pediatric headache may be enriched by this new aspect of analysis.

Self-concept evaluation and migraine without aura in childhood

IntroductionSelf-esteem is related to the broadly understood concept of self-schemas and is a crucial mechanism for a correct psychological development in children and adolescents. The impact of the many psychological difficulties linked to the migraine without aura (MoA) and recurrent headache attacks, such as anger and separation anxiety, on self-esteem has not yet been well investigated. The aims of the present study were to assess self-esteem levels in an objective way and to verify their possible relationship and correlation with the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks, in a population of children and adolescents affected by MoA.MethodsThe study population was comprised of 185 children (88 males [M],97 females [F]) aged between 6 and 12 years (mean 9.04 ± 2.41 years) referred consecutively for MoA to the Center for Childhood Headache, Clinic of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Second University of Naples and of 203 healthy controls (95 M, 108 F) with mean age 9.16 ± 2.37 years, recruited from schools in Campania. The monthly headache frequency and the mean headache duration were assessed from daily headache diaries kept by all the children, and MoA intensity was assessed on a VAS (visual analog scale). To further evaluate their level of self-concept, all subjects filled out the Multidimensional Self-Concept Scale (MSCS).ResultsThe two study groups were comparable for age (P = 0.621), sex (P = 0.960), and z-score BMI (P = 0.102). The MoA group showed a significant reduction in the MSCS total score (P < 0.001) and in the Social (P < 0.001), Affect (P < 0.001), Family (P < 0.001), and Physical (P < 0.001) domains of the MSCS compared with the control group. The Pearson’s correlation analysis showed a significantly negative relationship between MoA clinical characteristics and MSCS scores, and similarly the frequency of attacks was significantly negatively related with the Social (r = −0.3176; P < 0.001), Competence (r = −0.2349; P = 0.001), Physical (r = −0.2378; P = 0.001), and total (r = −0.2825; P < 0.001) scores of the MSCS. On the other hand, the MoA duration was significantly negatively related with the Social (r = −0.1878; P = 0.01), Competence (r = −0.2270; P = 0.002), Physical (r = −0.1976; P = 0.007), and total (r = −0.1903; P = 0.009) scores of the MSCS.ConclusionOur study first identified differences in self-esteem levels, with an objective tool, in children affected by MoA compared with controls, suggesting the need for evaluation of self-esteem for better psychological pediatric management of children with migraine.

Outcomes of a Headache‐Specific Cross‐Sectional Multidisciplinary Treatment Program

Chronic headache is a disabling disorder that is frequently poorly managed in general clinical practice. To investigate primary (headache frequency in days/month) and secondary (headache-related disability, lost work/school time, anxiety and depression, amount and intake frequency of acute medication) 12-month outcomes of a headache-specific cross-sectional outpatient and inpatient multidisciplinary treatment program using a dedicated computer system for data collection and corresponding between integrated care team in a tertiary headache center and practicing headache specialists. A need for integrated headache care using comprehensive and standardized assessment for diagnosis of headache, psychiatric comorbidity, and burden of disease exists. There are little published data on long-term efficacy of multidisciplinary treatment programs for chronic headache. A prospective, observational, 12-month, follow-up study. Prospectively recruited consecutive patients with frequent difficult-to-treat headaches (n = 201; 63 migraine, 11 tension-type headache, 59 combined migraine/tension-type headache, and 68 medication overuse headache) were enrolled. Outcome measures included prospective headache diaries, a medication survey, Migraine Disability Assessment, 12-item short form health survey, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. The primary outcome of a reduction of ≥50% of headache frequency (days/month) was observed in 62.7%. Mean headache frequency decreased from 14.4 ± 8.2 to 7.6 ± 8.3 days/month, P < .0001. Secondary outcomes improved significantly in the total cohort and all headache subgroups. Predictors for good outcome were younger age, few days lost at work/school, and familiarity with progressive muscle relaxation therapy at baseline. The present analysis provided support for a cross-sectional multidisciplinary integrated headache-care program.

Efficacy and safety of cinnarizine in the prophylaxis of migraine headaches in children: an open, randomized comparative trial with propranolol

Migraine headaches are common in children. Early diagnosis and appropriate interventions are mandatory to prevent decades of suffering and diminished quality of life. There is need for data regarding the efficacy and safety of prophylactic agents in children with migraine; therefore, we designed a randomized clinical trial to compare the efficacy and safety of cinnarizine with that of a well-known prophylactic agent (propranolol) in the prophylaxis of pediatric migraine headache. A total of 120 patients aged between 6 and 17years were recruited and 113 patients succeeded in completing all phases of the trial. Of them, 57 patients were given cinnarizine, and propranolol was administered in 56 patients. Reduction in headache frequency was the main response to treatment. Cinnarizine reduced the baseline headache frequency by more than 50% in 74.6% of patients and the mean headache frequency per month was reduced from 11.851±0.739 (mean±SEM) to 3.358±0.739 (mean±SEM) attacks per month (P<0.001). In the propranolol group, more than 50% reduction of the baseline headache frequency was seen in 72.5% of patients and the mean headache frequency per month was reduced from 10.264±0.830 (mean±SEM) to 2.774±0.830 (mean±SEM) attacks per month (P<0.001). No significant difference was seen in 50% reduction of the baseline headache frequency between treatment groups (P=0.358). No significant adverse effects were reported. In this open study, cinnarizine appeared thus as effective as propranolol and safe for the prophylaxis of migraine in children, but this remains to be confirmed in a double-blind placebo-controlled trial.

The prevalence, burden and cognizance of migraine in adolescent girls

Migraine represents a common neurological condition, which frequently affects adolescent girls. This cross sectional study aimed to evaluate the prevalence, impact and fund of migraine knowledge among adolescent girls. Students attending randomly selected high schools were recruited into the study by signing a consent form and completing a validated survey designed for this purpose. The survey assessed the participants fund of knowledge about migraine in five domains: migraine epidemiology, symptoms, triggers, auras and treatment options. The participants were evaluated for headache characteristics according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 2nd edition criteria, and categorized as having definite migraine or probable migraine. Additionally, the survey evaluated headache disability by implementing the headache impact test-6, and collected information regarding the use of over-the-counter medication. In a cohort of 309 girls, 14-18 years old, 18% fulfilled the criteria for definite migraine and 25% for probable migraine, with mean headache impact test-6 scores of 62.5 and 55.2, respectively ( P< 0.0001). Furthermore, the students fund of knowledge was substantially limited in regards to migraine auras and moderately limited in regards to symptoms, triggers and treatments. A significant portion of the migraineurs self-medicated using over-the-counter medications. The prevalence of migraine in late adolescent girls is very close to that of adult women. The information regarding the cognizance of migraine ought to be used as a guideline for designing educational tools for this population.

Role of very short-term intravenous hydrocortisone in reducing postdural puncture headache.

Objective:Headache is not an uncommon complication of spinal anesthesia. The efficacy of intravenous (IV) hydrocortisone in treating the patients with postdural puncture headache was observed in this study.Materials and Methods:Sixty patients with headache following spinal anesthesia were randomly allocated into two groups. Thirty patients received only conventional therapy (recumbent positioning, IV or oral hydration, analgesics with caffeine, stool softeners, and soft diet) plus 2 ml of normal saline IV (placebo) 8 hourly for 48 h. Thirty other patients received conventional therapy plus hydrocortisone IV (100 mg in 2 ml 8 hourly for 48 h). Headache intensity was measured using visual analogue scale.Results:No significant difference was observed in baseline headache intensity between the two groups (P = 0.6642) before beginning of treatment. After 6 h, the mean headache intensity in patients treated conventionally was 6.02 ± 2.46, while it was 2.06 ± 1.98 in other patients who received additional hydrocortisone IV (P < 0.0001). After 24 h, headache intensity was 3.77 ± 1.85 in conventionally treated group versus 0.94 ± 2.67 in hydrocortisone group (P < 0.0001), while it was 1.95 ± 1.12 in conventionally treated group versus 0.69 ± 1.64 in hydrocortisone group (P = 0.001) after 48 h.Conclusions:Very short-term use of IV hydrocortisone was found effective in reducing headache following spinal anesthesia. However, its clear mechanism of action is yet to be determined. Large-scale studies are recommended to consider the steroid therapy as a standard treatment for postdural puncture headache.

Evaluating integrated headache care: a one-year follow-up observational study in patients treated at the Essen headache centre

BackgroundOutpatient integrated headache care was established in 2005 at the Essen Headache Centre in Germany. This paper reports outcome data for this approach.MethodsPatients were seen by a neurologist for headache diagnosis and recommendation for drug treatment. Depending on clinical needs, patients were seen by a psychologist and/or physical therapist. A 5-day headache-specific multidisciplinary treatment programme (MTP) was provided for patients with frequent or chronic migraine, tension type headache (TTH) and medication overuse headache (MOH). Subsequent outpatient treatment was provided by neurologists in private practice.ResultsFollow-up data on headache frequency and burden of disease were prospectively obtained in 841 patients (mean age 41.5 years) after 3, 6 and 12 months. At baseline mean headache frequency was 18.1 (SD = 1.6) days per month, compared to measurement at 1 year follow-up a mean reduction of 5.8 (SD = 11.9) headache days per month was observed in 486 patients (57.8%) after one year (TTH patients mean: -8.5 days per month; migraine mean: -3.2 days per month, patients with migraine and TTH mean: -5.9 days per month). A reduction in headache days ≥ 50% was observed in 306 patients (36.4%) independent of diagnosis, while headache frequency remains unchanged in 20.9% and increase in 21.3% of the patient.ConclusionMultidisciplinary outpatient headache centres offer an effective way to establish a three-tier treatment offer for difficult headache patients depending on clinical needs.

The outcomes for nasal contact point surgeries in patients with unsatisfactory response to chronic daily headache medications

The nasal contact point may act as a trigger point or peripheral enhancer in patients with chronic daily headaches. A total of 42 patients had unsatisfactory response to medical treatment for chronic daily headache with radiologic evidence of nasal contact point. Of them, 12 (28.5%) patients were positive for the local anesthetic test. Those patients were operated upon to separate this contact by either septoplasties or submucous resections with or without partial turbinectomies. The mean headache frequency was reduced from 22 to 7days/month. The mean headache severity was reduced from 5.6 to 2.4. Eight (19%) patients became completely free from headache and its medications, six (75%) of them were positive for local anesthetic test. The patients were satisfied with postoperative monotherapy, or headache severity and frequency could be tolerated without medications in 26 (62%) patients. There was no improvement in seven (16.6%) patients and only one patient (2%) became worse. The overall satisfaction was 83 and 81% for positive and negative anesthetic tests, respectively. The average monthly medication cost was reduced from $85 to 32. Nasal contact point surgery for chronic daily headache patients can satisfy them compared to previously unsatisfactory medications. Nasal contact point may contribute to potentiating or triggering chronic daily headache.