Previous Headache History Research Articles

Superficial temporal artery aneurysm misdiagnosed in a patient with long-term migraine headache treatment: a case report

BackgroundSuperficial temporal artery aneurysm is a rare vascular abnormality without specific clinical symptoms. In this case report, we present the case of a patient with superficial temporal artery aneurysm who was diagnosed with migraine headache at first.Case presentationA 60-year-old Iranian man with a previous history of headaches, who did not respond properly to the treatments following the initial diagnosis of migraine, presented with a painless lump in the left temporal region, and he was diagnosed with superficial temporal artery aneurysm via Doppler ultrasound. Finally, surgical removal of the left superficial temporal artery aneurysm was performed.ConclusionsThis case shows the importance of vascular causes in the approach to headache etiologies, especially when the headache is prolonged without proper responses to treatment. Computed tomography angiography and magnetic resonance angiography are appropriate diagnostic methods for aneurysm detection that should be considered in future studies.

Diabetic acidosis with severe fetal hypoxia in pregnancy: Narrative review and case study.

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in pregnancy could be a disastrous event with increased maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. DKA can occur with a normal blood glucose level, known as euglycemic DKA. It particularly affects pregnant women with type I diabetes. Here, we report the case of a 28 year-old primigravid patient, with a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes for 8 years. This patient consulted our department at 29 weeks of gestation with a previous history of headaches, vomiting and diarrhea for 9 h. Blood glucose level was 8.8 mmol/L with a ketone test positive (>15 mg/dL). Blood test showed high anion gap (17.9 mmol/L) with low serum bicarbonate rate (21 mmol/L). Systemic examination and fetal heart rate (FHR) was reassuring. The patient was subsequently discharged. She returned to the clinic 19 h later with further symptoms of nausea, polyuria-polydipsia, asthenia and a weight loss of 4 kg since the day before. Blood sugar was 14.3 mmol/L and a ketone test was strongly positive. Cardiotocography showed fetal tachycardia and repeated late decelerations. A diagnosis of DKA was made and emergency cesarean was performed for fetal distress. At delivery, pH was acidosis (pH: 7.02, lactates: 6.2). The patient was successfully treated with intravenous hydration and insulin. Neonatal evolution was favorable. Pregnant women with type I diabetes can develop euglycemic DKA. Early recognition and prompt treatment could help prevent severe maternal and fetal adverse outcomes. DKA in pregnant women can induce fetal acidosis with abnormal FHR. In this situation, a cesarean can be performed to improve neonatal outcome even inducing a premature delivery. Prolonged pregnancy can lead to irreversible neonatal brain abnormalities.

Long-term headache after spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage.

Though headache is commonly observed after stroke and may affect survivors' quality of life, it has rarely been studied after spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH). In a cohort of ICH survivors, we assessed the long-term prevalence and determinants of headache. We screened consecutive ICH survivors enrolled in the prospective, single-centre Prognosis of Intracerebral Haemorrhage study for headache 1, 3, and 6 years after ICH, according to the International Headache Society's criteria. Depressive and anxiety symptoms severity was measured at 1-year follow-up. Variables associated with the presence of headache 1 year after ICH were analyzed using univariate and multivariable models. Among the 146 patients included in this study, 31 (21%), 25 (19%), and 14 (20%) patients reported headache at 1-, 3-, and 6-year follow-up, respectively. In an age-adjusted model, patients with headache at ICH onset (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.75; 95% CI 1.02-7.42) and previous history of headache (aOR 4.60; 95% CI 1.74-12.1) were associated with headache at 1-year follow-up. Patients with headache were more likely to report depressive and anxiety symptoms at 1-year follow-up (both p < 0.02). One in five ICH survivors suffered from headache and patients who reported headache at ICH onset were especially at risk.

Incidence and Severity of Post-dural Puncture Headache in Non-obstetric Patients Undergoing Subarachnoid Block.

Background and goal of the study Post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) is a complication of central neuraxial block, either subarachnoid block (SAB) or epidural block. This clinical entity has a wide incidence and is affected by factors such as age, gender, needle gauge, needle shape/type, number of puncture attempts, and previous history of headache. Due to the lack of data in the non-obstetric population, this study assesses the incidence and severity of PDPH after SAB. Materials and methods A prospective observational study was carried out on patients undergoing SAB during the last trimester of 2020. Data were recorded on the day of surgery, 48 hours, and seven days after surgery. Data collected included demographic and medical clinic information, SAB procedure details, and clinical outcomes related to the presence of PDPH. Results and discussion Overall, 143 patients were included (median age: 62 years;53.1% were women (n=76)). Most patients were aged >60 years (55.9%; n=80) and ASA 2 classification (65.0%; n=93). The incidence of PDPH was 21.7% (n=31), and most cases were from inpatient surgery (58.3%, n=21). The incidence of PDPH was 2.5 times higher with the use of 25 gauge compared to the use of the 27 gauge needle and was more prevalent with the use of the Quincke needles. Conclusion Over 20% of patients undergoing SAB experienced PDPH. Previous history of headache, larger gauge, and the Quincke needle use were associated with a higher incidence of PDPH.

Headache following vaccination against COVID-19 among healthcare workers with a history of COVID-19 infection: a cross-sectional study in Iran with a meta-analytic review of the literature

BackgroundThere is evidence of the occurrence of headache after vaccination against COVID-19. However, only a few studies have examined the headache characteristics and related determinants, especially among healthcare workers with a history of COVID-19 infection.MethodsWe evaluated the incidence of headaches after injection of different types of COVID-19 vaccine to determine factors relating to the incidence of headache after vaccination among the Iranian healthcare workers who had previously contracted COVID-19. A group of 334 healthcare workers with a history of COVID-19 infection were included and vaccinated (at least one month after recovery without any COVID-19 related symptoms) with different COVID-19 vaccines. The baseline information, headache characteristics and vaccine specifications were recorded.ResultsOverall, 39.2% reported experiencing a post-vaccination headache. Of those with a previous history of headache, 51.1% reported migraine-type, 27.4% tension-type and 21.5% other types. The mean time between vaccination and headache appearance was 26.78 ± 6.93 h, with the headache appearing less than 24 h after vaccination in most patients (83.2%). The headaches reached its peak within 8.62 ± 2.41 h. Most patients reported a compression-type headache. The prevalence of post-vaccination headaches was significantly different according to the type of vaccine used. The highest rates were reported for AstraZeneca, followed by Sputnik V. In regression analysis, the vaccine brand, female gender and initial COVID-19 severity were the main determinants for predicting post-vaccination headache.ConclusionParticipants commonly experienced a headache following vaccination against COVID-19. Our study results indicated that this was slightly more common in females and in those with a history of severe COVID-19 infection.

Factores de riesgo en la cefalea pospunción dural

IntroductionPost-dural puncture headache (PDPH) is the most common complication following lumbar puncture. However, its incidence varies according to the series consulted. Different factors associated with its onset have been identified. ObjectivesThe purpose of this study is to determine the incidence of PDPH and to identify predisposing factors for its appearance. MethodProspective, descriptive study in 57 patients who underwent lumbar puncture procedures. To this end, variables associated with patient-related risk factors, clinical and procedural factors with the presence of PDPH were analysed. The incidence of PDPH was 38.6% and factors associated with onset included young age and previous history of headache. ResultsThe incidence of PDPH was higher in women and presented greater intensity in this group, though studies with a larger sample size would need to be conducted. ConclusionsWe must bear in mind the factors associated with the appearance of PDPH, which include: young age, history of headache, and the perception of procedural difficulty, to better inform patients and optimise the techniques used.

Risk factors in post-dural puncture headache

IntroductionPost-dural puncture headache (PDPH) is the most common complication following lumbar puncture. However, its incidence varies according to the series consulted. Different factors associated with its onset have been identified. ObjectivesThe purpose of this study is to determine the incidence of PDPH and to identify predisposing factors for its appearance. MethodProspective, descriptive study in 57 patients who underwent lumbar puncture procedures. To this end, variables associated with patient-related risk factors, clinical and procedural factors with the presence of PDPH were analysed. The incidence of PDPH was 38.6% and factors associated with onset included young age and previous history of headache. ResultsThe incidence of PDPH was higher in women and presented greater intensity in this group, though studies with a larger sample size would need to be conducted. ConclusionsWe must bear in mind the factors associated with the appearance of PDPH, which include: young age, history of headache, and the perception of procedural difficulty, to better inform patients and optimise the techniques used.

Clinical characteristics and factors associated with headaches following COVID-19 vaccination: a cross-sectional cohort study (P14-12.003)

<h3>Objective:</h3> Describe the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine-related headache characteristics. Determine factors associated with developing headaches and factors related to prolonged headaches (≥ 48h) among COVID-19 vaccine receivers. <h3>Background:</h3> Vaccines are the safest tools for preventing COVID-19-related morbidity/mortality. Headaches are among the most reported neurological symptoms after vaccination. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> A retrospective, web-based, population-based cross-sectional cohort study between April 2021 – March 2022 at an academic hospital affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences. <h3>Results:</h3> Of 1822 individuals (mean age: 34.49 ± 11.09, female: 71.5%), 1822, 1122, and 203 received 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd dose. Sinopharm, AstraZeneca, and Sputnik-V were the most injected vaccines. We found a headache prevalence of 21.7% – 36.5% following vaccination. More than half of those with post-vaccination headaches reported a previous history of headaches, of whom nearly 38% – 67% reported similar post-vaccination headaches to primary headaches. More than 65% of patients reported similarities between their headaches following COVID-19 infection and COVID-19 vaccination. Following vaccination, most of the patients reported bilateral pressing headaches with moderate intensity, affecting the entire head or multiple head/neck regions. The median duration of initiating headaches following vaccination was 8.0 – 10.0 hours, with a median attack duration of 2.0 – 3.0 hours. Headaches lasted for a median of 12.0 – 48.0 hours. Although a history of primary headaches and post-COVID-19 headaches increased the odds of post-vaccination headaches, they reduced the odds of prolonged post-vaccination headaches. Compared to inactivated vaccines, vector ones increased the odds of both occurrence and prolonged post-vaccination headache. Other factors associated with increased odds of post-vaccination headaches were headaches following previous vaccine doses and post-vaccination fever. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> The headache prevalence following vaccination was 21.7% – 36.5%. History of primary headache, post-COVID-19 headache, headaches following previous vaccine doses, vector vaccines, and post-vaccine fever increased the odds of post-vaccination headache. <b>Disclosure:</b> Dr. Jameie has nothing to disclose. Mansoureh Togha has nothing to disclose. Mehdi Azizmohammad Looha has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hemmati has nothing to disclose. Elham Jafari has nothing to disclose. Dr. Nasergivehchi has nothing to disclose. Zeinab Ghorbani has nothing to disclose. Zhale Salami has nothing to disclose.

Persistent headache attributed to past cervicocephalic artery dissection: clinical characteristics and contributors to headache persistence.

Persistent headache/facial/neck pain attributed to past cervicocephalic arterial dissection is under-documented in literature. Our main goal was to evaluate clinical characteristics and contributors to this persistence. A retrospective cohort study which included patients with a radiologically confirmed cervicocephalic arterial dissection (2015-2020) in a Portuguese tertiary hospital. Headache persistence was identified through clinical records. A questionnaire aimed to characterize headache in three moments: previous, persistent, and headache at the time of the interview (on average 2.5 years post-event). Ninety-two patients were identified; 24 (26.1%) had headache persistence ≥3 months, and 20 (22.2%) on average after 2.5 years post-event. There were no differences regarding demographics and vascular risk factors among patients with (n = 22) and without (n = 68) headache persistence. The first group had higher previous headache history (68.2% vs 4.4%, p < 0.001), delay in diagnosis (3.6 vs 1.9 days, p < 0.001), and headache/cervicalgia as the first symptom (81.8% vs 41.2%, p < 0.001). At the time of the interview, 20% still reported daily headache. A logistic regression model depicted headache history (OR = 59.8, p < 0.001), acute headache/cervicalgia (odds ratio, OR = 25.4, p = 0.005), posterior circulation dissection (OR = 7.6, p < 0.001), and less than 4 points by National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (OR = 5.0, p = 0.025) as contributors to headache persistence. Headache persistence post-cervicocephalic arterial dissection is common, and frequently affects patients daily. As it potentially affects functional outcomes and quality of life, the contributors identified in this study may help clinicians manage patients after the acute event.

New onset headache during delivery and postpartum: Clinical characteristics of a case series.

There are abundant studies on headache and migraine in women but few or none about their occurrence during labor, delivery, and postpartum (2 hours after delivery) owing to the low incidence. A headache attack can be debilitating when a woman is trying to manage labor pain. Research at our Women's Headache Center within the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics has begun to shed light on this potential association. For the present study 474 women with singleton pregnancy were enrolled. A headache questionnaire was administered at two time points. Headache history was investigated on admission to prenatal care at 36 weeks gestation. The women were followed by a midwife who monitored labor progression and recorded the onset and features of headache pain. During examination before hospital discharge at 3 days post-delivery, the headache questionnaire was reviewed by a headache specialist who differentiated headache type according to International Classification of Headache Disorders (3rd edition) criteria. Data analysis showed that 145/474 women had a history of headache: 65/145 (44.82%) reported a diagnosis of migraine. Eight reported experiencing a probable migraine attack (4 with aura) and one reported probable tension-type headache during labor or postpartum. All nine women who reported migraine/headache attack during labor had no previous history of headache or neurological illness. All had vaginal delivery. No onset of headache pain in patients with a previous history of headache was noted during delivery and postpartum. The onset of a headache attack during labor in women who usually do not experience headache suggests other pathogenic mechanisms underlying the attack and merits further study.

De novo headache in ischemic stroke patients treated with thrombectomy: a prospective study

Background and aimHeadache attributed to intracranial endovascular procedures is described in the ICHD-3. Our aim was to study the frequency and characteristics of headache specifically related to thrombectomy in patients with ischemic stroke.MethodsProspective evaluation of clinical features of headache after thrombectomy using an ad hoc questionnaire.ResultsOne hundred seventeen patients were included (52.1% females). Most had an anterior circulation artery occlusion (91.5%). 93 (79.5%) received general anaesthesia. 111 (94.9%) required stent retriever, 21 (24.4%) angioplasty and 19 (16.2%) aspiration thrombectomy. 31 (26.5%; 95% CI 18.8–35.5%) had headache related to thrombectomy, and it was associated with a history of primary headache (p = 0.004). No differences about sex, initial NIHSS score, or the type or complexity of the procedure were observed. Headache was usually moderate and oppressive, ipsilateral to the artery occlusion and usually lasted less than 48 hours.ConclusionsAlmost one-third of patients with ischemic stroke who undergo endovascular thrombectomy experience headache in the first 24 hours, occurring more frequently in patients who had a previous history of headaches regardless of the procedure complexity.

Protracted headache after COVID-19: A case series of 31 patients from a tertiary headache center.

BackgroundHeadache can be a prominent feature of Post‐Acute Sequelae of SARS‐Cov2 infection (PASC) and previous studies have centered around PASC headaches that have resolved within a month of infection.MethodsWe performed a retrospective chart review of 31 adults evaluated at the Stanford Headache Clinic between September 2020 and January 2022 who developed new or worsening headaches after COVID‐19 infection that were unresolved at time of evaluation for demographics, medical history, and headache diagnosis.ResultsHeadache had been present for a mean duration of 7.4±4.8 months after infection. Notably, 25/31 (81%) had a previous history of headache. The specific features of the headache varied considerably, but 23/31 (74%) met International Classification of Headache Disorders, Third Edition (ICHD‐3) criteria for migraine, with 20/31 (65%) meeting ICHD‐3 criteria for chronic migraine, while only 5/31 (16%) met these criteria before COVID infection. Additionally, full‐time employment decreased from 25/31 (81%) to 17/31 (55%). Prior to establishing care at our clinic, 13/18 (72%) of the patients who were started on preventive medications currently indicated for migraine management, reported a decrease in frequency and/or severity of headaches.ConclusionsOur study presents a group of patients with protracted headache after COVID‐19 infection that includes both patients with a previously lower headache burden who largely exhibited chronification from episodic to chronic migraine, as well as patients with no previous history of headache who meet ICHD‐3 criteria for headache attributed to a systemic viral illness, mostly with a migrainous phenotype.

Higher Neck Pain Intensity and the Presence of Psychosocial Factors Are More Likely When Headache is Present after a Whiplash Injury: A Case-Control Study.

Several factors such as neck pain intensity, disability, anxiety, depression, female sex, or a previous history of headache are associated with post-whiplash headache. However, the possible role of psychosocial factors contributing to the presence of headache or worsening of headache after a whiplash trauma remains unclear. To address this gap in knowledge, there is the need to assess psychosocial factors concerning headache shortly after a whiplash injury. To evaluate psychological features, pain and disability in people with acute whiplash associated disorders (WAD) and compare these features between those with and without headache. Case-control study. A secondary care traumatology center. Forty-seven people with acute WAD were recruited; 28 with headache, and 19 without. All participants completed self-reported questionnaires including Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for neck pain intensity, the Neck Disability Index (NDI), Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), Tampa Scale Kinesiophobia-11 (TSK-11), and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Neck pain intensity (P < .001), neck disability (P < 0.001), pain catastrophizing (P < .001), kinesiophobia (P < .001), and anxiety state (P = .007) and trait (P = .05) were higher in those with headache when compared to those without. In addition, high levels of neck pain (P = .025), moderate levels of neck disability (P < .001), moderate levels of pain catastrophizing (P = .015), and moderate (P = .002) and severe (P = .016) levels of kinesiophobia were related to the presence of headache. The level of neck pain intensity and disability, kinesiophobia, catastrophizing, and anxiety were all greater in people with acute WAD who presented with a headache compared to those without headache.

The applicability research of the diagnostic criteria for 6.7.2 angiography headache in the international classification of headache disorders-3rd edition

BackgroundAngiography headache (AH) is common but not negligible, and the criteria for AH have been based on only a few studies. The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence, risk factors and possible mechanism of AH and reappraise the diagnostic criteria for AH in the International Classification of Headache Disorders 3 (ICHD-3).MethodsTwo hundred and seventy-nine patients completed this prospective, non-randomized study, including 107 patients who underwent cerebral angiography, 101 patients who underwent coronary intervention and 71 patients who underwent extremities arterial intervention. Patients were followed up with questionnaires immediately after the procedure and 24 h, 72 h, 1 week and 2 weeks after the procedure.ResultsThe incidence of headache was 22.4% (24/107) in cerebral angiography group, 23.8% (24/101) in coronary intervention group, and 16.9% (12/71) in extremities arterial intervention group. Headache still occurred in 12.1% (13/107), 14.9% (15/101) and 11.3% (8/71) of patients 24 h after the procedure in the three groups, respectively. Two types of headache were observed in cerebral angiography group and coronary intervention group, one during and one after the procedure, while only postoperative headache was observed in extremities arterial intervention group. Previous headache history was a risk factor for headache in the three groups (p = 0.003 in cerebral angiography group, p = 0.006 in coronary intervention group, and p = 0.016 in extremities arterial intervention group). In addition, female (p = 0.008) was a risk factor for cerebral angiography group. Headache characteristics were described in detail.ConclusionsThe diagnostic criteria for 6.7.2 angiography headache in ICHD-3 may miss a number of cerebral AH with onset later than 24 h after the procedure. Therefore, it is recommended to revise it according to the literature and further studies. The incidence of headache was high during and after angiography and interventional procedure. It was suggested that the definition of headache due to coronary intervention and headache due to extremities arterial intervention should be added in ICHD.

Characteristics of headache during and/or after coronary intervention: A prospective observational study.

Headache during and/or after coronary intervention is common but has received little attention from cardiologists and neurologists. The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence, risk factors, and possible mechanism of coronary intervention-related headache. Using a prospective observational design, we identified consecutive patients with coronary intervention from May 2020 to August 2020. Patients were followed up with questionnaires immediately after coronary intervention and 24 h, 72 h, 1 week and 2 weeks after the intervention. In total, 94 patients were enrolled, and 71 patients ultimately completed the 2-week follow-up. Among 71 patients, headache developed during and/or after coronary intervention in 18 (25.4%) patients. Two different types of headache related to coronary intervention were observed: One during and another after coronary intervention. Headache characteristics are described in detail. A history of previous headache was an independent risk factor for coronary intervention-related headache (p < 0.01). Coronary intervention-related headache has an incidence of 25.4%, and previous headache history was an independent risk factor. Moreover, considering that there are no relevant diagnostic criteria, it is suggested that the definition of coronary intervention-related headache should be established in the International Classification of Headache Disorders.

Indomethacin for refractory COVID or post-COVID headache: a retrospective study.

BackgroundCOVID-19, a disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, manifests with headache, both in the acute phase and as a post-infection symptom, which may be refractory to usual analgesics.ObjectivesInvestigate the therapeutic response of refractory COVID or post-COVID headache to indomethacin.MethodsThis was an observational, retrospective, open and uncontrolled. A sample of 37 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 presenting headache during the acute phase or after the resolution of the disease, with refractoriness to the usual symptomatic medication was treated with indomethacin.ResultsOf the 37 patients (24 women and 13 men), 29 were migraineurs and 8 had no previous history of headache. The average age was 40.4 ± 9.4 years, ranging from 19 to 65 years. In 26 (70.3%) patients, the onset of headache occurred within 72 h, and in 11 (29.7%), after 10 days of positivity for Sars-CoV-2. After treatment with indomethacin, 36 patients reported greater than 50% headache relief from the third day and 5 became asymptomatic on the fifth day.ConclusionsIn patients with migraine or no prior history of headache who present with refractory COVID or post-COVID headache to common analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and/or triptans, indomethacin should be considered a therapeutic option.

Characterization of Headache in COVID-19: a Retrospective Multicenter Study.

Headache is the most common neurological symptom in COVID-19, reported in 6.5 to 34% of patients. Few studies have analyzed its characteristics, and some of them included cases without laboratory confirmation or reported only critical patients. We aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics of COVID-19 associated headache in laboratory-confirmed cases. We conducted a retrospective evaluation of patients with COVID-19 and neurological symptoms. Patients who reported headache answered an interview about its clinical characteristics. Twenty-four patients with COVID-19 associated headache completed the interview. Mean age of patients was 53.8 (standard deviation—17.44), and 14 out of 24 (58.3%) were male. The majority (75%) had no previous history of headache. Fever was documented in 19 out of the 24 patients (79.1%). Headache was predominantly bifrontal or holocranial, in pressure, during hours, worsening with cough or physical activity. COVID-19 headache tends to appear in the first days of symptoms, be either frontal or holocranial and last for days. The quality of pain in pressure and the worsening with cough or physical activity were reported in most cases. We have not found any characteristic that could differentiate COVID-19 associated headache from other causes of headache, possibly because of its multifactorial mechanism.

Ponytail headache (external-traction headache): prevalence, characteristics and relationship with migraine

IntroductionDespite its frequent occurrence, external-traction headache (previously named as “ponytail headache”) is scarcely documented in the literature.ObjectiveIn the present study we set out to estimate the prevalence of ponytail headache and its relationship with migraine.MethodsOne hundred and thirty women (27.7±11.1 years of age), 108 of them reported a previous history of primary headache [81/130 (62.3%) migraine or probable migraine and 27/130 (20.8%) non-migraine headache; 22/130 (16.9%) did not report any previous episode of headache], were requested to wear a ponytail for 60 minutes, removing it only in case of pain. When pain occurred, it was recorded for the latency between the placement of the ponytail and the onset of the pain, its duration and characteristics. The women also filled out a questionnaire on previous headache episodes.ResultsDuring the 60 minute-period, 52/130 (40%) women had ponytail headache elicited by the experiment. There was a higher prevalence of ponytail headache in those who reported previous episodes of primary headache [48/108 (44.4%)], compared to those who did not [4/22 (18.2%)] (p=0.022). The migraineurs had more ponytail headache than non-migraneurs [39/81 (48.2%) versus 9/27 (33.3%), p=0.180] with a positive history of primary headache and they also had more than those without [4/22 (18.2%)] (p=0.012). The group of women with migraine also presented more ponytail-induced headache than non-migraineurs combined with the groupof individuals without a previous history of headache [13/49 (26.5%), OR 2.57, 95%CI 1.19-5.55; p=0.015]. Migraine-like episodes were trigged in 3/52 (5.8%) by the experiment, all three migraineurs. The latency time for the beginning of ponytail headache during the experiment was 21.5 ± 15.4 min and the duration was 76.0±159.3 min.ConclusionThe prevalence of ponytail headache in our study was 40% and was statistically higher in migraineurs.

Headache: A striking prodromal and persistent symptom, predictive of COVID-19 clinical evolution.

ObjectiveTo define headache characteristics and evolution in relation to COVID-19 and its inflammatory response.MethodsThis is a prospective study, comparing clinical data and inflammatory biomarkers of COVID-19 patients with and without headache, recruited at the Emergency Room. We compared baseline with 6-week follow-up to evaluate disease evolution.ResultsOf 130 patients, 74.6% (97/130) had headache. In all, 24.7% (24/97) of patients had severe pain with migraine-like features. Patients with headache had more anosmia/ageusia (54.6% vs. 18.2%; p < 0.0001). Clinical duration of COVID-19 was shorter in the headache group (23.9 ± 11.6 vs. 31.2 ± 12.0 days; p = 0.028). In the headache group, IL-6 levels were lower at the ER (22.9 (57.5) vs. 57.0 (78.6) pg/mL; p = 0.036) and more stable during hospitalisation. After 6 weeks, of 74 followed-up patients with headache, 37.8% (28/74) had ongoing headache. Of these, 50% (14/28) had no previous headache history. Headache was the prodromal symptom of COVID-19 in 21.4% (6/28) of patients with persistent headache (p = 0.010).ConclusionsHeadache associated with COVID-19 is a frequent symptom, predictive of a shorter COVID-19 clinical course. Disabling headache can persist after COVID-19 resolution. Pathophysiologically, its migraine-like features may reflect an activation of the trigeminovascular system by inflammation or direct involvement of SARS-CoV-2, a hypothesis supported by concomitant anosmia.

Sulfite concentration and the occurrence of headache in young adults: a prospective study.

Sulfites are additives commonly used in food and wine industries that are associated to adverse clinical effects such as headaches. The objective of this study is to investigate the possible association between sulfite concentration in wine and the occurrence of headaches in young adults. Eighty volunteers, aged between 18 and 25 years, were evaluated. Sub-groups (with or without previous headaches related with wine) were created and volunteers were submitted to two wine tests (minimum and maximum sulfite concentration accordingly to weight). A questionnaire was handed out after the test regarding the presence or not of headaches, their main characteristics, as well as other symptoms associated. Subjects that refer a previous headache history upon wine ingestion presented a risk 2266 greater of developing headaches after wine ingestion with a greater sulfite concentration. Those that refer constant headaches related to wine ingestion previous to the test present a risk of 6232 times more of developing headaches compared to those who refer sporadic headaches related to wine consumption. In our group of subjects, sulfite concentration in wine is related to the risk of developing headaches in individuals who are susceptible to wine induced headaches.