Prior History Of Headache Research Articles

Acute and Preventive Treatment of COVID-19-Related Headache: A Series of 100 Patients.

To describe the need and effectiveness of acute and preventive medications in a series of 100 consecutive patients referred due to COVID-19-related headaches. Patients were aged 48.0 (standard deviation (SD): 12.4), 84% were female, and 56% had a prior history of headache. The most common headache phenotype was holocranial (63%), frontal (48%), pressing (75%), of moderate intensity (7 out of 10), and accompanied by photophobia (58%). Acute medication was required by 93%, with paracetamol (46%) being the most frequently used drug, followed by ibuprofen (44%). The drugs with the highest proportion of a 2 h pain-freedom response were dexketoprofen (58.8%), triptans (57.7%), and ibuprofen (54.3%). Preventive treatment was required by 75% of patients. The most frequently used drugs were amitriptyline (66%), anesthetic blockades (18%), and onabotulinumtoxinA (11%). The drugs with the highest 50% responder rate were amitriptyline (45.5%), mirtazapine (50%), and anesthetic blockades (38.9%). The highest 75% responder rate was experienced following onabotulinumtoxinA (18.2%). In conclusion, most patients required acute medication, with triptans and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs achieving the best responses. Three-quarters of patients required preventive medication. The most frequently used drug was amitriptyline, which obtained the best results. In some treatment-resistant patients, anesthetic blockades and onabotulinumtoxinA were also beneficial.

E035 Tocilizumab and the reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome

Abstract Background/Aims Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) describes a group of conditions characterised by thunderclap headache and radiographic evidence of multifocal cerebral artery vasoconstriction. While typically following a benign course to resolution within a period of days to weeks, a small proportion of patients experience complications such as stroke, seizure or cerebral oedema. While a wide range of aetiological factors have been implicated in the clinical literature, there is, to our knowledge, only one prior publication reporting an association between tocilizumab and RCVS. Methods Here, we describe the case of a patient who developed RCVS following treatment with tocilizumab for rheumatoid arthritis. Results A 41 year old lady presented to her local emergency department after waking from sleep with sudden onset thunderclap headache with associated photophobia and vomiting. There was no prior history of headache. Her past medical history included rheumatoid arthritis and depression. At time of admission, her prescribed medications included folic acid, sertraline, methotrexate and tocilizumab. For the past 5 years, her rheumatoid arthritis had been controlled with a combination of methotrexate and etanercept, but, with her disease flaring, the etanercept was switched for tocilizumab six weeks prior to admission. Initial evaluation with CT head, CT venogram and lumbar puncture did not reveal any underlying abnormalities. A subsequent CT angiogram of the head and neck revealed multiple smooth stenoses bilaterally within the anterior cerebral arteries (ACA), middle cerebral arteries (MCA) and posterior cerebral arteries (PCA). A diagnosis of RCVS was made and tocilizumab was discontinued. Conclusion In patients taking tocilizumab, particular consideration should be given to the possibility of RCVS when performing a diagnostic evaluation of thunderclap headache. Tocilizumab may be an aetiological factor in this condition and its discontinuation may prevent the development of more serious complications. Disclosure B. Corney: None. C. Rhys-Dillon: None.

Differences and similarities between COVID-19 related-headache and COVID-19 vaccine related-headache. A case-control study.

Headache is a frequent symptom at the acute phase of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and also one of the most frequent adverse effects following vaccination. In both cases, headache pathophysiology seems linked to the host immune response and could have similarities. We aimed to compare the clinical phenotype and the frequency and associated onset symptoms in patients with COVID-19 related-headache and COVID-19 vaccine related-headache. A case-control study was conducted. Patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection and COVID-19-vaccine recipients who experienced new-onset headache were included. A standardised questionnaire was administered, including demographic variables, prior history of headaches, associated symptoms and headache-related variables. Both groups were matched for age, sex, and prior history of headache. A multivariate regression analysis was performed. A total of 238 patients fulfilled eligibility criteria (143 patients with COVID-19 related-headache and 95 subjects experiencing COVID-19 vaccine related-headache). Patients with COVID-19 related-headache exhibited a higher frequency of arthralgia, diarrhoea, dyspnoea, chest pain, expectoration, anosmia, myalgia, odynophagia, rhinorrhoea, cough, and dysgeusia. Further, patients with COVID-19 related-headache had a more prolonged daily duration of headache and described the headache as the worst headache ever experienced. Patients with COVID-19 vaccine-related headache, experienced more frequently pain in the parietal region, phonophobia, and worsening of the headache by head movements or eye movements. Headache caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccination related-headache have more similarities than differences, supporting a shared pathophysiology, and the activation of the innate immune response. The main differences were related to associated symptoms.

Vasoconstriction and long-term headache in reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome.

Angiographic vasoconstriction in reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is often undetectable at symptom onset and the diagnosis relies on clinical presentation. Although thunderclap headache is a hallmark feature of RCVS, the incidence and predictors of long-term headaches (LTH) are incompletely understood. Our study aims were twofold: to examine the sensitivity and specificity of a recently developed score (RCVS2) for vasoconstriction detection in a real-world clinical context and describe the incidence and predictors of LTH beyond the acute phase of RCVS. Retrospective analysis of consecutive patients with clinical diagnosis of RCVS in a tertiary hospital between 2017 and 2021. We examined associations between demographic factors, comorbidities, medications, imaging characteristics, and LTH (defined as at least one episode present at greater than 6-months follow-up necessitating medication). We separately examined the association between RCVS2 score and angiographic vasoconstriction and computed its sensitivity, specificity, and negative and positive predictive value based on established cutoffs (certain ≥ 5, negative ≤ 2). We included 55 patients, 50.5 (± 13.7) years; 41 (75%) female. 25 (49%) patients had LTH; only prior history of headache was significantly associated with LTH [OR 4.3, 95% CI (1.1-16.2), p = 0.03]. We found a significant association between RCVS2 score and angiographic vasoconstriction [OR 1.49, 95% CI (1.18-1.88), p = 0.001]; sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive value were 64%, 94%, 95% and 58% respectively. Approximately 50% of RCVS patients experienced LTH; only prior headache history was associated with its incidence. The RCVS2 score had a significant association with high specificity and positive predictive value for angiographic vasoconstriction in our cohort, validating its utility in improving the accuracy of diagnosis in the clinical setting.

Structural brain changes in patients with persistent headache after COVID-19 resolution

Headache is among the most frequently reported symptoms after resolution of COVID-19. We assessed structural brain changes using T1- and diffusion-weighted MRI processed data from 167 subjects: 40 patients who recovered from COVID-19 but suffered from persistent headache without prior history of headache (COV), 41 healthy controls, 43 patients with episodic migraine and 43 patients with chronic migraine. To evaluate gray matter and white matter changes, morphometry parameters and diffusion tensor imaging-based measures were employed, respectively. COV patients showed significant lower cortical gray matter volume and cortical thickness than healthy subjects (p < 0.05, false discovery rate corrected) in the inferior frontal and the fusiform cortex. Lower fractional anisotropy and higher radial diffusivity (p < 0.05, family-wise error corrected) were observed in COV patients compared to controls, mainly in the corpus callosum and left hemisphere. COV patients showed higher cortical volume and thickness than migraine patients in the cingulate and frontal gyri, paracentral lobule and superior temporal sulcus, lower volume in subcortical regions and lower curvature in the precuneus and cuneus. Lower diffusion metric values in COV patients compared to migraine were identified prominently in the right hemisphere. COV patients present diverse changes in the white matter and gray matter structure. White matter changes seem to be associated with impairment of fiber bundles. Besides, the gray matter changes and other white matter modifications such as axonal integrity loss seemed subtle and less pronounced than those detected in migraine, showing that persistent headache after COVID-19 resolution could be an intermediate state between normality and migraine.

Head/neck pain characteristics after spontaneous cervical artery dissection in the acute phase and on a long-run.

ObjectiveHead/neck pain is one of the primary symptoms associated with spontaneous cervical artery dissection. Still, data on pain quality, intensity, and long-term dynamics are scarce.MethodsSpontaneous cervical artery dissection subjects were included if mural hematoma was visualised through T1 fat-saturated MRI at baseline. All available medical records were evaluated and patients were invited to standardised clinical follow-up visits at least 1 year after the index event.ResultsIn total, 279 subjects were included in the ReSect-study with head/neck pain being the most frequent symptom of spontaneous cervical artery dissection (220 of 273, 80.6%). Pain was of pulling nature in 107 of 218 (49.1%), and extended to the neck area in 145 of 218 (66.5%). In those with prior headache history, pain was novel in quality in 75.4% (42 of 55). Median patient-reported pain intensity was 5 out of 10 with thunderclap-type headache being uncommon (12 of 218, 5.5%). Prior to hospital admission, head/neck pain rarely responded to self-medication (32 of 218, 14.7%). Characteristics did not differ between subjects with and without cerebral ischemia. Pain resolved completely in all subjects within a median of 13.5 days (IQR 12). Upon follow-up in 42 of 164 (25.6%) novel recurring headache occurred, heterogeneous in quality, localisation and intensity.ConclusionWe present an in-depth analysis of spontaneous cervical artery dissection-related head/neck pain characteristics and its long-term dynamics.

Nutcracker phenomenon with a daily persistent headache as the primary symptom: Case series and a proposed pathogenesis model based on a novel MRI technique to evaluate for spinal epidural venous congestion

ObjectiveTo determine if a specific population of patients with a daily persistent headache from onset have underlying nutcracker physiology and to propose a pathogenesis model for their headaches utilizing a novel MRI protocol. BackgroundA single case report of a daily persistent headache associated with nutcracker syndrome was recently published. As the left renal vein has a connection to the spinal lumbar veins and secondarily to the spinal epidural venous plexus, one could hypothesize that renal vein compression could lead to persistent headache by altering spinal and cerebral venous pressure with secondary alterations in CSF pressure. The authors have published on a series of patients with a unique subtype of daily persistent headache from onset that appears to be caused by an abnormal reset of CSF pressure to an elevated state. The goal of the present study was to look for the presence of nutcracker physiology in this unique patient subgroup and to propose a pathogenesis model utilizing a novel MRI protocol to evaluate for retrograde lumbar vein flow and regional spinal epidural venous plexus congestion. Materials and methodsCase series of patients with a daily persistent headache from onset, head pressure, and whose headaches worsened in the Trendelenburg position. Patients were imaged with a 3 T MRI in the supine position from the lower diaphragm to the top of the pelvis with a dynamic angiogram centered over the left L2 lumbar vein. Results12 patients were studied of which 8 were positive for left renal vein compression, lumbar vein dilation and early spinal epidural venous plexus enhancement. All were women. Mean age of headache onset was 39 years. Six of the 8 patients had a lumbar puncture, and all had a normal opening pressure. All improved with CSF volume removal although pain resolution lasted from hours to 6 months. The patient's headaches were marked by holocranial pressure and the majority displayed migrainous associated symptoms although none had a prior headache history. They did not complain of typical symptoms or signs of nutcracker syndrome. ConclusionWe suggest that patients with a daily persistent headache from onset who worsen in the Trendelenburg position may have underlying nutcracker physiology. From our imaging findings, it can be hypothesized that left renal vein compression leads to retrograde flow through the valveless lumbar vein which then leads to spinal epidural venous congestion and subsequently causes congestion of the cerebral venous system leading to an elevation of CSF pressure and to a daily headache. What appears to be unique about these patients is that a daily headache is their only manifestation of nutcracker physiology.

Prevalence and Duration of Post-Concussive Headaches in a Pediatric Sports Clinic: A Cross-sectional Study

We aim to identify the potential risk factors associated with increased susceptibility for persistent post-concussive headaches. Concussions are common, but complex, traumatic brain injuries seen in pediatric athletes of all ages & skill levels & occur in a wide variety of athletic settings. These mild traumatic brain injuries often have neurologic sequelae, including headaches. Although athletes are advised to rest, duration of post-concussive symptoms is often unpredictable. We conducted a cross sectional study on patients with head injury aged 5-18 years presented to pediatric concussion clinic (N = 603) from September 2013 to Dec 2018. We excluded patients with skull fractures and intracranial hemorrhage. The data was compiled & analyzed using frequency, Pearson correlation test, chi square & ANOVA test using IBM SPSS- 26. Patient cohort consisted of 364 males & 239 females. The age range for males was 5-18 years (Mean age ± SD: 13.45 ± 2.86) & for females was 6-18 years (Mean age ± SD: 13.97 ± 2.84). There was statically significant association between various age groups & presence of headache at 3 & 6 months (p < 0.05). Out of all ages, age group 5-8 years had highest risk of persistent headache while the age group 14-18 years reported headaches at 3 months but then resolution of symptoms by one year (p < 0.05). Females were more likely than males (of all ages) to have persistent headaches despite treatment (p = 0.00). There was also a statistically significant difference between loss of consciousness, prior history of headaches & prior history of concussions towards the development of persistent headaches (p < 0.05). Furthermore, football, soccer and basketball had significantly more headaches compared to other sports related injuries (p = 0.001). There was a statistically higher risk of developing persistent headaches for females and those with a history of prior headache, prior concussion, younger age, and those playing football, soccer or basketball.

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.

Frequency and phenotype of headache in covid-19: a study of 2194 patients

To estimate the frequency of headache in patients with confirmed COVID-19 and characterize the phenotype of headache attributed to COVID-19, comparing patients depending on the need of hospitalization and sex, an observational study was done. We systematically screened all eligible patients from a reference population of 261,431 between March 8 (first case) and April 11, 2020. A physician administered a survey assessing demographic and clinical data and the phenotype of the headache. During the study period, 2194 patients out of the population at risk were diagnosed with COVID-19. Headache was described by 514/2194 patients (23.4%, 95% CI 21.7–25.3%), including 383/1614 (23.7%) outpatients and 131/580 (22.6%) inpatients. The headache phenotype was studied in detail in 458 patients (mean age, 51 years; 72% female; prior history of headache, 49%). Headache was the most frequent first symptom of COVID-19. Median headache onset was within 24 h, median duration was 7 days and persisted after 1 month in 13% of patients. Pain was bilateral (80%), predominantly frontal (71%), with pressing quality (75%), of severe intensity. Systemic symptoms were present in 98% of patients. Headache frequency and phenotype was similar in patients with and without need for hospitalization and when comparing male and female patients, being more intense in females.Trial registration: This study was supported by the Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), code 07.04.467804.74011 and Regional Health Administration, Gerencia Regional de Salud, Castilla y Leon (GRS: 2289/A/2020).

Headache characteristics and frequency of migraine in patients with cervical artery dissections.

Headache is a common symptom of cervical artery dissections (CAD). Sometimes, it can be the only symptom and mimic migraine. We aimed to investigate headache characteristics and previous history of migraine in CAD patients, and to compare headache features between patients with internal carotid artery dissection (ICAD) and vertebral artery dissection (VAD). We investigated 53 CAD patients (n = 28 with ICAD, n = 25 with VAD). Demographic and clinical data were evaluated retrospectively. Headache information was obtained from the patient interviews with a structured questionnaire (based on the International Headache Society criteria). The patients withheadache were assessed by headache specialist with a face-to-face interview. Headache was evaluated according to International Classification Committee of the International Headache Society ICHD. Headache (n = 38, 71.7%) was the most common symptom in CAD patients, which was mostly thunderclap, throbbing, intense and ipsilateral to dissection. Headache frequency and neck pain were significantly higher in VAD patients (p = 0.002, p < 0.001, respectively). Photophobia and phonophobia were also more common in patients with VAD (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). 29 (54.7%) of CAD patients had a prior history of headache, that 20 (37.7%) of them met the migraine criteria. CAD should be considered in patients with severe unilateral throbbingheadache with phonophobia and photophobia,even inpatients witha history of migraine. Phonophobia andphotophobia may be more common symptoms in VAD patients.Because headache commonly precedes the development of cerebral ischemic events, it needs prompt and accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Underuse of Behavioral Treatments for Headache: a Narrative Review Examining Societal and Cultural Factors.

Migraine affects over 40 million Americans and is the world’s second most disabling condition. As the majority of medical care for migraine occurs in primary care settings, not in neurology nor headache subspecialty practices, healthcare system interventions should focus on primary care. Though there is grade A evidence for behavioral treatment (e.g., biofeedback, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and relaxation techniques) for migraine, these treatments are underutilized. Behavioral treatments may be a valuable alternative to opioids, which remain widely used for migraine, despite the US opioid epidemic and guidelines that recommend against them. Identifying and removing barriers to the use of headache behavioral therapy could help reduce the disability as well as the personal and social costs of migraine. These techniques will have their greatest impact if offered in primary care settings to the lower socioeconomic status groups at greatest risk for migraine. We review the societal and cultural challenges that impose barriers to optimal use of non-pharmacological treatment services. These barriers include insufficient knowledge of migraine/headache behavioral treatments and insufficient availability of clinicians trained in non-pharmacological treatment delivery; limited access in underserved communities; financial burden; and stigma associated with both headache and mental health diagnoses and treatment. For each barrier, we discuss potential approaches to minimizing its effect and thus enhancing non-pharmacological treatment utilization.Case ExampleA 25-year-old graduate student with a prior history of headaches in college is attending school in the evenings while working a full-time job. Now, his headaches have significant nausea and photophobia. They are twice weekly and are disabling enough that he is unable to complete homework assignments. He does not understand why the headaches occur on Saturdays when he pushes through all week to get through his examinations that take place on Friday evenings. He tried two different migraine preventive medications, but neither led to the 50% reduction in headache days his doctor had hoped for. His doctor had suggested cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) before initiating the medications, but he had been too busy to attend the appointments, and the challenges in finding an in-network provider proved difficult. Now with the worsening headaches, he opted for the CBT and by the fifth week had already noted improvements in his headache frequency and intensity.

Failure to identify underlying autoimmunity and primary headache disorder might be the reasons for refractoriness of trochlear headaches

Introduction: A better understanding of etiology might improve poor outcomes of trochlear headaches (TRHs). Aims: To study clinical spectrum, etiology, and therapeutic response of TRH. Methods: Fifty-three TRH patients seen in a single center between 2015 and 2020 were included, excluding Trigeminal Autonomic Cephalalgia (TAC). Results: Mean age was 36.45 years (range 11–85 years), with 77.35% being females. Twenty-five patients had continuous trochlear headache (CTRH) and 28 episodic trochlear headache (ETRH). Tension-type headache (TTH) occurred in 9 ETRH patients and 24 of 25 CTRH patients, and migraine-like headaches occurred in 19 ETRH patients and 8 CTRH (trochlear migraine) patients. Prior history of headaches was noted in 22 of 28 ETRH and 11 of 25 CTRH patients. Twenty-eight responded to migraine/TTH prophylaxis, 25 being nonresponders (partial/no response). Fourteen of 25 nonresponders, 4 of 28 responders (4 of 4 secondary and 5 of 9 idiopathic trochleitis (IT), 3 of 9 primary TRH (PTRH), and 6 of 28 ETRH) had autoantibodies, that is, 11 antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) and 7 antithyroid antibodies. Ten of 14 (71.42%) antibody-positive nonresponders improved with immunosuppressants including steroids/hydroxychloroquine and only 11 required local injections. Finally, 38 patients had good response, 13 partial, and 2 no response. The etiology and refractoriness of IT can be attributed to underlying autoimmunity and a minor contribution by primary headaches, vice versa being the case for PTRH and ETRH. Refractory TRHs should be evaluated for underlying autoimmunity and primary headaches. Conclusion: Identification and treatment of underlying autoimmunity and primary headaches can help improve outcome of TRH.

1826 74-Year-Old Man With Esophageal Adenocarcinoma and Right Sided Weakness: Is Brain Involved?

INTRODUCTION: Esophageal cancer with an incidence of 4.3 per 100,000 per year and a death rate of 4.0 per 100,000 per year accounts for about 1% of all cancers diagnosed in the US. Within the past four decades, while the incidence of esophageal cancer has remained stable in the US, an increasing trend for the adenocarcinoma form has been observed in men mainly due to increased obesity and gastroesophageal reflux disorders. Remarkably, Hispanic-Americans have a lower rate of esophageal cancer. Brain metastasis from esophageal cancer is an extremely rare condition with an incidence of 0.6-1.5%. Here we report a Hispanic-American white patient with brain metastasis from esophageal adenocarcinoma. CASE DESCRIPTION/METHODS: 74-year-old Hispanic man with history of esophageal adenocarcinoma status post chemo-radiation with resection and gastric pull-through was referred to our hospital 4 years after surgery due to progressive left upper and lower extremity weakness, left facial droop and slurred speech for almost a month. He denied any prior history of headache, trauma, weakness or falls. Brain MRI showed a 61.6 x 47.3 x 45.0 mm heterogeneous/enhancing/intra-axial tumor projected at the level of the right supramarginal gyrus, and another smaller 9 mm intra-axial enhancing lesion in the medial aspect of the right superior temporal gyrus associated with perilesional vasogenic edema and 12 mm right to left midline shift (Figure 1). CT thorax, abdomen and pelvis did not reveal any mass or lymphadenopathy. The patient underwent a right-sided temporal craniotomy for resection of the temporal hemorrhagic tumor with a moderately hard capsule and significant fibrous adhesions invading the M2 branch of the middle cerebral artery with a small rim of tumor left along the back of the middle cerebral artery. He was scheduled for Whole Brain Radiation Therapy (WBRT) showing an improvement in his muscular strength. Pathology report demonstrated metastatic brain adenocarcinoma from the esophagus (Figure 1). DISCUSSION: Brain metastasis is a rare condition which should be suspected in patients with esophageal cancer and neurological manifestations. Routine preoperative neuroimaging is not recommended for identification of occult brain metastasis in esophageal cancer rather than in those with a primary esophageal tumor of &gt;8 cm in diameter. Prognosis of this condition is overall poor and treatment should be personalized based on the patient’ general condition. When brain mass is resectable, surgery followed by WBRT is recommended.

Posttraumatic headache in pediatrics: an update and review.

Headache following concussion and mild traumatic brain injury is very common in pediatrics. There is significant concern about appropriate management of acute and persistent headache following mild head injuries in children among affected youth, their families and care providers. The current article will review definitions and diagnoses of posttraumatic headache (PTHA), recent research regarding risk factors for persistence of postconcussion symptoms and headaches, current recommendations for the evaluation of youth with PTHA, recent data regarding efficacy of treatment options for PTHA, and current recommendations for the treatment of acute and persistent PTHA. PTHA is common following concussion in pediatrics. Some of the most consistent risk factors for persistent symptoms following concussion include female sex, adolescent age, prior concussion with prolonged recovery, prior headache history and high number of acute symptoms, particularly migrainous symptoms, following concussion. There are few prospective studies of the treatment of PTHA in pediatrics; however, a recent study found that short-term use of ibuprofen for those with acute PTHA following concussion may be associated with lower risk of symptoms and better function 1 week after injury. Currently complete rest or cocooning following concussion is not recommended as it may actually be associated with longer recovery time; a gradual return to cognitive and physical activity appears to be most effective strategy but more study is needed.

Neuroimaging utilization and findings in headache outpatients: Significance of red and yellow flags.

Background Neuroimaging for headache commonly exceeds published guideline recommendations and may be overutilized. Methods We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study of all outpatient community patients at Mayo Clinic Rochester who underwent a neuroimaging study for a headache indication in 2015. We assessed the neuroimaging utilization pattern, clinical application of red flags, and concordance with neuroimaging guidelines. Results We identified 190 outpatients who underwent 304 neuroimaging studies for headache. The median age was 46.5 years (range 18-91 years), 65% were female, and most reported no prior history of headache (n = 97, 51%). A minority of patients had prior brain imaging studies (n = 44, 23%) and neurological consultations for headache (n = 29, 15%). Few studies were ordered after consultation with a neurologist (n = 14, 7%). Seventy-seven percent of patients were documented to have a "red flag" justifying the imaging study. Abnormal neuroimaging findings were found in 3.1% of patients with warning flags (5/161); carotid dissection (n = 3) and reversible cerebral vasoconstrictive syndrome (n = 2). An estimated 35% of patients were imaged against guidelines. Conclusions The prevalence of serious causes of headache in a community practice was low despite the presence of a documented red flag symptom. Inadequate understanding or application of red flags may be contributing to recommendations to image patients against current guidelines. Interventions to reduce unnecessary neuroimaging of patients with headache need to be designed and implemented.

Internal Jugular Microembolic Signal Detection in a Patient with Cerebral Sinus Thrombosis Complicated by Pulmonary Embolism

A 40-year-old woman with prior history of headaches, left-sided weakness, and diplopia was diagnosed with right sigmoid and transverse sinus thrombosis; increased intracranial pressure and associated cerebral venous infarction that underwent 12 months anticoagulation and then stopped. She has been off anticoagulation for about a year then started not “feeling right,” and was diagnosed with pneumonia and pulmonary embolism. During her course of hospitalization, she presented with progressive headache, possible left-sided weakness, associated blurry vision, nausea, and vomiting. Magnetic resonance venogram (MRV) shows lack of flow-related signals within the left half of the distal superior sagittal sinus, left transverse sinus, and nonocclusive thrombus in the left sigmoid sinus. Mechanical sinus thrombectomy attempted without significant difference in clot burden. A transcranial Doppler (TCD) emboli monitoring exam was ordered and was performed on the bilateral internal jugular for 15 min each. Microembolic signals detected: 52 emboli per hour right internal jugular vein (IJV), and 32 emboli per hour left IJV. She was discharged on methazolamide, furosemide, topiramate, and lifelong warfarin. No major events have been reported since discharge from 2008 to 2016.

Response of Refractory New Daily Persistent Headache to Intravenous Lidocaine Treatment in a Pediatric Patient

New daily persistent headache (NDPH) is defined as a persistent and daily headache from onset. It is a unique headache that typically seen in people without a prior history of headaches. New daily persistent headache (NDPH) is an often medication-refractory headache disorder, currently classified as a primary headache disorder. Several medications including Onabotulinum toxin injections and sphenopalatine ganglion block are currently under investigation and may provide a potential new effective treatment regimen. IV lidocaine has been used for the management of chronic daily headaches, trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias, neuropathic pain, oro-facial, and postoperative pain. We administered IV lidocaine with successful treatment of headache in a refractory NDPH pediatric patient.

Posttraumatic Headache: Clinical Characterization and Management.

Headache is the most common symptom after traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBI has become a global health concern with an estimated 2.5 million reported TBIs per year in the USA alone. Recent longitudinal studies of posttraumatic headache (PTH) show a high cumulative incidence of 71% after moderate or severe TBI and an even higher cumulative incidence of 91% after mild TBI (mTBI) at 1year after injury. Prevalence remains high at over 44% throughout the year after moderate or severe TBI and over 54% after mTBI. A prior history of headache is associated with a higher risk for PTH, whereas older age appears to be protective. Gender does not appear to be a risk factor for PTH. Most PTH has clinical diagnostic criteria meeting that of migraine or probable migraine when primary headache disorder classification criteria are used, followed by tension-type headache. There are no evidence-based treatment guidelines for PTH management; however, expert opinion has suggested treating the PTH using primary headache disorder treatment recommendations according to its type.

Prevalence of Post-Mastectomy Pain Syndrome and Associated Risk Factors: A Cross-Sectional Cohort Study

This study was designed to determine the prevalence of post-mastectomy pain and its associated risk factors in women submitted to surgical treatment for breast cancer. A cross-sectional cohort study was conducted involving 250 women treated surgically for breast cancer. The variables evaluated were (a) post-mastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS) (as a dependent variable or outcome) and (b) the patients’ social characteristics (schooling, marital status), biological characteristics (body mass index, skin color, age), prior history of headache and dysmenorrhea, occurrence of acute postoperative pain, and type of surgery (mastectomy or quadrantectomy) (as independent or predictive variables). The prevalence ratios (PR) and their respective 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated as a measure of the risk of PMPS. Multivariate analysis was performed using a hierarchical model of stepwise logistic regression that included possible explanatory variables, calculating the adjusted risk of PMPS from the odds ratio (OR) and the 95% CI at a significance level of 5%. PMPS was found in 44.4% of patients. The variables that remained strongly associated with PMPS following multiple logistic regression analysis were quadrantectomy with axillary lymphadenectomy (OR = 2.83; 95% CI: 1.60-5.02), prior history of headache (OR = 1.92; 95% CI: 1.10-3.34), and age <50 years (OR = 4.37; 95% CI: 2.43-7.86). PMPS is a common condition, particularly in women submitted to quadrantectomy with axillary lymphadenectomy, those under 50 years of age, and those with a prior history of headache. Attention should be paid to these factors at preoperative evaluation and counseling, and they should be taken into consideration in postoperative management.