Pure Migraine Research Articles

Pain sensitivity in relation to frequency of migraine and tension-type headache with or without coexistent neck pain: an exploratory secondary analysis of the population study.

We aimed to investigate whether coexistent self-reported neck pain influences cephalic and extracephalic pain sensitivity in individuals with migraine and tension-type headache (TTH) in relation to diagnosis and headache frequency. A population of 496 individuals completed a headache interview based on ICHD criteria, providing data collected by self-administered questionnaires, assessments of pericranial total tenderness score (TTS) and pressure pain thresholds (PPT). Stimulus-response (SR) functions for pressure vs. pain were recorded. Presence of neck pain in the past year was assessed by the self-administered questionnaire. We categorized participants by primary headache type. We also categorized participants into 3 groups by headache frequency: chronic (≥15) or episodic (<15 headache days/month) headache and controls. TTS, PPTs and the area under the SR curve were compared between subgroups using Generalized Linear Models with pairwise comparisons controlling for age and sex. Individuals with chronic followed by episodic headache had higher TTS than controls (overall p≤0.001). The difference between chronic and episodic headache subgroups was significant in the group with neck pain (p≤0.001) but not in the group without neck pain. In individuals with neck pain, mean TTS was higher in coexistent headache (migraine and TTH), 23.2±10.7, and pure TTH, 17.8±10.3, compared to pure migraine, 15.9±10.9 and no headache 11.0±8.3 (overall p<0.001). Temporal and finger PPTs did not statistically differ among the chronic headache, the episodic headache and controls in individuals with and without neck pain. Temporalis and trapezius SR-functions showed that tenderness was increased in individuals with chronic headache to higher degree than in those with episodic headache, and more so in those with neck pain. Coexistent neck pain is associated with greater pericranial tenderness in individuals with chronic headache and to a lesser degree in those with episodic headache. Sensitization may be a substrate or consequence of neck pain and primary headache, but a longitudinal study would be needed for further clarification.

Association Between Migraine Complicated With Restless Legs Syndrome and Vitamin D.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of restless legs syndrome (RLS) in patients with migraine and explore its association with vitamin D deficiency, aiming to provide biological support for the comorbidity of migraine with RLS, and shed new lights into clinical diagnosis and treatment.Methods: A case-control study was performed on 175 migraine patients and 151 non-headache controls. The information of all subjects concerning headache severity [visual analog scale (VAS) score], RLS, RLS severity [International Restless Legs Scale (IRLS) score], sleep quality [Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI)], anxiety and depression symptoms [hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS)], and demographic data were collected. At the same time, serum 25-(OH) D levels were also measured (concentration <20 ng/ml was defined deficiency). Afterward, the logistic regression model was adopted to explore the risk factors for RLS in patients with migraines.Results: Compared with control group, migraine group had lower vitamin D levels [(21.10 ± 6.58) vs. (16.42 ± 5.6) ng/ml, P < 0.001], a higher rate of vitamin D deficiency (45.03 vs. 72%, P <0001), higher prevalence of RLS (6.62 vs. 22.29%, P < 0.001). Compared with the pure RLS group, RLS with the migraine group had lower vitamin D levels and higher IRLS score (P < 0.05). Compared with pure migraine group, migraine with RLS group had lower vitamin D levels [(17.36 ± 5.56) vs. (13.15 ± 4.42) ng/ml, P < 0.001], higher incidence of vitamin D deficiency (66.18 vs. 92.31%, P = 0.001), higher frequency of headache attacks (P = 0.004). Thereafter, the multivariate logistic regression model was employed to adjust confounding factors such as age, gender, season, frequency of headache attacks, PSQI score, and HADS scores. According to the results vitamin D deficiency in patients with migraines was an independent risk factor for RLS (OR = 5.03, 95%CI: 1.2–21.16, P = 0.027).Conclusions: The prevalence of RLS in migraine patients was significantly higher than that in the non-headache population. Besides, vitamin D levels decreased, while the incidence of vitamin D deficiency increased in the migraine patients complicated with RLS. Finally, the occurrence of RLS in migraine patients was significantly related to vitamin D deficiency.

Health-related quality of life in tension-type headache: a population-based study.

Tension-type headache (TTH) is the most prevalent primary headache disorder. We assessed the cross-sectional impact of TTH on health related quality of life (HRQoL) in a general population. We also examined the association of HRQoL scores with headache frequency, disability, medication overuse, poor self-rated health, psychiatric comorbidity, and pain sensitivity in individuals with TTH. A sample of 547 subjects completed a headache diagnostic interview, the SF-12 to calculate physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) health component scores, depression (major depression inventory [MDI]) and neuroticism (Eysenck Personality Questionnaire) measures. We defined the following headache diagnosis categories: pure TTH, pure migraine, and coexistent headache (TTH+migraine). Cases were further classified into chronic (≥15) or episodic (<15 headache days/month). Using generalized linear models (GLM) adjusted for age, sex and education, both PCS-12 and MCS-12 scores varied in groups distinguished by migraine and TTH status; scores were lower for individuals with coexistent headache (TTH+migraine; n=83), followed by pure TTH (n=97) and pure migraine (n=43) compared to the no headache group (n=324) (p≤0.001). In analyses considering chronicity, PCS-12 scores were lower in chronic coexistent headache followed by pure chronic TTH (CTTH), episodic migraine +/- episodic TTH (ETTH) and pure ETTH than in the no headache group (p≤0.001). MCS-12 scores were lower in pure CTTH, followed by chronic coexistent headache, episodic migraine +/- ETTH and pure ETTH compared to the no headache group (p≤0.001). Multiple regression models showed that in TTH, lower PCS-12 scores were associated with age (p=0.04), female sex (p=0.02), and poor self-rated health (p≤0.001). Lower MCS-12 scores in TTH were associated with depression (p≤0.001). In a population sample, TTH, and to higher degree CTTH, are associated with decreased HRQoL.

Neuroticism, depression and pain perception in migraine and tension-type headache.

People with migraine and tension-type headache (TTH) have psychiatric comorbidities. We aimed to test differences in mental health constructs by type and frequency of primary headache and associated pain sensitivity. Data on headache features, neuroticism (Eysenck Personality Questionnaire) and depression (Major Depression Inventory) were obtained from 547 individuals classified into chronic (≥15) or episodic (<15 headache days/month) and into pure migraine (n=43), pure tension type headache (TTH, n=97), migraine and TTH (n=83) and no headache diagnosis (controls, n=324) groups. A pericranial total tenderness score (TTS) and pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) were measured. Differences in mental health constructs were examined by headache frequency and type using generalized linear mixed models adjusting for sociodemographic covariates. Depression scores were highest among people with chronic headache, lower in those with episodic headache, and lowest in controls. The chronic and episodic headache groups had higher neuroticism scores than controls. Mental health construct scores were highest for the migraine and TTH group and lowest in the control group. TTS and cephalic PPTs were correlated with neuroticism and depression and were higher in the chronic headache group compared to the no headache group even when adjusted for neuroticism and depression. Neuroticism and depression scores are associated with headache frequency (chronic vs episodic) and are highest for migraine and TTH followed by pure TTH then migraine. Mental health constructs were correlated with but did not influence differences in TTS and PPTs between headache groups.

Prevalence of neck pain in migraine and tension-type headache: A population study

We assessed the prevalence of neck pain in the population in relation to headache. In a cross-sectional study, a total of 797 individuals completed a headache interview and provided self-reported data on neck pain. We identified migraine, TTH or both migraine and TTH (M+TTH) groups. Pericranial tenderness was recorded in 496 individuals. A total tenderness score (TTS) was calculated as the sum of local scores with a maximum score of 48. The one-year prevalence of neck pain was 68.4% and higher in those with vs. without primary headache (85.7% vs. 56.7%; adjusted OR 3.0, 95% CI 2.0-4.4, p<0.001). Adjusting for age, gender, education and poor self-rated health, in comparison with those without headaches, the prevalence of neck pain (56.7%) was significantly higher in those with M+TTH (89.3%), pure TTH (88.4%) and pure migraine (76.2%) (p<0.05 for all three group comparisons). Individuals with neck pain had higher TTS than individuals without neck pain (15.1±10.5 vs. 8.4±8.0, p<0.001). Neck pain is highly prevalent in the general population and even more prevalent in individuals with primary headaches. Prevalence is highest in coexistent M+TTH, followed by pure TTH and migraine. Myofascial tenderness is significantly increased in individuals with neck pain.

Association of lower level of leisure-related physical activity with primary headaches

Background and aims Low physical activity has been associated with higher prevalence of headaches. The primary aim of the study was to assess the association of pure migraine, pure tension-type headache (TTH) and coexistent headache with the level of leisure-related physical activity. The secondary aim was to study the association between the level of leisure-related physical activity and episodic and chronic mixed headache. Methods Total of 1300 subjects was invited to participate in a crosssectional population study. A total of 805 eligible subjects completed a diagnostic headache interview, provided selfreported data on neck pain and back pain, leisure-related physical activity, demographics and self-rated health. Levels of leisure-related physical activity were classified according to activities performed as low, medium and high (reference). Results Multinomial logistic regression analysis adjusted for gender, age, education, neck pain, back pain, poor self-rated health demonstrated that primary headache (mixed headache ) was associated low physical activity (OR=2.54, 95% CI=1.47-4.39, p=0.001) followed by medium physical activity (OR=1.62, 95% CI=1.05-2.52, p=0.03). Low physical activity was significantly associated with pure TTH (OR=2.80, 95%CI=1.38-5.68, p=0.004) and coexistent headache (OR=2.97, 95%CI=1.27-6.99, p=0.01) in the adjusted analysis. Association of pure migraine with low (OR=1.95, 95% CI=0.86-4.43, p=0.11) and medium physical activity, and coexistent headache and pure TTH with medium physical activity did not reach statistical significance. Low activity level is highest in chronic headache (OR=2.97, 95%CI=0.94-9.44, p=0.07) compared to episodic headache (OR=2.42, 95%CI=1.37-4.28, p=0.002). Conclusions Lower level of leisure-related physical activity is associated with primary headaches. Furthermore, the association is strongest for coexistent headache followed by pure TTH and pure migraine. The causal relationship of low activity level to headache chronicit yc annot be assessed in this cross-sectional study.

Headache and anxiety–depressive disorder comorbidity: the HADAS study

Psychiatric comorbidity (prevalence and types) was tested in a naturalistic sample of adult patients with pure migraine without aura, and in two control groups of patients, one experiencing pure tension-type headache and the other combined migraine and tension-type headaches. The study population included 374 patients (158, 110 and 106) from nine Italian secondary and tertiary centres. Psychiatric comorbidity was recorded through structured interview and also screened with the Mini International Neuropsychiatry Interview (MINI). Only anxiety and depression were investigated. Psychiatric disorders were reported by 49 patients (14.6%; 10.9% of patients with migraine, 12.8% of those with tension-type headache and 21.4% of those with combined migraine and tension-type headaches). The MINI interview detected a depressive episode in 59.9% of patients with migraine, 68.3% of patients with tension-type headache and 69.6% of patients with combined migraine and tension-type headaches. Depression subtypes were significantly different across groups (p=0.03). Anxiety (mostly generalised) was reported by 18.4% of patients with migraine, 19.3% of patients with tension-type headache, and 18.4% of patients with combined migraine and tension-type headaches. The values for panic disturbance were 12.7, 5.5 and 14.2, and those for obsessive-compulsive disorders were 2.3, 1.1 and 9.4% (p=0.009). Based on these results, psychopathology of primary headache can be a reflection of the burden of the disease rather than a hallmark of a specific headache category.

Secular Changes in Health Care Utilization and Work Absence for Migraine and Tension-type Headache: A Population Based Study

To assess changes in consultation rates, medication use and work absences due to migraine and tension-type headache (TTH) in Denmark over a 12-year period. Surveys of the general population in 1989 and 2001. Medical doctors conducted all headache diagnostic interviews based on ICDH-I and II. The participation rate was 76% (740) in 1989 and 74% (711) in 2001. Headache status was categorized as pure migraine, pure frequent TTH (frequent episodic or chronic TTH), coexisting migraine and frequent TTH, and healthy subjects (no primary headache or only infrequent TTH). Headache-related consultation rates (OR = 1.6 (1.1-2.2)), especially specialist consultations (OR = 3.6 (2.3-5.6)), increased for all headache groups. Use of prescription medication because of headache increased moderately (OR = 2.1 (1.1-3.9)) while the use of prophylactic medication was stable (OR = 1.1 (0.3-4.0)). Both headache-related (OR = 1.1 (0.7-1.7)) and overall (OR = 0.9 (0.7-1.2)) absence rates were largely unchanged. Headache-related absence rates were higher for subjects with both headache types (OR = 7.5 (4.3-13.1)) or with pure migraine (OR = 3.6 (2.0-6.6)) than for subjects with frequent TTH alone. Triptans users had higher migraine headache frequency and tended to have higher absence rates than non-users. Overall absence rates were higher for subjects with both headache types (OR = 2.3 (1.3-4.0)) or with frequent TTH (OR = 1.9 (1.4-2.7)) than for healthy subjects. Pure migraine was not associated with higher overall absence rates (OR = 1.0 (0.6-1.6)). Despite an increase in headache consultation rates and in use of prescription medication and triptans, no improvement in work absence rates was observed. Consultations, medication use, and absence rates were highest for individuals with both migraine and frequent TTH.

The Effect of the Definition of Menstrually-Related Headache on the Response to Biofeedback Treatment

Twelve women with either pure migraine headache (HA) or a combination of migraine and tension-type HA monitored HA activity over two menstrual cycles while noting onset of menstruation and onset of ovulation. They then received 12 sessions of thermal biofeedback (TBF) with adjunctive autogenic training. Six women with only tension-type HA participated in similar monitoring before receiving 9 sessions of progressive relaxation training. Results for those with vascular HA showed a significant reduction in HA activity and a reduction in medication taken for HAs. Those with tension-type HA did not respond significantly to the relaxation training. Depending upon how one defined menstrually-related HAs among those with vascular HA, there either was, or was not, a differential effect of TBF on menstrual-cycle-related HA.

A headache diagnosis project.

Despite the availability of objective criteria, the diagnosis of migraine is thought to be missed frequently in primary practice. To determine the most important questions assisting in the clinical diagnosis of migraine headache. A cohort of 461 patients referred to headache specialists in Canada was assessed using a pro-forma questionnaire that was completed by the patients alone or administered by the physicians themselves. A final clinical diagnosis was recorded after a complete clinical evaluation. In a subsequent validation study, three questions derived from the results of the first phase of the study were administered to a new cohort of 128 patients, and diagnoses of "migraine" or "not migraine" were recorded according to the decision generated in the first part of the study. The final clinical diagnosis was taken as the "gold standard" for diagnosis, and the results from the two independently derived diagnostic methods were compared. Statistical analysis of the responses from part 1 of the study yielded three questions (related to daily occurrence, unilaterally, and functional impairment) that distinguished between pure migraine and other headache diagnoses with high reliability and validity. The sensitivity and selectivity of the three-question protocol exceeded 91%. The use of three questions related to headache frequency, laterality, and impact on functioning may represent an attractive screening instrument in primary care practice, alerting physicians to the diagnosis of migraine in patients or to the possibility of a second or alternative headache diagnosis in patients in whom their diagnosis of migraine previously has been made. The presence of multiple headache syndromes in individual patients, as is common in tertiary referral practice, may reduce the discriminating power of the three-question protocol.

Epidemiology of migraine among students from randomly selected secondary schools in Lodz.

The purpose of the present study was to determine the prevalence of migraine among 2351 secondary school students aged 15 to 19 years. Six hundred fifty-nine students (120 males and 539 females) complained of migraine, including 148 with additional tension-type headache (mixed headache). Migraine with aura was diagnosed in 213 students (49 with mixed headache). The remaining 446 students (99 with mixed headache) had migraine without aura. In 83 students (16 with mixed headache), headaches were developing into migrainous states. In 237 students (56 with mixed headache), headaches were accompanied by dizziness. In 128 females (25 with mixed headache), interrelation between migraine and menstruation was found. Familial factors affecting the occurrence of migraine were noted in 536 students (127 with mixed headache). It was found that 28% of secondary school students aged 15 to 19 years suffer from migraine. Nine percent of them have migraine with aura and 19%, migraine without aura. The prevalence of migraine among secondary school students is about three times higher in females than in males. Migraine with tension-type headache differs from pure migraine in respect of more numerous attacks within 1 year among females, and of more frequent occurrence of migraine with sensory aura among males.