Recurrent Headache Research Articles

Vascularized Denervated Muscle Targets for Headache Surgery-Presentation and Surgical Management.

Patients with substantial trauma to their occipital nerves and those with recurrent or persistent chronic headaches after occipital nerve decompression surgery require transection of their greater occipital and/or lesser occipital nerves to control debilitating pain. Current techniques, such as burying the transected nerve stump in nearby muscle, do not prevent neuroma formation, and more advanced techniques, such as targeted muscle reinnervation and regenerative peripheral nerve interface, have demonstrated only short-term anecdotal success in the context of headache surgery. Vascularized denervated muscle targets (VDMTs) are a novel technique to address the proximal nerve stump after nerve transection that has shown promise to improve chronic nerve pain and prevent neuroma formation. However, VDMTs have not been described in the context of headache surgery. Here authors describe the etiology, workup, and surgical management of 2 patients with recurrent occipital neuralgia who developed vexing neuromas after previous surgery and were successfully treated with VDMTs, remaining pain-free at 3-year follow-up.

O.4.5-5 Are more active children healthier in the long run? – Results from the MoMo study

Abstract Purpose Various recommendations emphasize the importance of regular physical activity (PA) for building and maintaining health in adults as well as in children and adolescents. Using longitudinal data from the German MoMo study, this analysis aimed at investigating whether children who were more active over time were healthier eleven years later compared to those that were less active over the time. Methods 1407 participants (55.5 % female; mean age at Baseline = 8.2 ± 3.8 y.) completed three times of measurement within three survey waves of the MoMo study (Baseline: 2003 – 2006; Wave 1: 2009 – 2012; Wave 2: 2015 - 2017). The study included a self-report questionnaire among others. Participants who reported active participation at all times of measurement were compared to those who reported no participation at all. The groups were compared regarding their self-reported health status, and whether they reported recurrent headache in the past three months. 95%-Confidence Intervals (95%CI) were used, and odds ratios were calculated to determine differences between the groups. Results The active group was more likely to rate their health as “very good” (46.9%, 95%CI = [30.9,63.6]) compared to their fewer active peers (18.4%, 95%CI = [11.3,28.6]) (OR(95%CI) = 3.9 [1.6,9.7]). Additionally, the active group reported less recurrent headache (35.7%; 95%CI = [31.3,40.4]) at the last measurement point compared to the least active counterparts (55.5 %; 95%CI = [48.9,62.0]) (OR(95%CI) = .5[.3,.6]). Conclusions Continuous physical activity during childhood and adolescence, e.g. in a sports club, not only increases the chance of a better self-perceived health, but also seems to reduce the risk of health impairments, such as recurrent headaches. Therefore, promoting physical activity as proposed by the World Health Organization and others is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Support/Funding Source This work has been developed within the MoMo-Study (MoMo) (2003 – 2021). MoMo is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (funding reference number: 01ER1503) within the research program ‘long-term studies’ in public health research.

Triptans utilization in Italian population: A real-life study in community pharmacies.

The term Headache Disorders (HD) refers to a number of nervous system pathologies characterised by recurrent headaches. Despite the serious impact HD have on the health system, society, and the economy, these are an underestimated, underdiagnosed, and, hence, undertreated phenomenon. Triptans are the first-line therapy for the acute treatment of moderate to severe migraine but their utilization is still inadequate, perhaps also because in Italy no triptan can be bought without a medical prescription. In this article, the data from a 2016-2017 study has been further analysed with the aim of evaluating any associations between the use of triptans and the other series of variables identified in the questionnaire. This further analysis has been connected to the role that community pharmacies could play on this issue. The questionnaire was administered to 4,424 pharmacy users by 610 purposely trained pharmacists working in 514 pharmacies. The survey was carried out in 19 of the 20 Italian regions. The data shows that only 25% of patients suffering from HDs are prescribed triptans. Older patients, those with definite migraines, and those with a chronic disorder resort more frequently to this class of pharmaceuticals, as do those patients in care at a specialist headache centre. The multivariable analysis also confirmed these results. Our study, which performed a direct detection, in real life, on patients requesting pharmacological treatment for a migraine headache, therefore confirmed the need to investigate the reasons behind the low use and prescription of triptans in the Italian population. Moreover, any future studies should take advantage of community pharmacies, plan actions that would allow a series of evaluations over time of the requirements of migraineurs, and establish a process to put these patients under the care of the pharmacy to ensure adherence to therapy.

Case report: Ocular signs of superficial siderosis; a rare neurodegenerative disorder

AimThis article seeks to describe superficial siderosis as a rare, acquired neurodegenerative disorder and provide a case report of the neuro-ophthalmological clinical signs of a patient presenting with previously undiagnosed superficial siderosis. ReportA 48-year-old female with a previous history of motor vehicle trauma and recurrent migranous headaches presented with seizure. Additionally, she described blurred vision and serial fundus examination revealed retinal haemorrhage followed by papilledema. Subsequent radiological investigation revealed superficial siderosis. ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this is the first report of retinal findings in a case of superficial siderosis. The case report seeks to provide clinicians with a wider breadth of information on the clinical presentation and response to intracranial pressure lowering therapy in a rare condition.

Exploring sensory sensitivity, cortical excitability, and habituation in episodic migraine, as a function of age and disease severity, using the pattern-reversal task

BackgroundMigraine is a cyclic, neurosensory disorder characterized by recurrent headaches and altered sensory processing. The latter is manifested in hypersensitivity to visual stimuli, measured with questionnaires and sensory thresholds, as well as in abnormal cortical excitability and a lack of habituation, assessed with visual evoked potentials elicited by pattern-reversal stimulation. Here, the goal was to determine whether factors such as age and/or disease severity may exert a modulatory influence on sensory sensitivity, cortical excitability, and habituation.MethodsTwo similar experiments were carried out, the first comparing 24 young, episodic migraine patients and 28 healthy age- and gender-matched controls and the second 36 middle-aged, episodic migraine patients and 30 healthy age- and gender-matched controls. A neurologist confirmed the diagnoses. Migraine phases were obtained using eDiaries. Sensory sensitivity was assessed with the Sensory Perception Quotient and group comparisons were carried out. We obtained pattern-reversal visual evoked potentials and calculated the N1-P1 Peak-to-Peak amplitude. Two linear mixed-effects models were fitted to these data. The first model had Block (first block, last block) and Group (patients, controls) as fixed factors, whereas the second model had Trial (all trials) and Group as fixed factors. Participant was included as a random factor in both. N1-P1 first block amplitude was used to assess cortical excitability and habituation was defined as a decrease of N1-P1 amplitude across Blocks/Trials. Both experiments were performed interictally.ResultsThe final samples consisted of 18 patients with episodic migraine and 27 headache-free controls (first experiment) and 19 patients and 29 controls (second experiment). In both experiments, patients reported increased visual hypersensitivity on the Sensory Perception Quotient as compared to controls. Regarding N1-P1 peak-to-peak data, there was no main effect of Group, indicating no differences in cortical excitability between groups. Finally, significant main effects of both Block and Trial were found indicating habituation in both groups, regardless of age and headache frequency.ConclusionsThe results of this study yielded evidence for significant hypersensitivity in patients but no significant differences in either habituation or cortical excitability, as compared to headache-free controls. Although the alterations in patients may be less pronounced than originally anticipated they demonstrate the need for the definition and standardization of optimal methodological parameters.

Association Between Peer Victimization, Gender Diversity, Mental Health, and Recurrent Headaches in Adolescents: A Canadian Population-Based Study.

It is unknown whether bullying and gender diversity are associated with increased headache frequency in adolescents. Our study aimed to assess the association between peer victimization, gender diversity, and frequent recurrent headaches in adolescents, while controlling for age, sex, socioeconomic status, and potential confounders (mood and anxiety disorders, suicidality). This was a cross-sectional observational study of adolescents aged 12-17 years using data from a Canadian population-based health survey. Headache frequency was dichotomized into "≤once/wk" or ">once/wk" (i.e., frequent recurrent headaches). Logistic regression was used to quantify the association between frequent peer victimization (overt or relational), gender diversity (female sex at birth + male gender, male sex at birth + female gender, or gender diverse), mood/anxiety disorder, suicidality, and the odds of frequent recurrent headaches. The fully adjusted multivariable logistic regression model included all exposures and was controlled for age, sex, and socioeconomic status. Bootstrap replicate weighting was used to account for survey design effects. There were an estimated 2,268,840 eligible participants (weighted sample size) (mean age = 14.4 years, 48.8% female, 0.5% gender diverse), and 11.2% reported frequent recurrent headaches. Frequent recurrent headaches were associated with older age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.26 per year of age, 95% CI 1.20-1.31), female sex (OR = 2.89, 95% CI 2.47-3.37), and being gender diverse (OR = 3.30, 95% CI 1.64-6.63, adjusted for age/sex). Youth with frequent headaches had higher odds of experiencing both overt and relational bullying compared with peers (OR = 2.69, 95% CI 2.31-3.14, and OR = 3.03, 95% CI 2.58-3.54, adjusted for age/sex). In the fully adjusted model, frequent headaches were no longer associated with gender diversity (OR = 1.53, 95% CI 0.63-3.69) but were still associated with frequent overt and relational peer victimization (OR = 1.82, 95% CI 1.41-2.34, and OR = 1.54, 95% CI 1.17-2.03, respectively), suicidality (OR = 1.83, 95% CI 1.44-2.32), and having a mood or anxiety disorder (OR = 1.50, 95% CI 1.01-2.21, and OR = 1.74, 95% CI 1.24-2.45, respectively). In a model adjusted for age, sex, and mood/anxiety disorders, the risk of suicidality increased incrementally with headache frequency. Peer victimization and suicidality may be associated with higher headache frequency in adolescents with headaches, independently of mood and anxiety symptoms. Gender-diverse adolescents may have a higher risk of experiencing frequent headaches when compared with cisgender peers, and this may be explained by associated psychosocial factors (anxiety, depression, suicidality, and peer victimization).

Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide mRNA Synthesis in Trigeminal Ganglion Neurons after Cortical Spreading Depolarization.

Migraine is a debilitating neurovascular disorder characterized by recurrent headache attacks of moderate to severe intensity. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (GGRP), which is abundantly expressed in trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons, plays a crucial role in migraine pathogenesis. Cortical spreading depolarization (CSD), the biological correlate of migraine aura, activates the trigeminovascular system. In the present study, we investigated CGRP mRNA expression in TG neurons in a CSD-based mouse migraine model. Our in situ hybridization analysis showed that CGRP mRNA expression was observed in smaller-sized neuronal populations. CSD did not significantly change the density of CGRP mRNA-synthesizing neurons in the ipsilateral TG. However, the cell sizes of CGRP mRNA-synthesizing TG neurons were significantly larger in the 48 h and 72 h post-CSD groups than in the control group. The proportions of CGRP mRNA-synthesizing TG neurons bearing cell diameters less than 14 μm became significantly less at several time points after CSD. In contrast, we found significantly greater proportions of CGRP mRNA-synthesizing TG neurons bearing cell diameters of 14-18 μm at 24 h, 48, and 72 h post-CSD. We deduce that the CSD-induced upward cell size shift in CGRP mRNA-synthesizing TG neurons might be causative of greater disease activity and/or less responsiveness to CGRP-based therapy.

Potential effect modifiers for treatment with chiropractic manipulation versus sham manipulation for recurrent headaches in children aged 7–14 years: development of and results from a secondary analysis of a randomised clinical trial

BackgroundA recent randomized controlled trial (RCT) investigating the effect of chiropractic manipulation in 199 children aged 7–14 years with recurrent headaches demonstrated a significant reduction of number of days with headache and a better global perceived effect (GPE) in the chiropractic manipulation group compared to a sham manipulation group. However, potential modifiers for the effectiveness of chiropractic manipulation of children with recurrent headaches have never been identified. The present study is a secondary analysis of data from that RCT and will investigate potential effect modifiers for the benefit of chiropractic manipulation for children with headache.MethodsSixteen potential effect modifiers were identified from the literature and a summary index was prespecified based on clinical experience. Relevant variables were extracted from baseline questionnaires, and outcomes were obtained by means of short text messages. The modifying effect of the candidate variables was assessed by fitting interaction models to the data of the RCT. In addition, an attempt to define a new summary index was made.ResultsThe prespecified index showed no modifying effect. Four single variables demonstrated a treatment effect difference of more than 1 day with headache per week between the lower and the upper end of the spectrum: intensity of headache (p = 0.122), Frequency of headache (p = 0.031), sleep duration (p = 0.243), and Socioeconomic status (p = 0.082). Five variables had a treatment effect difference of more than 0.7 points on the GPE scale between the lower and the upper end of the spectrum: Frequency of headache (p = 0.056), Sport activity (p = 0.110), Sleep duration (p = 0.080), History of neck pain (p = 0.011), and Headache in the family (0.050). A new summary index could be constructed giving highest weight to History of neck pain and Headache in the family and Frequency of headache. The index suggests a difference of about 1 point in GPE between low and high values of the index.ConclusionChiropractic manipulation offers a moderate benefit for a broad spectrum of children. However, it cannot be excluded that specific headache characteristics, family factors, or a history of neck pain may modify the effect. This question must be addressed in future studies.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (Albers et al in Curr Pain Headache Rep 19:3–4, 2015), identifier NCT02684916, registered 02/18/2016—retrospectively registered.

Combined genotype of HCRTR2 and CLOCK variants in a large family of cluster headache with familial periodicity phenotype.

Cluster headache (CH) is a debilitating condition with severe and recurrent headaches characterized by circannual and circadian rhythms. A genetic contingent was suggested, and several loci were described in large cohorts. However, no variant associated with CH for multiplex families has been described. The purpose of our study was to examine candidate genes and new genetic variants in a multigenerational family of cluster headaches in which two members have original chronobiological characteristics that we have called the phenomenon of "family periodicity". We performed a whole genome sequencing in four patients in a large multigenerational family of cluster headache to identify additional loci associated with CH. This allowed us to replicate the genomic association of HCRTR2 and CLOCK as candidate genes. In two family members with the same phenotypic circadian pattern (familial periodicity) the association of polymorphism NM_001526.4:c.922G > A was shown in the HCRTR2 gene, and NM_004898.4:c.213T > C in the CLOCK gene. This whole genome sequencing reproduced two genetic risk loci for CH already involved in its pathogenicity. This is the first time that the combination of HCRTR2 and CLOCK gene variants is identified in a multigenerational family of CH with striking periodicity characteristics. Our study supports the hypothesis that the combination of HCRTR2 and CLOCK gene variants can contribute to the risk of cluster headache and offer the prospect of a new area of research on the molecular circadian clock.

Towards a neurocognitive profile in familial cerebral cavernous malformations

BackgroundFamilial cerebral cavernous malformations (FCCM) is a rare autosomal dominant disease, characterized by vascular malformations that can lead to macro and microhemorrhages. The neurocognitive impact of FCCM is still underrecognized.MethodsWe report the clinical, neurocognitive, imaging and genetic data of a three generation family with FCCM.ResultsA 63-year-old man (proband) had progressive memory impairment since the last year. Neurologic exam was unremarkable. Brain MRI showed multiple large cavernomas (mainly in the pons, left temporal, and right temporo-parietal) and scattered microhemorrhages. Neuropsychological assessment mainly revealed left frontal and right temporo-parietal dysfunction. A 41-year-old daughter, presented with headache, vertigo and memory complaints in the last 2 years. Neurological examination revealed left central facial paralysis. Brain MRI showed two small right parietal and internal capsule cavernomas, as well as microhemorrhages. Neuropsychological assessment showed moderate temporal neocortical left dysfunction. A 34-year-old daughter had recurrent headache and memory complaints, with unremarkable neurological exam. Brain MRI revealed two large cavernomas (left fronto-orbitary and inferior temporal), with few microhemorrhages. Neuropsychological assessment was normal. A granddaughter had mild headaches and a small right cerebellar cavernoma, without microhemorrhages. Neuropsychological assessment showed mild temporal neocortical left dysfunction. A nonsense variant, c.55C > T; p.R19* generating a premature stop codon in CCM2 gene shared by all affected family members was identified.ConclusionsNeuropsychological evaluation showed that memory complaints and cognitive impairment could be an important unrecognized finding in FCCM. Its pathophysiological mechanisms are still unknown but the role of recurrent microhemorrhages could provide an interesting hypothesis.

Posterior Reversible Leucoencephalopathy Syndrome: Case Series, Comments, and Diagnostic Dilemma.

To report a series of patients with clinical and radiological features suggestive of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) related to diverse etiologies emphasizing its pathophysiological basis. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) may present with a broad range of clinical symptoms from headache and visual disturbances to seizure and altered mentation. Typical imaging findings include posterior-circulation predominant vasogenic edema. Although there are many well-documented diseases associated with PRES, the exact pathophysiologic mechanism has yet to be fully elucidated. Generally accepted theories revolve around disruption of the blood-brain barrier secondary to elevated intracranial pressures or endothelial injury induced by ischemia from a vasoconstrictive response to rising blood pressure or toxins/cytokines. While clinical and radiographic reversibility is common, long-standing morbidity and mortality can occur in severe forms. In patients with malignant forms of PRES, aggressive care has markedly reduced mortality and improved functional outcomes. Various factors that have been associated with poor outcome include altered sensorium, hypertensive etiology, hyperglycemia, longer time to control the causative factor, elevated C reactive protein, coagulopathy, extensive cerebral edema, and hemorrhage on imaging. Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndromes (RCVS) and primary angiitis of the central nervous system (PACNS) are invariably considered in the differential diagnosis of new cerebral arteriopathies. Recurrent thunderclap headache (TCH), and single TCH combined with either normal neuroimaging, border zone infarcts, or vasogenic edema, have 100% positive predictive value for diagnosing RCVS or RCVS-spectrum disorders. Diagnosis of PRES in some circumstances can be challenging and structural imaging may not be sufficient to distinguish it from other differential diagnostic considerations like ADEM. Advanced imaging techniques, such as MR spectroscopy or positron emission tomography (PET) can provide additional information to determine the diagnosis. Such techniques are more useful to understand the underlying vasculopathic changes in PRES and may answer some of the unresolved controversies in pathophysiology of this complex disease. Eight patients with PRES resulting from different etiologies varying from pre-eclampsia/eclampsia, post-partum headache with seizures, neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus, snake bite, Dengue fever with encephalopathy, alcoholic liver cirrhosis with hepatic encephalopathy, and lastly reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS). Additionally, a diagnostic dilemma between PRES and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) was notable in one patient. Some of these patients did not have or only very transiently had arterial hypertension. PRES may underlie the clinical conundrum of headache, confusion, altered sensorium, seizures, and visual impairment. PRES need not necessarily be always associated with high blood pressure. Imaging findings may also be variable. Both clinicians and radiologists need to familiarize themselves with such variabilities.

A rare case of intracranial Castleman disease

Introduction. Castleman disease (CD) is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder also known as angiofollicular lymph node hyperplasia or giant lymphoid hyperplasia. CD is considered unicentric in the presence of a single focus and if the clinical picture is represented by multiple lymphadenopathy and systemic manifestations, it is considered multicentric. Manifestation of the disease by the occurrence of a focus that mimics a tumor of the meninges or brain is extremely rare, only 20 cases are known including the one presented in our article. The main treatment for localized forms is surgical resection. Our observation is devoted to a rare variant of intracranial CD. Description of the clinical case. Woman, 35 years old, was admitted to the clinic with complaints of recurrent headache of moderate intensity of a diffuse nature and difficulty in counting and writing. A month before hospitalization a single generalized epileptic seizure occurred. In the clinical picture at the time of admission, Gerstmann-Schilder syndrome was noted which topically corresponded to the lesion of the right parietal lobe. MRI of the brain with contrast enhancement showed pathological infiltration in the structure of the right parietal bone, the presence of a massive paraosseous component that spread intracranially with compression of the right parietal lobe, and moderately pronounced perifocal edema. The neoplasm was removed totally with a fragment of the dura mater (DM). The plastic of DM was performed with a vascularized periosteal flap and one-stage plastic of the skull defect with a titanium implant. According to histological and immunochemical studies, as well as additional examinations, a diagnosis of unicentric CD was established. According to the results of the control MRI of the brain with contrast enhancement after 3, 6 and 12 months, data for relapse were not revealed. The patient currently does not report any symptoms of the disease. Conclusion. Intracranial unicentric CD is a benign disease amenable to radical surgical treatment and does not require further adjuvant therapy. Despite the complexity of differential diagnosis between CD and meningiomas, the primary treatment strategy remains the same in all cases: total surgical removal.

An unusual cause of diplopia and blurred vision in a patient with renal insufficiency.

We report the interesting case of a 75-year-old patient who presented with sudden onset of diplopia and a blurred vision of the right eye. Recurrent headaches in the temporal region were reported as further symptoms. Clinical examination revealed abduction restriction on the right side and bilateral vascular congestion in the anterior segment of the eye, and marked chemosis. As relevant pre-existing conditions, the patient had severe hypertension, long-standing nicotine abuse (>50py), 3-vessel coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction 33 years ago, and cardiac bypass surgery five years ago. Furthermore, the patient suffered from chronic renal failure stage G5D, according to Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (K/DOQI), with the need for dialysis. For this reason, a polytetrafluoroethylene loop shunt was created on the right cubital region five years ago, which underwent thrombectomies one year ago and three months ago. During the last revision, the shunt was extended to the internal jugular vein to improve patency, which was not reported by the patient with a language barrier, and no documentation from the external hospital was available.

Preclinical effects of cannabidiol in an experimental model of migraine.

Migraine is a disabling disorder characterized by recurrent headaches, accompanied by abnormal sensory sensitivity and anxiety. Despite extensive historical use of cannabis in headache disorders, there is limited research on the nonpsychoactive cannabidiol (CBD) for migraine and there is no scientific evidence to prove that CBD is an effective treatment. The effects of CBD are examined here using a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-induced migraine model that provides measures of cephalic allodynia, spontaneous pain, altered light sensitivity (photophobia), and anxiety-like behavior in C57BL/6J mice. A single administration of CGRP induced facial hypersensitivity in both female and male mice. Repeated CGRP treatment produced progressively decreased levels in basal thresholds of allodynia in females, but not in males. A single CBD administration protected both females and males from periorbital allodynia induced by a single CGRP injection. Repeated CBD administration prevented increased levels of basal allodynia induced by repeated CGRP treatment in female mice and did not lead to responses consistent with migraine headache as occurs with triptans. Cannabidiol, injected after CGRP, reversed CGRP-evoked allodynia. Cannabidiol also reduced spontaneous pain traits induced by CGRP administration in female mice. Finally, CBD blocked CGRP-induced anxiety in male mice, but failed in providing protection from CGRP-induced photophobia in females. These results demonstrate the efficacy of CBD in preventing episodic and chronic migraine-like states with reduced risk of causing medication overuse headache. Cannabidiol also shows potential as an abortive agent for treating migraine attacks and headache-related conditions such as spontaneous pain and anxiety.

Implicit Motor Imagery Performance in Childhood Recurrent Headaches

This study aims to investigate the implicit motor imagery capacities in children with recurrent headaches. The research included children with recurring headaches and children of a comparable age to the control group. The dominant hand, headache localization, intensity, and symptoms accompanying the headache were all determined, in addition to implicit motor imagery abilities and the demographic features of the children participating in the study. These results were compared by measuring the patients' and control groups' right and left lateralization accuracy percentages and response times. According to the study's findings, the group with recurrent headaches had the worse right and left discrimination accuracy percentages and decision-making times, notably in implicit motor imagery performances, than the control group. As a result, whereas children with recurrent headaches have high implicit motor imagery decision-making rates linked to proprioception, they may have impaired accurate decision-making capabilities.

Recurrent headache, stomachache, and backpain among adolescents: association with exposure to bullying and parents' socioeconomic status.

Recurrent pain is a prevalent and severe public health problem among adolescents and is associated with several negative health outcomes. In a representative sample of adolescents this study examined 1) whether exposure to bullying and low socioeconomic status (SES) were associated with recurrent headache, stomachache and backpain, 2) the combined effect of exposure to bullying and low SES on recurrent pain and 3) whether SES modified the association between bullying and recurrent pain. Data derived from the Danish contribution to the international collaborative study Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC). The study population was students in three age groups, 11-, 13- and 15-year-olds from nationally representative samples of schools. We pooled participants from the surveys in 2010, 2014 and 2018, n=10,738. The prevalence of recurrent pain defined as pain 'more than once a week' was high: 11.7 % reported recurrent headache, 6.1 % stomachache, and 12.1 % backpain. The proportion who reported at least one of these pains 'almost every day' was 9.8 %. Pain was significantly associated with exposure to bullying at school and low parental SES. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR, 95 % CI) for recurrent headache when exposed to both bullying and low SES was 2.69 (1.75-4.10). Equivalent estimates for recurrent stomachache were 5.80 (3.69-9.12), for backpain 3.79 (2.58-5.55), and for any recurrent pain 4.81 (3.25-7.11). Recurrent pain increased with exposure to bullying in all socioeconomic strata. Students with double exposure, i.e.,to bullying and low SES, had the highest OR for recurrent pain. SES did not modify the association between bullying and recurrent pain.

Wybrane zagadnienia związane z możliwymi współwystępującymi przyczynami bólu głowy u kobiet z zespołem napięcia przedmiesiączkowego

Headache, an almost universal human experience, is one of the most common ailments encountered in medicine. Headaches occur as much as three times more often in women than in men, much of which is related to premenstrual syndrome. The most common causes of headaches include: fatigue, strong emotional stress, problems with cerebral circulation, hormonal fluctuations, disturbed metabolism and vascular abnormalities. Uncharacteristic headaches may appear as a consequence of a particular lifestyle (e.g. smoking, alcohol abuse) or genetic factors. Recurrent headaches are most often associated with migraine. However, in the practice of a family doctor and in gynecological practice, it is worth remembering that these troublesome ailments can also be caused by dental or laryngological problems. Each recurring headache requires extended diagnostics, including neuroimaging, including magnetic resonance (MR) and computed tomography (CT), but diagnostics and consultations: dental or laryngological are also important.

Safety and efficacy of transcatheter closure of Fontan fenestration with atrial septal occluder

Objective: To assess the safety and efficacy of transcatheter fenestration closure following Fontan procedure with an atrial septal occluder. Methods: This is a retrospective study. The study sample consists of all consecutive patients who underwent closure of a fenestrated Fontan baffle at Shanghai Children's Medical Center Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine between June 2002 and December 2019. The indications of Fontan fenestration closure included that normal ventricular function, targeted drugs for pulmonary hypertension and positive inotropic drugs were not required prior the procedure; and the Fontan circuit pressure was less than 16 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) and no more than a 2 mmHg increase during test occlusion of the fenestration. Electrocardiogram and echocardiography were reviewed at 24 hours, 1, 3, 6 months and annually thereafter post procedure. Follow-up information including clinical events and complications related to Fontan procedure was recorded. Results: A total of 11 patients, including 6 males and 5 females, aged (8.9±3.7) years old were included. The types of Fontan were extracardiac conduits (7 cases) and intra-atrial duct (4 cases). The interval between percutaneous fenestration closure and the Fontan procedure was (5.1±2.9) years. One patient reported recurrent headache after Fontan procedure. Successful fenestration occlusion with atrial septal occluder was achieved in all patients. Compared with prior closure, Fontan circuit pressure ((12.72±1.90) mmHg vs. (12.36±1.63) mmHg, P<0.05), and aortic oxygen saturation ((95.11±3.11)% vs. (86.35±7.26)%, P<0.01) were increased. There were no procedural complications. At a median follow-up of (3.8±1.2) years, there was no residual leak and evidence of stenosis within the Fontan circuit in all patient. No complication was observed during follow-up. One patient with preoperative headache did not have recurrent headache after closure. Conclusions: If the Fontan pressure is acceptable by test occlusion during the catheterization procedure, Fontan fenestration could be occluded with the atrial septum defect device. It is a safe and effective procedure, and could be used for occlusion of Fontan fenestration with varying sizes and morphologies.

Common Clinical and Molecular Pathways between Migraine and Sarcoidosis.

Migraine and sarcoidosis are two distinct medical conditions that may have some common biological and clinical pathways. Sarcoidosis is a chronic granulomatous disease characterized by the formation of granulomas in various organs, including the lungs, skin, cardiovascular system, lymph nodes, and brain. Migraine is a common comorbidity in sarcoidosis patients and a common neurological disorder characterized by recurrent headaches that can be accompanied by other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. There have been several reports of individuals with neurosarcoidosis experiencing migraines, though the exact relationship between the two disorders is not well understood. Both conditions have been associated with inflammation and the activation of the immune system. In sarcoidosis, the formation of granulomas is thought to be an immune response to the presence of an unknown antigen. Similarly, the pain and other symptoms associated with migraines are thought to be caused by inflammation in the brain and the surrounding blood vessels. There is also evidence to suggest an interplay of environmental and genetic factors playing a role in both conditions, but evidence is inconsistent with the hypothesis of shared genetic susceptibility. This review aims to illustrate common clinical and biological pathways between migraine and sarcoidosis, including inflammation and dysregulation of the immune system, with a focus on the cumulative burden of concurrent disorders and therapeutic implications.

Validation of the Utah Photophobia Symptom Impact Scale (version 2) as a headache-specific photophobia assessment tool.

To present an updated version of the Utah Photophobia Symptom Impact Scale version 2 (UPSIS2), providing robust clinical and psychometric validation, to improve headache-specific evaluation of light sensitivity and headache-related photophobia. The original UPSIS filled a gap in available tools for assessment of headache-associated light sensitivity by providing patient-reported evaluation of the impact of light sensitivity on activities of daily living (ADLs). We have since revised the original questionnaire to provide a more robust item construct and refined validation approach. We conducted a psychometric validation of the UPSIS2 through a primary analysis of an online survey of volunteers with recurrent headaches recruited from the University of Utah clinics and surrounding community. Volunteers completed the original UPSIS and UPSIS2 questionnaire versions in addition to measures of headache impact, disability, and frequency. The UPSIS2 now includes a pre-defined recall period and a 1-4 Likert scale with standardized response anchors to improve clarity. Internal construct validity, external construct validity, and test-retest reliability, were evaluated. Responses were obtained from 163 volunteers, with UPSIS2 scores ranging from 15 to 57 (out of a possible 15-60) with a mean (standard deviation) of 32.4 (8.80). Construct validity was satisfactory, as evidenced by sufficient unidimensionality, monotonicity, and local independence. Reliability was excellent, with Rasch test reliability = 0.90 and Cronbach's alpha = 0.92, and an intraclass correlation of 0.79 (95% confidence interval 0.65-0.88) for participants who took the test twice. UPSIS2 correlates well with other headache measures (Spearman's correlations >0.50), as well as the original UPSIS (Spearman's correlation = 0.87), indicating good convergent validity. UPSIS2 scores differ significantly across International Classification of Headache Disorders (third edition) groups, indicating good known group validity. The UPSIS2 provides a well-validated headache-specific outcome measure for the assessment of photophobia impact on ADLs.