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Abdel Naseer M, Shehata HS, Khalil S, Fouad AM, Abdelghany H. Prevalence of primary headaches in multiple sclerosis patients. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2024; 86:105602. [PMID: 38598953 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2024.105602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common immune-mediated inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. It is characterized by symptoms such as visual disturbances, paresis with spasticity, paresthesia, numbness, and fatigue. However, several studies have shown a high prevalence of headaches in individuals with MS. Migraine and tension-type headaches are the most frequent types of headaches experienced by those with MS. Additionally, the role of MS disease-modifying agents must be considered. These agents have different modes of action and side effect profiles, and their use may sometimes trigger headaches in patients with MS. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to explore the prevalence and clinical characteristics of primary headaches in MS patients. The relationship between headache and clinical features of MS (Course of MS, duration, EDSS, brain imaging and DMD) are also investigated. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Two hundred and eighty-one MS patients diagnosed according to according to the 2017 revisions to the McDonald Criteria were included in the study. Data was collected from the MS unit medical records and from the interview with the patients. Patients with reported headaches are asked to recall their headache characteristics and patterns using an interviewer administered Arabic language-structured validated questionnaire. RESULTS The median age of patients was 33 years old, with a range of 22-55. Tension-type headache (TTH) was more common in males, patients with more severe disability (EDSS ≥ 3), and those with SPMS and PPMS phenotypes. Additionally, patients on rituximab or cyclophosphamide therapy were more likely to have TTH. On the other hand, females, patients with milder disability (EDSS < 3), and those with RRMS phenotype were more likely to have migraine. This was also true for patients with MRI lesions involving the periaqueductal gray, and those receiving INF or fingolimod (P < 0.05). Periaqueductal gray matter lesions were found in the MRI of 48 patients (40 %) who experienced headaches on more than 10 days per month. Sensorimotor lesions in the brain were found in 55 patients (53.4 %) with severe headaches (p-value < 0.001). Interferons were associated with an increased risk of worsening preexisting headaches and the appearance of de novo headaches related to its intake (odds ratio: 2.84, 3.72; relative risk: 1.63, 2.04; p-value = 0.03, < 0.001, respectively). On the other hand, rituximab was associated with a decreased risk of worsening preexisting headaches and the appearance of de novo headaches related to its intake (odds ratio: 0.04, 0.09; relative risk: 0.11, 0.18; p-value = < 0.001, < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION Primary headaches are a common occurrence in patients with MS. Migraines and tension-type headaches (TTH) are among the most prevalent types. It has been observed that interferon can exacerbate preexisting headaches and even cause new ones. Additionally, the location of MS plaques may play a role in the frequency and severity of headaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sarah Khalil
- Neurology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt
| | | | - Hend Abdelghany
- Neurology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt
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Alrashidi TJ, Nasif EM, Alshurem M. Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Preceding Tumefactive Multiple Sclerosis. Cureus 2024; 16:e53374. [PMID: 38314385 PMCID: PMC10831923 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.53374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) and multiple sclerosis (MS) are rare neurological disorders that largely affect females within the reproductive age group. The clinical pictures of both diseases can overlap, which therefore places great importance on accurately studying and reporting their concurrence. Therein, we report a case of IIH presenting and progressing simultaneously with MS. This young, previously healthy female presented with the primary complaint of a severe right-sided headache associated with blurred vision and a finding of papilledema. The initial investigations including a lumbar puncture (LP) that revealed high opening pressure (more than 25 mm H2O) with normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis led to an impression of idiopathic intracranial hypertension, and she was treated accordingly with acetazolamide and scheduled for regular follow-ups with both neurology and neuro-ophthalmology. However, about two months after the initial presentation, she complained of unusual headaches, and a neuro-ophthalmology clinical evaluation revealed complete right homonymous hemianopia, suggesting a lesion in the left temporo-parietal occipital region. The patient was thus admitted as a case of cerebral edema following an urgent brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). After obtaining thorough imaging and workup, the patient was given steroids and markedly improved, favoring a diagnosis of tumefactive MS with IIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tala J Alrashidi
- Ophthalmology, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Khobar, SAU
| | - Eman M Nasif
- Ophthalmology, Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Hospital, Khobar, SAU
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Spirin N, Kiselev D, Baranova N, Karpova M. Nociceptive and mixed pains in patients with multiple sclerosis. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2022; 122:44-51. [DOI: 10.17116/jnevro202212207244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Biscetti L, De Vanna G, Cresta E, Corbelli I, Gaetani L, Cupini L, Calabresi P, Sarchielli P. Headache and immunological/autoimmune disorders: a comprehensive review of available epidemiological evidence with insights on potential underlying mechanisms. J Neuroinflammation 2021; 18:259. [PMID: 34749743 PMCID: PMC8573865 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-021-02229-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Several lines of evidence support a role of the immune system in headache pathogenesis, with particular regard to migraine. Firstly, alterations in cytokine profile and in lymphocyte subsets have been reported in headache patients. Secondly, several genetic and environmental pathogenic factors seem to be frequently shared by headache and immunological/autoimmune diseases. Accordingly, immunological alterations in primary headaches, in particular in migraine, have been suggested to predispose some patients to the development of immunological and autoimmune diseases. On the other hand, pathogenic mechanisms underlying autoimmune disorders, in some cases, seem to favour the onset of headache. Therefore, an association between headache and immunological/autoimmune disorders has been thoroughly investigated in the last years. The knowledge of this possible association may have relevant implications in the clinical practice when deciding diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. The present review summarizes findings to date regarding the plausible relationship between headache and immunological/autoimmune disorders, starting from a description of immunological alteration of primary headaches, and moving onward to the evidence supporting a potential link between headache and each specific autoimmune/immunological disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Biscetti
- Istituto Nazionale di Riposo e Cura dell'Anziano a carattere scientifico, IRCSS- INRCA, Ancona, Italy
| | - Gioacchino De Vanna
- Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Elena Cresta
- Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Ilenia Corbelli
- Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Gaetani
- Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Letizia Cupini
- Headache Center, UOC Neurologia-Stroke Unit, Emergency Department, Ospedale S. Eugenio, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Calabresi
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Sarchielli
- Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy.
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Gebhardt M, Kropp P, Hoffmann F, Zettl UK. Headache in multiple sclerosis - pharmacological aspects. Curr Pharm Des 2021; 28:445-453. [PMID: 34551691 DOI: 10.2174/1381612827666210922114100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
For decades, headache was not considered a typical symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS) and was construed as a "red flag" for important differential diagnoses such as cerebral vasculitis. Meanwhile, several studies have demonstrated an increased prevalence of headache in MS compared to the general population. This is due to the heterogeneity of headache genesis with frequent occurrence of both primary and secondary headaches in MS. On the one hand, MS and migraine are often comorbid. On the other hand, secondary headaches occur frequently, especially in the course of MS relapses. These are often migraine-like headaches caused by inflammation, which can improve as a result of MS-specific therapy. Headaches are particularly common in the early stages of chronic inflammatory CNS disease, where inflammatory activity is greatest. In addition, headache can also occur as a side effect of disease-modifying drugs (DMDs). Headache can occur with most DMDs and is most frequently described with interferon-beta therapy. The aim of this work is to present the prevalence of headache and describe the heterogeneity of possible causes of headache in MS. In addition, important therapeutic aspects in the treatment of MS patients in general will be presented as well as different approaches to the treatment of headache in MS depending on the etiological classification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcel Gebhardt
- Krankenhaus Martha-Maria Halle-Dölau, Klinik für Neurologie, Röntgenstraße 1, 06120 Halle. Germany
| | - Peter Kropp
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, Medical Faculty, University of Rostock, Gehlsheimer Straße 20, 18147, Rostock. Germany
| | | | - Uwe K Zettl
- Department of Neurology, Neuroimmunological Section, University of Rostock, Rostock. Germany
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Abstract
The relationship between headache and multiple sclerosis (MS) has been a matter of controversy for over 60 years. Headaches are still rated as a "red flag", indicating alternative diagnoses to MS, although in the last few years numerous studies have shown a frequent association between headache and MS. In recent studies on MS patients, a link was found between lower age/shorter disease duration of MS and frequent headaches. A study of 50 patients manifesting MS for the first time showed the highest headache prevalence in MS of 78% reported so far.Headaches can also be a possible side effect of most disease-modifying MS drugs. In many cases, however, the headache appears to be a symptom of MS in terms of secondary headache. This is also supported by pathophysiological implications, for example, by detecting B cell follicles in the meninges of MS patients.Migraine is the most common type of headache in MS. In some cases, this is a comorbidity of two diseases with many similarities, but headaches caused by inflammatory MS lesions also appear to be phenomenologically very similar to classic migraines; thus, distinguishing between them is often only successful with the help of thorough differential diagnostics (cerebrospinal fluid, MRI etc.).The task of future studies must be to specify the phenomenology of headache in MS even more precisely, in order to, to gain knowledge in, among others, patients with radiologically isolated syndrome, who often suffer from headache, because in these patients a considerable differential diagnostic and therapeutic uncertainty exists.
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Significant incidental brain magnetic resonance imaging findings in migraine headache patients: Retrospective cross-sectional study. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2020; 196:106019. [PMID: 32585532 DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2020.106019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Migraine is one of the most common complaints encountered in neurology clinics. Accurate diagnoses of migraine are usually informed by the patient's history, and neuroimaging is only performed in cases of atypical or severe, medically intractable headache to rule out underlying pathologies. Our study aimed to identify the spectrum of brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings characteristic of chronic headache. METHODS This retrospective study of adult patients referred to the First Scan radiology clinic in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for brain MRI with a known diagnosis of migraine headache was performed between April 2016 to May 2017. RESULTS We included 275 adults (115 men; median age, 38 years, IQR 30-52) with known diagnoses of chronic migraine. Incidental MRI findings were discovered in 157 (57 %) of the scans; 23 (8.3 %) of these were clinically significant, indicating the need for an intervention. Patients aged >40 years were more likely to have an abnormal scan. There were no significant differences related to sex or duration of headaches for more than one year. CONCLUSION The performance of brain MRI warrants consideration in patients who do not respond as expected to migraine and headache treatment. We found clinically significant MRI findings in up to 8 % of such patients. Abnormal imaging findings were the most common among patients of >40 years of age.
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Urits I, Adamian L, Fiocchi J, Hoyt D, Ernst C, Kaye AD, Viswanath O. Advances in the Understanding and Management of Chronic Pain in Multiple Sclerosis: a Comprehensive Review. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2019; 23:59. [PMID: 31342191 DOI: 10.1007/s11916-019-0800-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system that can lead to severe physical, cognitive, and neurological deficits that often manifest in young adults. Central neuropathic pain is a common presenting symptom, often prompting patients to seek treatment with opioids, NSAIDS, antiepileptics, and antidepressants despite minimal effectiveness and alarming side-effect profiles. Additionally, spasticity occurs in more than 80% of MS patients and is an important consideration for further study in treatment. RECENT FINDINGS Related to inconsistencies in pain presentation and clinical reporting, current studies continue to investigate clinical patient presentation to define chronic pain characteristics to optimize treatment plans. Although often neuropathic in origin, the complex nature of such pain necessitates a multimodal approach for adequate treatment. While psychiatric comorbidities typically remain unchanged in their severity over time, physical conditions may lead to worsening chronic pain long-term, often due to decreased quality of life. The prevalence of neuropathic pain is ~ 86% in patients with multiple sclerosis and most commonly presents as extremity pain, trigeminal neuralgia, back pain, or headaches. As MS symptoms are frequently unremitting and poorly responsive to conventional medical management, recent attention has been given to novel interventions for management of pain. Among these, medicinal cannabis therapy, targeted physical therapy, and neuromodulation offer promising results. In this review, we provide a comprehensive update of the current perspective of MS pathophysiology, symptomatology, and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Urits
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
| | - Leena Adamian
- Creighton University School of Medicine, Phoenix Regional Campus, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Jacob Fiocchi
- Creighton University School of Medicine, Phoenix Regional Campus, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Dylan Hoyt
- Creighton University School of Medicine, Phoenix Regional Campus, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Carly Ernst
- A T Still University, Kirksville College Of Osteopathic Medicine, Kirksville, MO, USA
| | - Alan D Kaye
- Department of Anesthesiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Omar Viswanath
- Valley Anesthesiology and Pain Consultants, Phoenix, AZ, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, USA
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of this review was to discuss the prevalence, impact, pathophysiology, and treatment of headaches (H/As) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). RECENT FINDINGS Headaches and multiple sclerosis are more common in women than in men with the ratio of female to male being 3:1. It is not entirely clear if there is a correlation or an incidental comorbidity of two neurological conditions. A review of the literature shows a variable prevalence of H/As in MS patients. Using the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD) criteria, the primary type of H/As, especially migraine, is the most common type seen in patients with MS. One of the theories of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of migraine in MS patients is inflammation leading to demyelinating lesions in the pain-producing centers in the midbrain. Secondary H/As due to MS medications such as interferons are also frequently present. H/As can be a cause for significant comorbidity in patients with MS. The treatment of H/As in patients with MS should be addressed in the same fashion as in the non-MS population, which is a combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods. Preventive medicines for the H/As should be carefully selected because of their side effect profiles. Acute attacks of migraines can be treated with medications such as triptans. Patients with MS who have migraine H/As should be educated about the phenomenon of overuse H/As, keeping headache journals, avoiding stress, and monitoring sleeping habits. The presence of depression in patients with MS and migraine affects quality of life (QOL) and should also be addressed for better outcomes.
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Gebhardt M, Kropp P, Jürgens TP, Hoffmann F, Zettl UK. Headache in the first manifestation of Multiple Sclerosis - Prospective, multicenter study. Brain Behav 2017; 7:e00852. [PMID: 29299379 PMCID: PMC5745239 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2017] [Revised: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most frequent immune-mediated inflammation of the central nervous system that can lead to early disability. Headaches have not been considered as MS-related symptoms initially, whereas higher prevalence rates were reported since 2000. Postmortem histological analyses of MS patients' brains revealed lymphoid follicle-like structures in the cerebral meninges which suggest a possible pathophysiological explanation for the high headache prevalence in MS. The aim of this study was to evaluate headache characteristics during the first clinical event of MS. Methods In a prospective, multicenter study, 50 patients with the diagnosis of CIS or MS were recruited. All participants were screened for the presence of headache within the last 4 weeks with help of the Rostock Headache Questionnaire (Rokoko). Results Thirty-nine of fifty questioned patients (78%) reported headaches within the last 4 weeks. Most patients suffered from throbbing and pulsating headaches (25, 50%), 15 (30%) reported stabbing, 14 (28%) dull and constrictive headaches. Conclusions Headaches were prevalent in 78% of patients in our population with newly diagnosed CIS and MS. It is among the highest prevalence rates reported so far in patients with CIS or MS. Thus, headache, especially of a migraneous subtype, is a frequent symptom within the scope of the first manifestation of multiple sclerosis. If it were possible to define a MS-typical headache, patients with these headaches and with typical MRI results would be classified as CIS or early MS instead of radiologically isolated syndrome and treated accordingly with an immunomodulatory therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter Kropp
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Medical SociologyMedical FacultyUniversity of RostockRostockGermany
| | - Tim P. Jürgens
- Department of NeurologyUniversity Medical Center RostockRostockGermany
| | | | - Uwe K. Zettl
- Department of NeurologyNeuroimmunological SectionUniversity of RostockRostockGermany
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