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Abstract
BACKGROUND Nummular headache and epicrania fugax are two primary headaches that fall under the heading of epicranial headaches. METHODS This article reviews the epidemiological and clinical features of nummular headache and epicrania fugax, proposed pathogenic mechanisms and state-of-the-art management, according to the literature. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Nummular headache and epicrania fugax are generally viewed as rare headache disorders, but no population-based epidemiological data are available. Nummular headache is characterized by continuous or intermittent head pain, which remains circumscribed in a round or oval area of the scalp, typically one to six centimeters in diameter. Epicrania fugax manifests with brief paroxysms of pain that move along the surface of the head, following a linear or zigzag trajectory through different nerve territories. Nummular headache and epicrania fugax are mostly primary headaches, but some secondary cases have been reported. The pathogenesis of these headaches is not fully understood. Nummular headache could probably originate in epicranial tissues or adjacent intracranial structures, while the origin of epicrania fugax could be extracranial or intracranial. Diagnostic assessment requires careful examination of the symptomatic areas. Underlying disorders should be excluded by additional investigations, including neuroimaging and appropriate blood tests. No controlled clinical trials have been conducted in nummular headache or epicrania fugax. Analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs, botulinum toxin and gabapentin are currently the most recommended treatment options for nummular headache. In epicrania fugax, the most used treatments are gabapentin, lamotrigine, and other antiseizure medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- María-Luz Cuadrado
- Headache Unit, Department of Neurology, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria San Carlos, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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Ikram H, Vakil H, Zipperer K, Fang X, Jan Q, Islam J, Rai P, Thottempudi N. The Tricky Diagnosis of Nummular Headaches: Description of Two Cases and Literature Review. Cureus 2022; 14:e25043. [PMID: 35719810 PMCID: PMC9199569 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.25043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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3
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Zhou S, Badash I, Doherty JK. Nummular and Side-locked Headaches for the Otolaryngologist. Otolaryngol Clin North Am 2022; 55:697-706. [PMID: 35490038 DOI: 10.1016/j.otc.2022.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Side-locked headaches are a common symptom having a wide-ranging differential. Unchanging in laterality, these headaches can represent neuralgias, trigeminal autonomic cephalgias, ophthalmologic disorders, otolaryngologic and craniofacial disorders, vascular disorders, and malignancy. In rarer situations, they have presented secondary to neurosurgical or dermatologic considerations. Loss of cranial nerves and visual changes warrant additional evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Zhou
- LAC+USC Medical Center Otolaryngology Department, 1200 North State Street, Suite A2E, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
| | - Ido Badash
- LAC+USC Medical Center Otolaryngology Department, 1200 North State Street, Suite A2E, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Joni K Doherty
- USC Caruso Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, 1450 San Pablo Street #5100, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
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Chavarría-Miranda A, Guerrero ÁL, Talavera B, Martínez-Pías E, Trigo-López J, Sierra Á, García-Azorín D. Linear Headache: A Novel Entity or a Variant of Nummular Headache? Clinical Characteristics and Treatment Response in a Series of 16 Patients. PAIN MEDICINE 2021; 22:1158-1166. [PMID: 33723599 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnaa436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Linear headache has been recently described as an episodic or chronic unilateral pain distributed along a fixed linear trajectory, which combines some characteristics of epicrania fugax and nummular headache. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics and therapeutic response of a series of 16 new patients. DESIGN This is an observational study with a series of cases. SETTING The study period encompassed June 2014 to June 2019. Demographic, clinical, and therapeutic response data were recorded. METHODS We included all consecutive patients who presented pain with the following characteristics: sharply contoured, fixed in size and shape, with linear shape, without movement along a trajectory, and not circumscribed to the territory of any nerve. RESULTS Twelve patients were women, and four were men. The mean age at onset was 40.1 years. Pain was described as pressing in seven patients, burning in five, and electric or stabbing in two each. Symptomatic treatment had been used by 13 patients (81.2%), with analgesics being the most frequent treatment used. Thirteen patients received preventive treatment. The response to oral medications and anesthetic blockade was insufficient. OnabotulinumtoxinA was used in six cases, with an optimal (>75%) response observed in half. CONCLUSION Linear headache appears to be a distinct headache syndrome from epicrania fugax or nummular headache. Preventive treatment is often required. The drug with the best response was onabotulinumtoxinA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Chavarría-Miranda
- Headache Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Ángel L Guerrero
- Headache Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain.,Institute for Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain.,Department of Medicine, University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Blanca Talavera
- Headache Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Enrique Martínez-Pías
- Headache Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Javier Trigo-López
- Headache Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Álvaro Sierra
- Headache Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - David García-Azorín
- Headache Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain.,Institute for Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
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Thomas DC, Heir GM, Patil AG, Soni PK. Nummular Headache - a Case Report of a Rare Entity. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2020; 24:71. [PMID: 33047184 DOI: 10.1007/s11916-020-00901-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of this manuscript is to shed light on systematic work-up of a diagnostic challenge such as nummular headache (NH), and to summarize the relevant literature on NH. RECENT FINDINGS The specific nature of the shape of the pain site is usually characteristic of NH. Multiple modalities of investigation including succinct imaging are necessary to successfully rule out other similar conditions. A 26-year-old female patient of Asian-Indian origin presented to the clinic with the chief complaint of chronic persistent left parietal headache for more than 10 years, which has been worsening over the past few days with no specific identifiable trigger. The diagnosis of nummular headache is challenging and confusing due to the rare occurrence and inadequate references in the literature. Appropriate imaging was done, which revealed no pathology that could explain the headache presentation. These findings are consistent with our diagnosis of nummular headache, and helped in the successful management of the case.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davis C Thomas
- Center for TMD and Orofacial Pain, Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, Newark, NJ, USA.
| | - Gary M Heir
- Center for TMD and Orofacial Pain, Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Amey G Patil
- Department of Restorative Dentistry and Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Center for TMD and Orofacial Pain, Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Prutha K Soni
- Center for TMD and Orofacial Pain, Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, Newark, NJ, USA
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Baldelli I, Lucia Mangialardi M, Salgarello M, Raposio E. Nummular Headache and Its Surgical Treatment. PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY-GLOBAL OPEN 2020; 8:e2989. [PMID: 32802677 PMCID: PMC7413807 DOI: 10.1097/gox.0000000000002989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Nummular headache (NH) is an uncommon primary headache characterized by pain limited to a precise small area of the scalp. There is no global consensus on its pathogenesis, but its extracranial origin is the most accepted theory. Moreover, peripheral mechanism is supported by the overlapping symptomatology of secondary forms of NH and is well described in the literature. However, a standard effective treatment is still lacking. METHODS A literature search according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines was conducted to evaluate surgical strategies for NH. Inclusion criteria were English language, diagnosis of primary NH according to International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd Edition, or of secondary NH, and follow-up at a minimum of 3 months. The treatment had to consist of peripheral surgery. RESULTS One hundred eighty-seven records were identified after duplicates were removed, 15 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility, and 4 records were selected for inclusion. A total of 53 patients were included in this review, 50 of whom were diagnosed with primary NH. The general positive response after surgery (>50% reduction in occipital migraine headaches) was about 70.0% for primary NH, while secondary NH always showed complete pain relief. However, many variations in patient selection and type of surgery were described. CONCLUSIONS Neurovascular relationship in the extracranial tissues seems to be involved in the onset of NH. However, only limited data from meager literature and from few patients are currently available. Shared multicentric research protocols are badly required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Baldelli
- From the Clinica di Chirurgia Plastica e Ricostruttiva, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino e Sezione di Chirurgia Plastica, Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche e Diagnostiche Integrate–DISC, Università degli Studi di Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Maria Lucia Mangialardi
- Istituto di Clinica Chirurgica, Dipartimento Scienze della Salute della Donna e del Bambino, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore e Unità di Chirurgia Plastica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Marzia Salgarello
- Istituto di Clinica Chirurgica, Dipartimento Scienze della Salute della Donna e del Bambino, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore e Unità di Chirurgia Plastica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Edoardo Raposio
- From the Clinica di Chirurgia Plastica e Ricostruttiva, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino e Sezione di Chirurgia Plastica, Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche e Diagnostiche Integrate–DISC, Università degli Studi di Genova, Genova, Italy
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Olofsson IA, Kogelman L, Rasmussen A, Erikstrup C, Sørensen E, Paarup HM, Hjalmgrim H, Banasik K, Nielsen KR, Burgdorf KS, Pedersen OBV, Ullum H, Olesen J, Hansen TF. Prevalence and socio-demographic characteristics of persons who have never had a headache among healthy voluntary blood donors - a population-based study. Cephalalgia 2020; 40:1055-1062. [PMID: 32312100 DOI: 10.1177/0333102420920653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Headache is an extremely prevalent disorder with a lifetime prevalence of 90-99%. However, a small fraction of people never experiences a headache. Research on people without headache could uncover protective factors in headache, but to our knowledge no study on headache-free individuals has been published. We aim to estimate the prevalence of headache-free individuals among Danish blood donors, and to describe the socio-demographics and health factors of headache-free participants. MATERIALS AND METHODS In all, 38,557 healthy volunteers were recruited as part of the Danish Blood Donor Study. Headache-free participants were identified based on the question "Have you ever experienced a headache of any kind?". Utilising the Danish registries and self-reported questionnaires, we analysed socio-demographic and lifestyle factors using logistic regression adjusted for age and sex. RESULTS The prevalence of headache-free individuals was 4.1% (n = 1362) with a female-male ratio of 1:2.2. To be headache free was significantly associated with an employment status as a student, a low level of income and a regular alcohol consumption. DISCUSSION The prevalence of headache-free individuals was comparable to population-wide studies of headache. To be headache free was not associated with a high socio-economic status. Further studies on people without headache will hopefully reveal protective factors in headache, and this novel approach might be useful in other very prevalent disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isa Amalie Olofsson
- Danish Headache Center, Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Lisette Kogelman
- Danish Headache Center, Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Andreas Rasmussen
- Danish Headache Center, Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Christian Erikstrup
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Erik Sørensen
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Helene M Paarup
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Henrik Hjalmgrim
- Department of Epidemiological Research, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Karina Banasik
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kaspar René Nielsen
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | | | | | - Henrik Ullum
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jes Olesen
- Danish Headache Center, Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Thomas Folkmann Hansen
- Danish Headache Center, Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark.,Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Patel UK, Saleem S, Anwar A, Malik P, Chauhan B, Kapoor A, Arumaithurai K, Kavi T. Characteristics and treatment effectiveness of the nummular headache: a systematic review and analysis of 110 cases. BMJ Neurol Open 2020; 2:e000049. [PMID: 33681785 PMCID: PMC7871727 DOI: 10.1136/bmjno-2020-000049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE Nummular headache (NH) is a primary headache disorder characterised by intermittent or continuous scalp pain, affecting a small circumscribed area of the scalp. As there are limited data in the literature on NH, we conducted this review to evaluate demographic characteristics and factors associated with complete resolution of the headache, and effectiveness of treatment options. METHODS We performed a systematic review of cases reported through PubMed database, using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses protocol and 'nummular headache', 'coin-shaped headache' and 'coin-shaped cephalalgia' keywords. Analysis was performed by using χ2 test and Wilcoxon rank-sum test. For individual interventions, the response rate (RR%) of the treatment was calculated. RESULTS We analysed a total of 110 NH cases, with median age 47 years and age of pain onset 42 years. Median duration to make correct diagnosis was 18 months after first attack. The median intensity of each attack was 5/10 on verbal rating scale over 4 cm diameter with duration of attack <30 min. Patients with NH had median three attacks per day with frequency of 9.5 days per month. 40 (57.97%) patients had complete resolution of the headache after treatment. Patients with complete resolution were younger, more likely to be female, and were more likely to have diagnosis within year. Patients with complete resolution more likely to have received treatment with onabotulinum toxin A (botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A)), and gabapentin compared with patients without complete resolution. Most effective interventions were gabapentin (n=34; RR=67.7%), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (n=32; RR=65.6%), BoNT-A (n=12; RR=100%) and tricyclic antidepressant (n=9; RR=44.4%). CONCLUSION Younger patients, female sex and early diagnosis were associated with complete resolution. NSAIDs, gabapentin and BoNT-A were most commonly used medications, with significant RRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urvish K Patel
- Department of Neurology and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sidra Saleem
- Department of Neurology, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, USA
| | - Arsalan Anwar
- Department of Neurology, UH Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Preeti Malik
- Department of Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Bindi Chauhan
- Department of Public Health, Long Island University, Brooklyn, New York, USA
| | - Ashish Kapoor
- Department of Neurology, Bayonne Medical Center, Bayonne, New Jersey, USA
| | | | - Tapan Kavi
- Department of Neurology, Rowan University Cooper Medical School, Camden, New Jersey, USA
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Jiang L, Li M, Liu Q, Liu C, Zhou J. Nummular Headache: 2 Cases With Good Beta Blocker Responses and a Narrative Review. Headache 2019; 59:593-602. [PMID: 30869172 DOI: 10.1111/head.13503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Li Jiang
- Department of Neurology The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University Chongqing China
| | - Maolin Li
- Department of Neurology The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University Chongqing China
| | - Qing Liu
- Department of Neurology The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University Chongqing China
| | - Chaoyang Liu
- Department of Neurology The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University Chongqing China
| | - Jiying Zhou
- Department of Neurology The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University Chongqing China
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Abstract
Nummular headache (NH) is an unusual disorder attributed to a dysfunction of the epicranial nerves. We report a new series of cases, highlighting some clinical features, the association with other headaches, and the therapeutic response. Data of patients with NH, fulfilling ICHD-3 criteria, observed in a Headache Outpatient clinic during 5 years, were retrieved from records. Response to onabotulinumtoxinA was recorded prospectively and evaluated with a Headache Impact Test (HIT). Twenty-four patients, aged 53.8 (±14.6) years at diagnosis, 13 women, had definitive ( N = 21) or probable ( N = 3) NH for an average of 2.4 years. Headache was consistently localized, more frequently extratrigeminal ( N = 15) and parietal, and confined to the scalp. Pain was unremitting since onset in 58.3% of mild-to-moderate severity often with superimposed paroxysms (66.7%) and local allodynia (70.8%). In five cases, there was a possible precipitant. Thirteen patients reported other headaches, preceding NH by 8.2 years. In eight persistent cases, there was a significant improvement on HIT, after onabotulinumtoxinA. Despite its persistence, NH may go unrecognized for years. It often follows other headache types and has some tropism for hair-covered regions of the scalp. OnabotulinumtoxinA seems effective in persistent cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Pavão Martins
- Headache Outpatient Clinic, Department of Neurology, Hospital de Santa Maria, CHLN Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Centro de Estudos Egas Moniz, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Luis Abreu
- Headache Outpatient Clinic, Department of Neurology, Hospital de Santa Maria, CHLN Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Centro de Estudos Egas Moniz, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Unusual headache disorders are less commonly discussed and may be misdiagnosed. These headache disorders frequently have a benign natural history; however, without reassurance, therapeutic education, and treatment, they can negatively affect the health and function of patients. RECENT FINDINGS This article reviews the clinical features, diagnosis, workup, and proposed treatments for several unusual headache disorders including primary cough headache, primary headache associated with sexual activity, primary exercise headache, cold-stimulus headache, primary stabbing headache, nummular headache, hypnic headache, and headache attributed to travel in space. Exploding head syndrome is also discussed, which is a sleep disorder commonly confused with a headache disorder. SUMMARY Unusual headache disorders are usually benign, yet without the correct diagnosis can be very worrisome for many patients. Through greater awareness of these headache disorders, neurologists can evaluate and effectively manage unusual headache disorders, which offers significant benefits to patients and practice satisfaction to neurologists.
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Treatment of dopplerable nummular headache with minimally invasive arterectomy under local anesthesia. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2018; 71:1010-1014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2018.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2017] [Revised: 03/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Lupi C, Evangelista L, Favoni V, Granato A, Negro A, Pellesi L, Ornello R, Russo A, Cevoli S, Guerzoni S, Benemei S. Rare primary headaches in Italian tertiary Headache Centres: Three year nationwide retrospective data from the RegistRare Network. Cephalalgia 2018; 38:1429-1441. [PMID: 29754500 DOI: 10.1177/0333102418768824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Background Rare primary headaches are mainly included in Chapters 3, Trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias, and 4, Other primary headache disorders, Part One of the International Classification of Headache Disorders 3rd edition. Epidemiological data are scarce, mostly emerging from case series or small studies, with the exception of cluster headache. In order to overcome the knowledge gap about rare primary headaches, the RegistRare Network was launched in 2017 to promote research in the field. Methods A retrospective cohort study including patients who, from April 30, 2014 to May 1, 2017, visited seven Italian tertiary Headache Centres, was undertaken to estimate in that clinical setting prevalence and incidence of headaches included in Chapters 3 and 4, Part One of the International Classification of Headache Disorders 3rd edition. Prevalent headache is defined as a headache recorded within the study timeframe, regardless of when the diagnosis was made. Incident headache is defined as a headache diagnosed for the first time in the patient during the study period. Results Twenty thousand and eighty-three patients visited the participating centres, and 822 (4.1%) prevalent cases, of which 461 (2.3%) were incident cases, were registered. Headaches listed in Chapter 3 affected 668 patients, representing 81.3% of the total number of prevalent cases. Headaches listed in Chapter 4 affected 154 patients and represent 18.7% of the total number of prevalent cases. Cluster headaches represent the most frequently diagnosed rare headaches (70.4%). For 13 entities out of 20, no cases were registered in more than 50% (n ≥ 4) of the centres, and for 14 entities more than 50% of diagnoses were incident. Conclusions This large, multicentre study gives the first wide-ranging snapshot of the burden in clinical practice of rare headaches and confirms that cooperative networks are necessary to study rare headaches, as their prevalence is often very low. The launch of a disease registry by the RegistRare Network will favour research in this neglected population of headache patients. Trial registration NCT03416114.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Lupi
- 1 Headache Centre, Careggi University Hospital, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Luana Evangelista
- 2 Regional Headache Referral Center, Department of Neurology, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Valentina Favoni
- 3 IRCCS Institute of Neurological Sciences of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Antonio Granato
- 4 Department of Medical, Technological and Translational Sciences, Headache Centre, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Andrea Negro
- 5 Regional Referral Headache Centre, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Lanfranco Pellesi
- 6 Headache and Drug Abuse Research Centre, Policlinico Hospital, Department of Diagnostic Medicine, Clinical and Public Health, University of Modena e Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Raffaele Ornello
- 2 Regional Headache Referral Center, Department of Neurology, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Antonio Russo
- 7 Headache Centre, Department of Medical, Surgical, Neurological, Metabolic and Ageing Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Sabina Cevoli
- 3 IRCCS Institute of Neurological Sciences of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Simona Guerzoni
- 6 Headache and Drug Abuse Research Centre, Policlinico Hospital, Department of Diagnostic Medicine, Clinical and Public Health, University of Modena e Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Silvia Benemei
- 1 Headache Centre, Careggi University Hospital, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Cuadrado ML, López-Ruiz P, Guerrero ÁL. Nummular headache: an update and future prospects. Expert Rev Neurother 2017; 18:9-19. [DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2018.1401925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- María Luz Cuadrado
- Department of Neurology, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria San Carlos (IdISSC), Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro López-Ruiz
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitario Quirón Madrid, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ángel L Guerrero
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Universidad de Valladolid (UVA), Valladolid, Spain
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Nelson S, Taylor LP. Headaches in brain tumor patients: primary or secondary? Headache 2016; 54:776-85. [PMID: 24697234 DOI: 10.1111/head.12326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/30/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Headaches occur commonly in all patients, including those who have brain tumors. It has been argued that there is a classic "brain tumor headache type" - defined by the International Headache Society as one that is localized, progressive, worse in the morning, aggravated by coughing or bending forward, develops in temporal and often spatial relation to the neoplasm, and resolves within 7 days of surgical removal or treatment with corticosteroids. METHODS Using the search terms "headache and brain tumors," "intracranial neoplasms and headache," and "facial pain and brain tumors," we reviewed the literature from the past 20 years on brain tumor-associated headache and reflected upon the International Classification of Headache Disorders-3 (ICHD-3). In a separate, complementary paper, the proposed mechanisms of brain tumor headache are reviewed. RESULTS We discuss multiple clinical presentations of brain tumor headaches, present the ICHD-3 diagnostic criteria for each type of headache, and then apply our findings to the ICHD-3. Our primary and major finding was that brain tumor headaches can present similarly to primary headaches in those with a predisposition to headaches, suggesting that following ICHD-3 criteria could cause a clinician to overlook a headache caused by a brain tumor. We further find that some types of headaches are not explicitly discussed in the ICHD-3 and also propose that the International Headache Society formally define SMART (Stroke-like Migraine Attacks after Radiation Therapy) syndrome given the increasing amount of literature on this disorder. CONCLUSION Our literature review revealed that brain tumor headache uncommonly presents with classic brain tumor headache characteristics and often satisfies criteria for a primary headache category such as migraine or tension-type. Thus, clinicians may miss headaches due to brain tumors in following ICHD-3 criteria, and the distinction between primary and secondary headache disorders may not be so clear-cut.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Nelson
- Departments of Neurology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
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Kurian M, Solomon GD. Can temporal course of pain determine patient response to specific medication in nummular headache? Headache 2014; 54:1058-61. [PMID: 24666155 DOI: 10.1111/head.12331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Kurian
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, USA
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Iwanowski P, Kozubski W, Losy J. Nummular headache in a patient with ipsilateral occipital neuralgia—A case report. Neurol Neurochir Pol 2014; 48:141-3. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pjnns.2013.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2013] [Accepted: 09/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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A randomized trial of intravenous ketorolac versus intravenous metoclopramide plus diphenhydramine for tension-type and all nonmigraine, noncluster recurrent headaches. Ann Emerg Med 2013; 62:311-318.e4. [PMID: 23567060 DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2013.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2013] [Revised: 03/04/2013] [Accepted: 03/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE We compare metoclopramide 20 mg intravenously, combined with diphenhydramine 25 mg intravenously, with ketorolac 30 mg intravenously in adults with tension-type headache and all nonmigraine, noncluster recurrent headaches. METHODS In this emergency department (ED)-based randomized, double-blind study, we enrolled adults with nonmigraine, noncluster recurrent headaches. Patients with tension-type headache were a subgroup of special interest. Our primary outcome was a comparison of the improvement in pain score between baseline and 1 hour later, assessed on a 0 to 10 verbal scale. We defined a between-group difference of 2.0 as the minimum clinically significant difference. Secondary endpoints included need for rescue medication in the ED, achieving headache freedom in the ED and sustaining it for 24 hours, and patient's desire to receive the same medication again. RESULTS We included 120 patients in the analysis. The metoclopramide/diphenhydramine arm improved by a median of 5 (interquartile range 3, 7) scale units, whereas the ketorolac arm improved by a median of 3 (IQR 2, 6) (95% confidence interval [CI] for difference 0 to 3). Metoclopramide+diphenhydramine was superior to ketorolac for all 3 secondary outcomes: the number needed to treat for not requiring ED rescue medication was 3 (95% CI 2 to 6); for sustained headache freedom, 6 (95% CI 3 to 20); and for wish to receive the same medication again, 7 (95% CI 4 to 65). Tension-type headache subgroup results were similar. CONCLUSION For adults who presented to an ED with tension-type headache or with nonmigraine, noncluster recurrent headache, intravenous metoclopramide+diphenhydramine provided more headache relief than intravenous ketorolac.
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Dai W, Yu S, Liang J, Zhang M. Nummular headache: Peripheral or central? One case with reappearance of nummular headache after focal scalp was removed, and literature review. Cephalalgia 2013; 33:390-7. [PMID: 23378434 DOI: 10.1177/0333102412474504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background Nummular headache, or coin-shaped cephalagia, is defined as a mild to moderate, pressure-like pain that is felt exclusively in a circumscribed area. More than 200 cases of nummular headache have been reported since it was defined in 2002, but the pathogenesis remains unclear. Methods A patient with nummular headache who had the symptomatic area of his scalp removed but suffered headache reappearance was reported. All published cases of nummular headache in the English literature were reviewed and analyzed for demographic and clinical features, image and laboratory findings, and response to treatment. Results The patient with nummular headache had the symptomatic area of the scalp removed but suffered reappearance of headache in another area that overlapped with the former one. The literature review showed that nummular headache was a chronic, mild to severe, pressure-like pain with a circular or elliptical shape of 1–10 cm in diameter. The parietal region was the most affected region. Exacerbations and sensory disturbances in the affected area were reported in 43% and 56% of cases, respectively. Observational data suggested botulinum toxin type A (BoNTA) and gabapentin may be beneficial. Discussion Our case and evidence from the literature review support the peripheral mechanism of nummular headache. Nummular headache might be a local pain disorder stemming from terminal branches of a sensory nerve and could induce peripheral sensitization in one or several primary sensory neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Dai
- Department of Neurology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shengyuan Yu
- Department of Neurology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jingyao Liang
- Department of Neurology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mingjie Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, People’s Republic of China
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiz P. Queiroz
- Department of Neurology; Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina; Florianópolis Brazil
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Robbins MS, Evans RW. The Heterogeneity of New Daily Persistent Headache. Headache 2012; 52:1579-89. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1526-4610.2012.02280.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew S. Robbins
- Montefiore Headache Center, Saul R. Korey Department of Neurology; Albert Einstein College of Medicine; Bronx; NY; USA
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Guerrero ÁL, Cortijo E, Herrero-Velázquez S, Mulero P, Miranda S, Peñas ML, Pedraza MI, Fernández R. Nummular headache with and without exacerbations: Comparative characteristics in a series of 72 patients*. Cephalalgia 2012; 32:649-53. [DOI: 10.1177/0333102412447537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: Apart from the characteristic chronic head pain in a coin-shaped circumscribed area, superimposed exacerbations have been described from early reports of nummular headache (NH). In a prospective series, we aim to compare the demographic and clinical characteristics between cases of exacerbations (ENH) and non-exacerbations (NENH) in NH. Methods and results: Seventy-two NH patients (44 female, 28 male) attending a headache outpatient office. As eight patients presented with bifocal NH we analysed 80 painful areas; 47 (58.8%) presented in situ exacerbations. Mean intensity of exacerbations was 7.5 ± 1.6 and they lasted 5.7 ± 11.6 minutes. Exacerbation quality was mostly stabbing. We found no differences between ENH and NEHN groups in age at onset, baseline pain intensity, size of painful area, allodynia or other sensory symptoms, or baseline pain quality. There were no differences between populations with respect to relief with symptomatic therapy, requirement of preventative therapy and its response to preventatives. Conclusion: In situ exacerbations superimposed on baseline pain are frequent in NH and might be included in diagnostic criteria. No statistically significant differences were found between ENH and NENH cases in demographic and nosological characteristics, or needing or response to therapy, but these sample sizes are small.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángel L Guerrero
- Neurology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Elisa Cortijo
- Neurology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Valladolid, Spain
| | | | - Patricia Mulero
- Neurology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Sara Miranda
- Neurology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Valladolid, Spain
| | - María Luz Peñas
- Neurology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Valladolid, Spain
| | | | - Rosa Fernández
- Neurology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Valladolid, Spain
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Finkel AG, Yerry J, Scher A, Choi YS. Headaches in soldiers with mild traumatic brain injury: findings and phenomenologic descriptions. Headache 2012; 52:957-65. [PMID: 22568576 DOI: 10.1111/j.1526-4610.2012.02167.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The primary goal of this study was to use headache criteria-based classification for headache types described by service members. BACKGROUND Headache is common in soldiers returning from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. To date, few papers have provided detailed descriptions of these headaches. METHODS The first 25 patients seen by a certified headache specialist at the Traumatic Brain Injury Center at Womack Army Medical Center, Fort Bragg, NC, between August 2008 and December 2009 are reported. RESULTS Service members described a total of 55 headaches. Most, but not all, headaches began within 1 week after injury. Migraine type was most common. Aura occurred in 5 soldiers. Continuous headaches were described in 88%. Uncommon headache types including cluster type were diagnosed. Additional symptoms and service outcomes are described. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that headaches occurring after various types of head injury, including explosions, can be assigned primary and secondary headache diagnoses using standard classifications not necessarily available to larger survey-based studies.
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Guerrero ÁL, Cuadrado ML, García-García ME, Cortijo E, Herrero-Velázquez S, Rodríguez O, Mulero P, Porta-Etessam J. Bifocal Nummular Headache: A Series of 6 New Cases. Headache 2011; 51:1161-6. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1526-4610.2011.01940.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Cuadrado ML, Valle B, Fernández-de-las-Peñas C, Madeleine P, Barriga FJ, Arias JA, Arendt-Nielsen L, Pareja JA. Pressure pain sensitivity of the scalp in patients with nummular headache: a cartographic study. Cephalalgia 2011; 30:200-6. [PMID: 19489884 DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-2982.2009.01895.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Nummular headache (NH) is characterized by focal pain fixed within a small round or elliptical area of the head surface. Sensory dysfunction is apparently restricted to the symptomatic area, but a thorough analysis of cranial pain sensitivity has not been performed. Pressure pain sensitivity maps were constructed for 21 patients with NH and 21 matched healthy controls. In each subject pressure pain thresholds (PPT) were measured on 21 points distributed over the scalp. In each patient PPT were also measured in the symptomatic area and at a non-symptomatic symmetrical point. In both groups an anterior to posterior gradient was found on each side, with no significant differences of PPT measurements between sides or groups. In patients with NH, only the symptomatic area showed a local decrease of PPT (significant in comparison with the non-symptomatic symmetrical point, P < 0.001). These findings further support that NH is a non-generalized disorder with a peripheral source.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Cuadrado
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Clínico San Carlos and Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.
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Dabscheck G, Ian Andrews P. Nummular headache associated with focal hair heterochromia in a child. Cephalalgia 2010; 30:1403-5. [DOI: 10.1177/0333102410368439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Nummular headache (NH) is a recently described headache syndrome where continuous or intermittent pain is localised to a coin-shaped region of the skull. NH can be a primary headache disorder or secondary to intracranial or extracranial pathology. We report a four-year-old boy who presented with nummular headache co-localised with a patch of discoloured hair and propose a common aetiology.
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Abstract
Introduction: Nummular headache is a rare primary headache disorder described by a focal circumscribed area of pain (2–6 cm in diameter). Literature on this disorder is sparse. Patients and methods: Here, we describe a case series of 16 patients (6 men, 10 women) seen at the Mayo Clinic. Results: Mean age of onset was 50 years (range, 19–79 years) and mean duration of headache was 7.9 years (range, 0.33–40 years). Location of headache varied and was found to be an average of 3.9 cm in diameter (range, 2–10 cm). Headache was episodic (<15 days/month) in four patients and chronic (>15 days/month) in 12 patients. Attention was paid to therapeutic interventions. Resolution was seen in 38% of patients. Migraine was present in the history of 56% of patients and medication overuse headache was found in 25%. Conclusions: Our series results support previous findings. In our population, no specific therapy was identified to be effective in more than one patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Moon
- Denver Neurological Clinic, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Kamran Ahmed
- Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Ivan Garza
- Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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Ruscheweyh R, Buchheister A, Gregor N, Jung A, Evers S. Nummular headache: Six new cases and lancinating pain attacks as possible manifestation. Cephalalgia 2009; 30:249-53. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-2982.2009.01893.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- R Ruscheweyh
- Department of Neurology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - A Buchheister
- Department of Neurology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - N Gregor
- Department of Neurology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - A Jung
- Department of Neurology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - S Evers
- Department of Neurology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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Spears RC. Is gabapentin an effective treatment choice for hemicrania continua? J Headache Pain 2009; 10:271-5. [PMID: 19437100 PMCID: PMC3451742 DOI: 10.1007/s10194-009-0126-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2009] [Accepted: 04/20/2009] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study is to examine the efficacy of gabapentin for the treatment of hemicrania continua (HC) in cases where patients had difficulty tolerating indomethacin due to adverse effects. A retrospective chart review of nine patients with HC between October 2006 and February 2008. Inclusion criteria included men and women age 18 or above presenting to the headache center with a headache that meets International Headache Society criteria for HC including a response to indomethacin, but were not able to continue on indomethacin secondary to adverse effects. Four patients report being pain free, three patients report a 50-80% reduction of pain, one patient reports a 10% reduction of pain, and one patient reports no change in pain. Seven out of nine patients demonstrated at least a 50% reduction of pain on gabapentin, four patients becoming completely pain free.
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Cuadrado ML, Valle B, Fernández C, Barriga FJ, Pareja JA. Bifocal Nummular Headache: The First Three Cases. Cephalalgia 2009; 29:583-6. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-2982.2008.01815.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Nummular headache (NH) has been defined as a focal head pain that is exclusively felt in a small area of the head surface. Here we describe three patients who presented with focal head pain in two separate areas. This finding seems to be consistent with bifocal NH and further enlarges the clinical diversity of this headache disorder. The pathogenic mechanisms of NH may be active in multiple cranial areas in some particular patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- ML Cuadrado
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Clinico San Carlos, Universidad Complutense, Madrid
- Laboratory of Aesthesiology
| | - B Valle
- Laboratory of Aesthesiology
- Department of Physical Therapy, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón and Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - C Fernández
- Laboratory of Aesthesiology
- Department of Physical Therapy, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón and Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - FJ Barriga
- Laboratory of Aesthesiology
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón and Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - JA Pareja
- Laboratory of Aesthesiology
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón and Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
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Pareja JA, Cuadrado ML, Fernández-de-las-Peñas C, Caminero AB, Nieto C, Sánchez C, Sols M, Porta-Etessam J. Epicrania fugax: an ultrabrief paroxysmal epicranial pain. Cephalalgia 2008; 28:257-63. [PMID: 18201251 DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-2982.2007.01515.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Ten patients (one man and nine women, mean age 48.8 +/- 20.1) presented with a stereotypical and undescribed type of head pain. They complained of strictly unilateral, shooting pain paroxysms starting in a focal area of the posterior parietal or temporal region and rapidly spreading forward to the ipsilateral eye (n = 7) or nose (n = 3) along a lineal or zigzag trajectory, the complete sequence lasting 1-10 s. Two patients had ipsilateral lacrimation, and one had rhinorrhoea at the end of the attacks. The attacks could be either spontaneous or triggered by touch on the stemming area (n = 2), which could otherwise remain tender or slightly painful between the paroxysms (n = 5). The frequency ranged from two attacks per month to countless attacks per day, and the temporal pattern was either remitting (n = 5) or chronic (n = 5). This clinical picture might be a variant of an established headache or represent a novel syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Pareja
- Department of Neurology, Fundación Hospital Alcorcón and Rey Juan Carlos University, Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain.
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