1
|
Itanyi UD, Okere PC, Iloanusi NI, Uduma FU. Magnetic resonance imaging in chronic headache: our experiences and perspectives. Afr Health Sci 2020; 20:1496-1506. [PMID: 33402999 PMCID: PMC7751559 DOI: 10.4314/ahs.v20i3.56] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Headache is a common symptomatology necessitating hospital consultations. Despite the prohibitive cost to patients in Nigeria, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become an evaluating tool for headache. Objectives To determine the yield of cranial MRI and frequency of significant intracranial lesions among patients with chronic headache. Methods A three-year retrospective analysis of cranial MR images and records of patients referred to Medicaid Diagnostic Centre in Abuja, Nigeria on account of chronic headache was done. Data was analyzed using SAS software version 9.3. Results 150 patients aged 9 to 73 years (mean= 39.5 years) with chronic headache were studied. There were 54 males and 96 females with a ratio of 1:1.8. 48% and 52% had normal and abnormal MRI findings respectively. Although the number with abnormal MRI was higher than those with normal exams, this difference was not significant (p=0.624). The commonest neoplastic and non-neoplastic abnormalities were pituitary macroadenoma (4%) and sinusitis (21.3%) respectively. Conclusion In our study, MRI had a low diagnostic yield in patients with chronic headache. Therefore, it is expedient that physicians stratify patients with chronic headache based on red flag signs to determine the need for cranial MRI in view of financial burden.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Philip Chinedu Okere
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Ituku-Ozalla Campus, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Nneka Ifeyinwa Iloanusi
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Ituku-Ozalla Campus, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Felix U Uduma
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Weatherall MW, Nandi D. Percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS) therapy for refractory primary headache disorders: a pilot study. Br J Neurosurg 2019; 33:608-612. [DOI: 10.1080/02688697.2019.1671951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Dipankar Nandi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Charing Cross Hospital, Imperial College NHS Healthcare, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Mingels S, Granitzer M. Pericranial Tenderness in Females With Episodic Cervical Headache vs Asymptomatic Controls: A Cross-sectional Study. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2018; 41:488-495. [PMID: 30121130 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2017.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Revised: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to compare pericranial tenderness of females with episodic cervical headache vs matched asymptomatic controls. METHODS Through a single-blind, cross-sectional study, pericranial tenderness was compared between 20 females with episodic cervical headaches (29.4 ± 13.2 years) and 20 age-matched female asymptomatic controls (30.1 ± 13.7 years). Pericranial tenderness was bilaterally measured in a headache-free period with the "total tenderness score" (TTS) in the suboccipital, temporal, frontal, masseter, upper trapezius (UT), levator scapula, and sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle insertions. Passive cervical mobility, headache intensity, frequency, and duration were secondary outcomes. Analysis was done with a 95% confidence level (SPSS version 22). The Mann-Whitney U-test was used to compare pericranial, cephalic, cervical, and muscle-specific tenderness between groups. Correlations between passive cervical mobility and headache characteristics and the TTS were estimated with Spearman's ρ. RESULTS The headache group (1.25 ± 0.89) showed a 2 times higher (P < .05) pericranial TTS compared to the control group (0.62 ± 0.70). Higher (P < .05) scores were observed for the left suboccipital, temporal, masseter, UT, levator scapula, and SCM muscles and the right suboccipital, frontal, UT, and levator scapula muscles. Grouping the tenderness scores into cervical (suboccipital, UT, levator scapula, SCM) and cephalic (frontal, temporal, masseter) regions revealed greater scores (P < .05) in the headache group. In the latter, the TTS was significantly positively correlated with passive cervical extension (ρ = 0.78). CONCLUSION Consistent higher tenderness scores were observed and suggest involvement of sensitization in patients with episodic cervical headaches. A positive correlation was seen between passive cervical extension and sensitivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Mingels
- Faculty Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.
| | - Marita Granitzer
- Faculty Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Valença MM, de Oliveira DA. The Frequent Unusual Headache Syndromes: A Proposed Classification Based on Lifetime Prevalence. Headache 2015; 56:141-52. [PMID: 26335933 DOI: 10.1111/head.12646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is no agreement on a single cutoff point or prevalence for regarding a given disease as rare. The concept of what is a rare headache disorder is even less clear and the spectrum from a very frequent, frequent, occasional to rare headache syndrome is yet to be established. OBJECTIVE An attempt has been made to estimate the lifetime prevalence of each of the headache subtypes classified in the ICHD-II. METHOD Using the ICHD-II, 199 different headache subtypes were identified. The following classification was made according to the estimated lifetime prevalence of each headache disorder: very frequent (prevalence >10%); frequent (between 1 and 10%); occasional (between 0.07 and 1%); and unusual or rare (<0.07%). RESULTS One hundred and fifty-four of 199 (77%) were categorized as unusual headache disorders, 7/199 (4%) as very frequent, 9/199 (5%) as frequent, and 29/199 (15%) as occasional forms of headache disorder. CONCLUSION The unusual headache syndromes do not appear to be as infrequent in clinical practice as has been generally believed. About three-fourths of the classified headache disorders found in the ICHD-II can be considered as rare. This narrative review article may be regarded as an introduction to the concept of unusual headaches and a proposed classification of all headaches (at least those listed in the ICHD-II).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo M Valença
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Neurology and Neurosurgery Unit, Federal University of Pernambuco, Brazil.,Neurology and Neurosurgery Unit, Hospital Esperança, Brazil
| | - Daniella A de Oliveira
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Neurology and Neurosurgery Unit, Federal University of Pernambuco, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Angiotensin II receptor blockers: a new possible treatment for chronic migraine? Neurol Sci 2015; 36:1483-5. [DOI: 10.1007/s10072-015-2217-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2015] [Accepted: 04/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
|
6
|
Westergaard ML, Glümer C, Hansen EH, Jensen RH. Prevalence of chronic headache with and without medication overuse: Associations with socioeconomic position and physical and mental health status. Pain 2014; 155:2005-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pain.2014.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2014] [Revised: 06/27/2014] [Accepted: 07/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
|
7
|
Barton PM, Schultz GR, Jarrell JF, Becker WJ. A Flexible Format Interdisciplinary Treatment and Rehabilitation Program for Chronic Daily Headache: Patient Clinical Features, Resource Utilization and Outcomes. Headache 2014; 54:1320-36. [PMID: 24862836 DOI: 10.1111/head.12376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pamela M Barton
- Alberta Health Services Chronic Pain Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Westergaard ML, Hansen EH, Glümer C, Olesen J, Jensen RH. Definitions of medication-overuse headache in population-based studies and their implications on prevalence estimates: a systematic review. Cephalalgia 2013; 34:409-25. [PMID: 24293089 DOI: 10.1177/0333102413512033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Case definitions of medication-overuse headache (MOH) in population-based research have changed over time. This study aims to review MOH prevalence reports with respect to these changes, and to propose a practical case definition for future studies based on the ICHD-3 beta. METHODS A systematic literature search was conducted to identify MOH prevalence studies. Findings were summarized according to diagnostic criteria. RESULTS Twenty-seven studies were included. The commonly used case definition for MOH was headache ≥15 days/month with concurrent medication overuse ≥3 months. There were varying definitions for what was considered as overuse. Studies that all used ICHD-2 criteria showed a wide range of prevalence among adults: 0.5%-7.2%. CONCLUSIONS There are limits to comparing prevalence of MOH across studies and over time. The wide range of reported prevalence might not only be due to changing criteria, but also the diversity of countries now publishing data. The criterion "headache occurring on ≥15 days per month" with concurrent medication overuse can be applied in population-based studies. However, the new requirement that a respondent must have "a preexisting headache disorder" has not been previously validated. Exclusion of other headache diagnoses by expert evaluation and ancillary examinations is not feasible in large population-based studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria L Westergaard
- Danish Headache Center, Department of Neurology, Glostrup Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Darnall BD, Stacey BR, Chou R. Medical and psychological risks and consequences of long-term opioid therapy in women. PAIN MEDICINE 2012; 13:1181-211. [PMID: 22905834 DOI: 10.1111/j.1526-4637.2012.01467.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long-term opioid use has increased substantially over the past decade for U.S. women. Women are more likely than men to have a chronic pain condition, to be treated with opioids, and may receive higher doses. Prescribing trends persist despite limited evidence to support the long-term benefit of this pain treatment approach. PURPOSE To review the medical and psychological risks and consequences of long-term opioid therapy in women. METHOD Scientific literature containing relevant keywords and content were reviewed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Long-term opioid use exposes women to unique risks, including endocrinopathy, reduced fertility, neonatal risks, as well as greater risk for polypharmacy, cardiac risks, poisoning and unintentional overdose, among other risks. Risks for women appear to vary by age and psychosocial factors may be bidirectionally related to opioid use. Gaps in understanding and priorities for future research are highlighted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beth D Darnall
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Chronic daily headache (CDH), defined as a primary headache occurring at least 15 days per month, is a problem of worldwide scope, which is seen in 3% to 5% of the population. Though it has been recognized since ancient times, only recently have there been attempts to define and classify it. CDH usually consists of a mixture of migraine and tension-type headaches (TTH), with the more severe headaches having migraine features and the less severe headaches fitting the definition of TTH. Some patients have pure chronic TTH and no migrainous features, and others have only migraine, but most have a mixed migraine-TTH pattern. New daily persistent headache, a CDH pattern that comes on over a few days, constitutes 9% to 10% of this group and is otherwise indistinguishable from CDH. Hemicrania continua (1% of CDH) appears to be unique in being absolutely responsive to indomethacin. Accurate diagnosis of CDH is critical to management, as all organic etiologies of chronic headache must be ruled out. Problems often associated with CDH and complicating the diagnosis are head injury or medication overuse (rebound-withdrawal headache). These accompanying issues must be recognized and treated appropriately in the management plan. Finally, psychiatric problems (unipolar depression, bipolar disease, generalized anxiety disorder, and obsessive/compulsive disorder) often accompany CDH, as they are comorbid with migraine. These conditions must be recognized and treated along with the headache itself for treatment to succeed fully. Treatment of CDH is multimodal. The cornerstone of therapy is the use of prophylactic antimigraine medications to prevent or modulate the next headache. Amitriptyline, topiramate, valproic acid, and gabapentin have all had class I studies showing effectiveness in reducing headache occurrence. Recent studies with botulinum toxin have also shown effectiveness in reducing the headache burden. Recognition and treatment of medication overuse headache (MOH) must be carried out as part of the initial approach. Use of acute symptomatic treatments such as triptans or NSAIDs must be undertaken with care, as frequent use of these agents can lead to MOH. Educating the patient about the condition and reasonable expectations for therapy is essential to success. Recognition and appropriate treatment of psychiatric disorders is likewise essential. Adjunctive nondrug therapies and lifestyle changes round out the requirements for a management plan. The chances for long-term remission or significant improvement are up to 65%. The patient and physician must understand that CDH is a long-term process with relapses and remissions. A strong and trusting relationship between patient and physician is a major asset in managing this condition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James R Couch
- Professor of Neurology, Department of Neurology, University of Oklahoma Medical School, 711 Stanton L. Young Boulevard, Suite 215, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA,
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Impact of GP direct-access computerised tomography for the investigation of chronic daily headache. Br J Gen Pract 2011; 60:897-901. [PMID: 21144199 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp10x544069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic daily headache is a major healthcare problem, with significant resource implications for specialist services. Since 1999, GPs in Greater Glasgow have had direct access to computerised tomography (CT) for investigation of chronic daily headache. AIM The purpose of this study is to assess the significance of pathology, impact of the service, and GP satisfaction. METHOD The direct-access CT findings in patients between 1999 and 2007 were reviewed. Radiological reports were reviewed for abnormal findings by a radiologist. A neurologist reviewed those cases with abnormalities to assess their potential causation in presenting symptoms. A questionnaire was sent to the referring GP for every patient referred for direct-access CT. Data from the Information Services Division of NHS National Services Scotland was used to estimate potential cost benefits. RESULTS A total of 4404 CT scans were performed. Abnormal findings were reported in 461 (10.5%), and the reported abnormalities were considered a potential causative factor for the presenting symptoms in 60 patients (1.4%). Other abnormalities mostly resulted from established cerebrovascular disease and atrophy; 986 GP questionnaires were analysed. The major body of GP opinion (n = 460, 47%) indicated that direct-access CT was their preferred choice for referral of chronic daily headache. If direct-access CT was not available, neurology (n = 448, 45%) and general medicine (n = 379, 38%) would be the commonest referral choices. This study also reveals that 86% did not require further specialist referral. Projecting the GP questionnaire data to the study group gave an approximate cost saving of at least £86 681.81. CONCLUSION Direct-access CT is now the preferred choice of management for patients with chronic daily headache in primary care. Patients and GPs are reassured by a normal scan in the majority of cases. There may be cost savings, although confirmation of cost-effectiveness would require further study.
Collapse
|
12
|
Stuginski-Barbosa J, Speciali JG. Frequency of headache among the employees of a rubber company in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. SAO PAULO MED J 2011; 129:66-72. [PMID: 21603782 PMCID: PMC10896032 DOI: 10.1590/s1516-31802011000200003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2010] [Revised: 01/28/2010] [Accepted: 12/16/2010] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE Primary headaches may be responsible for absenteeism and a fall in the yield and productivity of work. The aim of this study was to establish the presence and frequency of primary headache among employees of a rubber shoe sole company, and its link to absenteeism. DESIGN AND SETTING Cross-sectional study carried out with help from the staff of the medical and social department of a rubber factory located in the municipality of Franca, São Paulo. METHOD A questionnaire on headache characteristics was distributed to all employees. The returned and completed questionnaires were divided into two groups: with and without reports of headache. The headaches were classified into four main groups: migraine, tension-type headache (TTH), cluster headache and others. In terms of the reported frequency, headaches were also classified as chronic daily headache (CDH). RESULTS The number of valid questionnaires was 392 (59%); 80.9% were from male and 19.1% from female employees. Headaches were reported by 120 subjects (30.6%), with 17.4% belonging to the migraine group and 8.9% to the TTH group. Migraine was more frequent (p < 0.001) among all participants and also among the women (p < 0.05). TTH was more frequent among the men (p < 0.05). CDH was identified in 14 individuals (3.6%). CONCLUSIONS Headache was a common problem among the employees of this company and was a cause of absenteeism for 8.7% of the respondents to the questionnaire.
Collapse
|
13
|
Seshia SS, Wöber-Bingöl C, Guidetti V. The classification of chronic headache: room for further improvement? Cephalalgia 2010; 30:1268-70. [PMID: 20855371 DOI: 10.1177/0333102410374143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
In this commentary, the authors briefly discuss their views on some of the limitations in the current terminology and classification of chronic headache. Suggestions for consideration and further debate include the acceptance of chronic daily headache as the umbrella term for this group of headache disorders, a more consistent definition of 'chronic' and the use of a multi-axial classification approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S S Seshia
- Department of Pediatrics (Pediatric Neurology), University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Abstract
It is estimated that nearly half of the global adult population suffers from an active headache disorder, most of whom experience attacks on an episodic basis. The transition from episodic to chronic headache is a poorly understood process. Epidemiological findings demonstrating comorbidity and common risk factors suggest that headache progression or prognosis may be related to the presence of other chronic pain disorders. This review highlights findings from population-based studies on headache and other pain disorders and how they relate to each other, with a focus on understanding headache chronification. We also consider the limitations and methodological challenges in understanding how two different chronic pain disorders may be related.
Collapse
|
15
|
Delzell E, Haag G. Comments on results of Scher et al. pertaining to nonprescription caffeine-containing combination analgesics. Cephalalgia 2010; 30:1145-6. [PMID: 20713567 DOI: 10.1177/0333102410361540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|