Effect of Endovascular Treatment on Headaches in Patients With Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms

Recurrent, Severe Coital Headaches Associated With Bilateral Carotid Artery Aneurysms and the Effect of Endovascular Treatment

Headaches are one of the most common chief complaints in the outpatient setting. Distinguishing between benign and life-threatening headaches can be difficult, particularly in the setting of a pre-existing history of headaches. Here, we present a 41-year-old female with a past medical history of migraines and uterine leiomyoma status post hysterectomy about nine months ago who presented to the clinic for severe coital headaches and worsening migraines starting eight months ago. Computer tomography angiogram (CTA) head and neck demonstrated bilateral para-ophthalmic internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysms (right, 7.5, left 6 mm). A diagnostic cerebral angiogram (DSA) was subsequently done and confirmed the CTA findings. The patient underwent left and right flow-diverting stent placement two and four months later, respectively. One week after the right ICA stent placement, her headaches had improved to one to two times per week. At six months after the stent placement, she resumed her normal sex life and her migraines returned to baseline. Our case suggests that recurrent severe coital headaches are associated with bilateral carotid artery aneurysms. Thus, while assessing a patient with recurrent coital headaches, it is important to have a wide arsenal of differentials to rule out possibly catastrophic causes.

Headache and endovascular procedures

The International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3 beta) includes headache attributed to intracranial endovascular procedures (EVPs). The aim of this review is to describe the clinical and pathophysiological aspects of headache related to vascular lesions and EVPs. Current studies regarding this issue are contradictory, although generally favouring headache improvement after EVPs. Further large studies are needed to adequately assess the effect of EVPs on headache.

Headache Outcomes After Coil Embolization in Patients with Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms: Do They Get Better or Worse? A Prospective Analysis

BACKGROUND

To investigate the association between headache outcomes and coil embolization and to identify potential factors associated with different headache outcomes in patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) after treatment with coil embolization.

METHODS

A prospective study of patients with planned coil embolization for UIAs was conducted. The changes in headache patterns, headache-related disability, and depression were assessed before coil embolization and at 3 days and 2 and 6 weeks after coil embolization. All variables were analyzed to identify factors associated with different headache outcomes.

RESULTS

Fifty-nine (72%) of 82 patients reported headaches before coil embolization. Of these, improvements in the severity of headaches were reported by 42 patients (71%). In addition to a significant reduction in headache severity, significant reductions in headache-related disability and depression scores also were observed. Demographic factors, aneurysmal characteristics, or procedural factors were not found to be significantly associated with improvement in the severity of headaches after coil embolization. In addition, the number of microemboli on diffusion-weighted imaging was not significantly associated with improvement of headaches after coil embolization. Twenty-three patients reported no headaches before coil embolization, and 3 (13%) patients reported new-onset headaches after coil embolization. All new-onset headaches were mild and dull in nature without combined symptoms in the temporal area.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggested that regardless of headache characteristics, the aneurysm size (even those <5 mm in diameter), technique used (stent-assisted or not stent-assisted), and coil embolization of UIAs resulted in headache improvement in most patients with pretreatment headaches.

The Impact of the Endovascular Treatment of Cerebral Aneurysms on Headaches

OBJECTIVE

The co-occurrence of headaches and cerebral aneurysms is common in clinical practice, although a clear causal relationship has not been ascertained. We aimed to investigate the impact of endovascular obliteration of aneurysms on headaches using a cross-sectional, prospective, open-label protocol. We also sought to characterize the preexisting headaches in patients harboring cerebral aneurysms using the International Classification of Headache Disorders criteria.

METHODS

A total of 33 patients were recruited into the study and underwent endovascular treatment for obliteration of their aneurysms. A standardized survey was administered before and 3 to 6 months after the procedure, documenting the HIT-6 scores as well as the headache frequency.

RESULTS

The study cohort included 25 women and 8 men. In 61% of cases, the aneurysms were located in the posterior circulation. We achieved grade 0 or 1 obliteration of aneurysms in 100% of cases and there were no complications. The mean for HIT-6 scores were 52.3 at baseline and 49.6 postprocedure (student t test, P<0.047). The headache frequency measured as total headache days per month did not demonstrate statistical significance. Our data indicated that more than half of our cohort had preexisting headaches which fulfilled the criteria for a primary headache disorder. These individuals showed a more robust response to the intervention compared with the remainder of the group, although the P-value per se was not considered statistically significant due to the small sample size.

CONCLUSIONS

Endovascular treatment of the aneurysms mitigates the headache-related disability.

Brazilian experience of the influence of endovascular treatment on headache in patients with ruptured intracranial aneurysms

BACKGROUND

The characteristics of primary headaches in patients with ruptured brain aneurysm embolization have not been well understood to date.

AIMS OF THE STUDY

This study was conducted to evaluate the influence of endovascular treatment (EVT) of ruptured intracranial aneurysm (RIA) and the pattern of previous primary headache.

METHODS

We evaluated the pattern of headache in patients who suffered a RIA and EVT within one year before the rupture, and prospectively evaluated the characteristics of headache for up to 12 months after EVT. Sixty patients were evaluated and a questionnaire about headache was applied at the time of admission. These patients were contacted 3, 6 and 12 months after treatment to complete the study by filling out follow-up questionnaire on the headache.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven patients had headache before the rupture, 16 with tension-type headache (TTH), 11 with migraine without aura, nine with migraine with aura with and one with non-specific characteristics. There was a significant reduction in the frequency of pain for up to 12 months for patients with TTH (P < 0.001) and migraine without aura (P = 0.012), but there was a reduction in pain intensity over the same period in TTH (P = 0.002), migraine with aura (P = 0.004) and migraine without aura (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

There was a reduction of the primary headache after endovascular treatment of ruptured brain aneurysm.

Headache and Treatment of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The relationship between unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) and chronic headache and the impact of aneurysm treatment on headache outcome are controversial. The aim of this study was to determine clinical features of a supposedly primary headache in patients with UIA. We also assessed changes in headache characteristics after UIA treatment.

METHODS

We examined clinical and imaging data of patients in whom a UIA was diagnosed during diagnostic workup of a suspected primary headache. Medical records were reviewed and personal telephone follow-ups were performed after UIA treatment to assess changes in the frequency and intensity of the headache.

RESULTS

Forty-two patients (76%) reported a substantial improvement in headache frequency and intensity after UIA treatment. Forty-five patients (81%) reported a decrease in headache frequency from a median of 8 days/month before treatment to 1 day/month after treatment (95% confidence interval [CI] 81-83, P < .001). The average intensity in an analog pain scale was 7.7 ± 1.6 before treatment and 5.6 ± 2.4 after treatment (P < .001). Higher headache frequency was associated with a greater odd of improvement after treatment (odds ratio 1.12, 95% CI 1.0-1.26, P = .03). No associations were found between the type of headache, type of treatment (endovascular versus surgical), number, size, or localization of the aneurysms and the response to treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The treatment of UIA had a robust beneficial effect on previous headache. Although a "placebo" effect of aneurysm treatment cannot be ruled out, these results suggest a potential association between UIA and certain chronic headaches usually considered to be primary.

Headache improvement after intracranial endovascular procedures in Chinese patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysm: A prospective observational study

The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is a long-term improvement in headache of patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) treated with intracranial endovascular procedures.Using a prospective design, consecutive patients with UIAs with neuroendovascular treatment from January 2014 to December 2014 were asked to participate. Headache outcomes were established before aneurysm treatment and for 6 months following treatment. Factors associated with different headache outcomes were investigated.Ultimately, 58 patients completed the 6-month follow-up. In total, 29 patients had preoperative headache. Six months after the intracranial endovascular procedure, 13 patients (44.8%) stated that their headaches were relieved after endovascular treatment; headache in 1 patient improved slightly, and 12 reported disappearance of headache and marked improvement. Overall, the mean headache scores of 29 patients improved on the self-reported Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) after endovascular treatment (6.00 vs. 2.30; P < 0.001). Patients with pretreatment tension-type headache, more severe headaches, stent-assisted coiling, and stent implantation of the aneurysm were the important disadvantage for patients in improvement of post-procedure headache.Treatment of UIAs resulted in relief of headaches in about half of patients who had headaches pre-operatively.

Incidence and predictors of headache relief after endovascular treatment in patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms

Objective Patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms often present with headaches. We retrospectively determined the incidence of headache relief in patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms after endovascular treatment, with the main goals of preventing aneurysmal haemorrhage and identifying factors associated with headache relief in a cohort study. Methods From a cohort of patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms who were treated with endovascular coiling and admitted between January 2012 and December 2014, we included 123 patients who had headaches and underwent regular follow-up. The severity of headache was assessed by a quantitative 11-point headache scale for all patients before and after the endovascular treatment. Headache relief was defined as a decrease in the headache score. We determined the incidence and predictors of headache relief using Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression analysis. Results Of the 123 patients with a mean follow-up of 14.1 months (range 1-39 months), 69 had headache relief. The overall cumulative incidence of headache relief was 62.3% (95% confidence interval (CI) 54.2%, 69.4%). On multivariate Cox regression analysis, the side of headache ipsilateral to the aneurysm (adjusted hazard ratio 0.540; 95% CI 0.408, 0.715; P < 0.001) and aneurysm size (adjusted hazard ratio 1.753; 95% CI 1.074, 2.863; P = 0.025) were significant predictors of headache relief. Conclusions Endovascular treatment relieved preoperative headaches for most patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms. The side of headache ipsilateral to the aneurysm and aneurysm size >10 mm were significant predictors of headache relief.

Characteristics of Headache After an Intracranial Endovascular Procedure: A Prospective Observational Study

BACKGROUND

Two editions of the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD) diagnostic criteria for "Headache attributed to an intracranial endovascular procedure" have been published, in 2004 and 2013.^1,2 Despite studies that have suggested that the former is not very practical, the ICHD-3 beta did not contain major changes. Moreover, so far no consensus exists regarding characteristics of headache after intracranial endovascular procedure. Thus, there is a need for sound suggestions to improve the ICHD-3 beta diagnostic criteria.

METHODS

Using a prospective design, we identified consecutive patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) with neuroendovascular treatment from January 2014 to December 2014.

RESULTS

In total, 73 patients were enrolled, and 58 patients ultimately completed the 6-month follow-up. After the procedure, five of the 29 patients (17.2%) with pre-existing headache experienced marked worsening after the procedure, while seven of the 29 patients without prior headache developed new-onset headache post-procedurally. The headaches started within 24 hours, with a mean duration of 24-72 hours. The headaches were moderate to severe. The eligibility of these events to be considered headaches caused by neuroendovascular procedures according to the ICHD-3 beta diagnostic criteria for designation was far from ideal.

CONCLUSIONS

Most cases of markedly worsening headaches and new-onset headaches started within 24 hours and persisted longer than that specified in the ICHD-3 beta diagnostic criteria. Moreover, considering that some items are not very practical, the ICHD-3 beta diagnostic criteria should be revised in the light of recent literature reports.

Post procedure headache in patients treated for neurovascular arteriovenous malformations and aneurysms using endovascular therapy

BACKGROUND

Though endovascular therapy (EVT) is increasingly applied in the treatment of intracranial vascular lesions, little is known about the effect of EVT on post-procedure headache. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of headache in patients who have undergone EVT for cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and aneurysms.

METHODS

A total of 324 patients underwent EVT treatment for aneurysms and AVMs at the Danish National Hospital from January 2012 to December 2014. We applied strict exclusion criteria in order to minimize the effect of other factors on headache occurrence, e.g., craniotomy. Eligible subjects were phone-interviewed using a purpose-developed semi-structured questionnaire. Headaches were classified according to ICHD-III beta criteria.

RESULTS

The 59 patients underwent treatment of aneurysms (n = 43), cranial dural fistulas (n = 11), and AVMs (n = 5). There was a significant increase in overall headache (p = 0.017) and tension-type headache (TTH) (p = 0.012) within the first 3 months after EVT compared to 1 month before EVT. However, at interview time (median 2.5 years post-EVT), the increase in overall headache, migraine, and tension-type headache was not statistically significant. A minority of patients experienced headaches for the first time within 3 months of their EVT (migraine 4, TTH 10). At interview time, 50 % of these new headaches still persisted.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest a temporary increase in headache in the first 3 months after EVT, which normalizes over time. Clinicians may use this knowledge to better inform their patients of functional outcomes after their EVT procedure.

Case Report of Debilitating Headaches and a Coexisting Ophthalmic Artery Aneurysm: An Indication for Treatment?

OBJECTIVE

We present a case of a patient who had severe unilateral headaches related to a small, unruptured ophthalmic artery aneurysm, who experienced complete headache cessation following endovascular coiling.

BACKGROUND

Small unruptured intracranial aneurysms are generally managed and followed conservatively due to minimal risk of rupture. Headaches are frequently reported in patients with intracranial aneurysms, but these aneurysms are typically considered incidental and unrelated, given the undefined association between headaches and most aneurysms.

CONCLUSION

There may be some unruptured intracranial aneurysms that can cause intractable headaches and warrant interventional treatment. Future prospective studies are needed that compare pre- and post-procedure headache character and diagnosis, aneurysm characteristics such as size, location, orientation, and shape, type of aneurysm repair with materials used, and other potential risk factors for worsening post-procedure headache in order to better predict headache association to aneurysms, as well as outcomes following endovascular aneurysm treatment.

Guidelines for the Management of Patients With Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms: A Guideline for Healthcare Professionals From the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association

PURPOSE

The aim of this updated statement is to provide comprehensive and evidence-based recommendations for management of patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms.

METHODS

Writing group members used systematic literature reviews from January 1977 up to June 2014. They also reviewed contemporary published evidence-based guidelines, personal files, and published expert opinion to summarize existing evidence, indicate gaps in current knowledge, and when appropriate, formulated recommendations using standard American Heart Association criteria. The guideline underwent extensive peer review, including review by the Stroke Council Leadership and Stroke Scientific Statement Oversight Committees, before consideration and approval by the American Heart Association Science Advisory and Coordinating Committee.

RESULTS

Evidence-based guidelines are presented for the care of patients presenting with unruptured intracranial aneurysms. The guidelines address presentation, natural history, epidemiology, risk factors, screening, diagnosis, imaging and outcomes from surgical and endovascular treatment.

Headache, cerebral aneurysms, and the use of triptans and ergot derivatives

BACKGROUND

Uncertainty exists regarding the correlation between unruptured cerebral aneurysms and their role in headache etiology. It is also unclear whether surgical endovascular treatment may improve or worsen the headache, and if there are predictable factors for headache outcome such as pre-existing headache features, aneurysm characteristics, or other medical history. There is debate regarding safe treatment of migraine in patients with aneurysms, both before and after endovascular treatments. Particularly, there is hesitancy to use the triptans and ergot derivatives such as dihydroergotamine because of their vasoconstrictive effects and concern for adverse events related to the aneurysm such as aneurysmal instability and rupture.

OBJECTIVE

To review the literature regarding the anatomy, pathophysiology, and association between headache, untreated vs surgically treated aneurysms, and the use of triptans and ergot derivatives for migraine treatment in this setting.

CONCLUSION

Associations between some headaches and aneurysms may exist. Some chronic headaches may respond to surgical aneurysm repair while others may worsen. These associations are undefined by current literature because of variable results, study methods, and limited data. Prospective studies are needed which incorporate pre- and post-procedure headache character and diagnosis, aneurysm characteristics, type of aneurysm repair, associated risk factors for worsening post-procedure headache, and ultimately combining all of these data to better predict headache outcome following surgical aneurysm treatment. Lastly, the caution and avoidance of triptan and ergot derivative use for migraine in the setting of aneurysm is not supported by the current evidence, and much of this concern may be excessive and unwarranted, although more evidence confirming safety is needed.

Remission of migraine after clipping of saccular intracranial aneurysms

BACKGROUND

Unruptured saccular intracranial aneurysm (SIA) is associated with an increased prevalence of migraine, but it is unclear whether this is altered by clipping of the aneurysm. The aim of our study was to determine whether remission rate of migraine and other recurrent headaches was greater in patients with SIA after clipping than in controls.

METHODS

We prospectively studied 87 SIA patients with migraine or other recurrent headaches. They were interviewed about headaches in the preceding year before and 1 year after clipping using a validated semi-structured neurologist conducted interview. The remission rates of migraine and tension-type headache (TTH) in these patients were compared to 92 patients from a headache center. Diagnoses were made according to the ICHD-2.

RESULTS

During 1 year preceding rupture 51 patients with SIA had migraine. During the year after clipping, this was reduced by 74.5% (P < 0.0001). At first encounter, 47 control patients had migraine during the preceding year, and during 1 year of treatment, it was 41, a reduction 12.8% (P > 0.5). The decrease of migraine in SIA patients was significantly higher than in controls: 74.5% vs 12.8% (P < 0.001). A history of TTH was given by 33 patients with SIA during the year preceding rupture and by 44 during 1 year after clipping (P > 0.75). Forty-one control patients had TTH, 27 after 1 year of treatment, a reduction 34.1% (P < 0.05). No factors except clipping of the aneurysm could explain the remission of migraine.

CONCLUSIONS

Migraine prevalence in patients with SIA decreases significantly after clipping. Further comparative studies of migraine after coiling vs clipping in SIA patients are needed.

Incidence and risk factors of postoperative headache after endovascular coil embolization of unruptured intracranial aneurysms

BACKGROUND

Endovascular coil embolization for unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) has gained popularity because of its low morbidity and mortality in a short-term context. However, Headache is sometimes brought about or worsened after endovascular treatment, and this complaint may lead to perplexing situations, albeit infrequently. The aim of this study is to estimate the practical incidence and risk factors of postoperative headache in patients with endovascular embolization of UIAs.

METHOD

One hundred and thirty patients who underwent endovascular treatment of UIAs between March 2006 and May 2012 were enrolled according to inclusion criteria. From a retrospective chart review, the patients who had worsening or newly developed headache from postoperative day 1 to in-hospital stay were investigated for analyzing risk factors of post-embolization headache. Factors based on patients' demographics, anatomical and radiological features of the lesions, treatment, utilized devices and outcome were investigated, and statistically verified.

RESULTS

Headache occurred or was exacerbated in 32 patients (24.6 %). Of these, 30 patients showed improvement within days, but two patients with previous migraine history complained of intermittent headache over 3 months after the embolization. Univariate comparison between the headache group and the non-headache group showed that internal carotid artery (ICA) segment aneurysm, stent-assisted coiling, and no history of hypertension were associated with post-embolization headache (p < 0.05). However, stent-assisted coiling and no history of hypertension were significantly associated with post-embolization headache in logistic regression analysis (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In the current study, stent-assisted coiling and no history of hypertension were important risk factors for headache in patients undergoing endovascular coil embolization for UIAs. Further investigations are still necessary to confirm the correlation of other factors which did not reach statistical significance in post-embolization headache in this limited study.

Neuro-ophthalmic effects of stenting across the ophthalmic artery origin in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms

OBJECT.: The benefits of treating intracranial aneurysms in the region of the anterior visual pathways are well understood. However, the adverse effects of endovascular stenting across the ophthalmic artery have received little attention. The authors reviewed their experience with patients who had stents deployed across the ophthalmic artery origin.

METHODS

Patients' medical charts and imaging studies were reviewed to identify all patients with a non-flow diverting stent deployed over the ophthalmic artery origin for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. All patients with neuro-ophthalmic complaints were referred for formal ophthalmological evaluation.

RESULTS

A total of 104 consecutive patients with 106 aneurysms were identified to meet criteria for inclusion in the study cohort. Preoperatively, 30 patients (29%) described headache symptoms and 32 patients (31%) reported visual complaints. Of the patients with preoperative headaches, 15 (54%) of 28 patients for whom follow-up was available experienced improvement in their symptoms. Of the patients with preoperative visual complaints, improvement was noted in 11 (41%) of the 27 patients for whom follow-up was available, 9 (33%) of 27 patients reported no change in visual symptoms, and 7 (26%) of 27 patients reported progression of symptoms. Visual field defects developing posttreatment were noted to occur in 8 (7.7%) of 104 patients: 3 with immediate postoperative retinal infarcts, 1 with perioperative hemianopia that resolved by the time of discharge, 1 with a subjective visual field defect, 1 with subjective migratory visual field defects, and 2 with nonspecific visual symptoms. Compressive symptoms from aneurysm mass effect were noted in 6 patients preoperatively, with 4 of those patients experiencing persistent worsening, resolution in 1 case, and no change in 1 case. One patient developed a novel cranial nerve palsy from mass effect in the immediate postoperative period.

CONCLUSIONS

Deployment of stents across the ophthalmic artery origin for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms appears to be relatively safe with regard to visual outcomes. Neuro-ophthalmic complaint resolution rates were comparable to endovascular procedures that do not employ stents, with headache resolution rates comparable to coil-only aneurysm obliteration and low rates of retinal ischemic events. For patients presenting with mass effect, stent-assisted coiling appears to be less effective than microsurgery with decompression for relief of compressive symptoms.

Headache attributed to cranial or cervical vascular disorders

Cranial or cervical vascular disease is commonly associated with headaches. The descriptions may range from a thunderclap onset of a subarachnoid hemorrhage to a phenotype similar to tension type headache. Occasionally, this may be the sole manifestation of a potentially serious underlying disorder like vasculitis. A high index of clinical suspicion is necessary to diagnose the disorder. Prompt recognition and treatment is usually needed for many conditions to avoid permanent sequelae that result in disability. Treatments for many conditions remain challenging and are frequently controversial due to paucity of well controlled studies. This is a review of the recent advances that have been made in the diagnosis or management of these secondary headaches.

Effect of endovascular treatment on headache in elderly patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The incidence of unruptured intracranial aneurysms is increasing in the elderly population as life expectancy increases, and patients often present with headache. The goal of this study was to determine the effect of endovascular treatment on headache and identify factors associated with headache outcome in elderly patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted for elderly patients (≥ 65 years old) being treated for unruptured intracranial aneurysms. Headache assessment was performed by a quantitative 11-point headache scale in all patients before and after endovascular treatment. Factors associated with headache outcome were investigated by univariate analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 72 patients (mean age, 70.0 years; age range, 65-80 years; 41 women) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. There were 52 patients (72.2%) who presented with preoperative headache (headache score ≥ 1). Among them, 40 (76.9%) reported that headache score had an improvement according to their self-reported quantitative headache score after endovascular treatment. The average headache score was 5.63 preoperatively vs 2.50 postoperatively (P = .000). Twenty patients (27.8%) had no headache before treatment (headache score = 0), of whom 2 (10.0%) reported new onset of headache postoperatively. Only a preoperative headache score was associated with treatment outcome of headache, and a higher headache score predicted a lack of headache relief after endovascular treatment (P = .003).

CONCLUSIONS

Endovascular coiling of unruptured intracranial aneurysms resulted in relief of headache in most of the elderly patients. Preoperative headache score was the only statistically significant predictor of headache outcome.

Fusiform aneurysms of the vertebral artery: a hidden cause of exertional headache?

BACKGROUND

There is only one reported case of recurrent coital headache related to an unruptured saccular aneurysm of the carotid artery.

CASE REPORTS

We report on two cases of isolated recurrent coital/exertional headaches ipsilateral to unruptured fusiform aneurysms of the vertebral artery diagnosed by CT angiography. While one case is being managed conservatively, a vertebral stent has been set in the other.

CONCLUSIONS

CT angiography with full visualisation of intracranial and upper cervical arteries could be used as a screening diagnostic procedure in these cases. Together with saccular aneurysms, fusiform aneurysms should be added to the IHS classification as aetiology for exertional recurrent headaches.

Bioactive coils cause headache and fever after endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms

BACKGROUND

Based on our encounters with patients who have been treated for unruptured intracranial aneurysms by endovascular coil embolization using bioactive coils, we observed that such patients often present with headaches and fever.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence of headache and fever after coil embolization using bioactive coils.

METHODS

A database of 92 intracranial unruptured aneurysm patients (88 patients who did not have chronic headaches or migraines before treatment) on whom coil embolization had been performed between July 2007 and October 2010 was retrospectively assessed. Forty-five aneurysms (43 patients) were treated using bioactive coils and the other aneurysms were treated using bare coils. We analyzed the incidence and duration of headache, temperature, C-reactive protein, and white blood cell count before and after coil embolization and compared the 2 groups.

RESULTS

Forty-one patients (46.6%) reported onset of headaches just after treatment. Headache incidences were significantly greater in the patients treated with bioactive coils (bioactive coil group: 62.8% [27/43] vs bare coil group: 31.1% [14/45], P = .003), and the duration of headaches was significantly longer in the bioactive coil group (bioactive coil group: 3.44 ± 1.22 days vs bare coil group: 2.40 ± 1.17 days, P = .027). Seventy-one patients (80.7%) had incidences of fever (over 37°C) after treatment (bioactive coil group: 83.7% [36/43] vs bare coil group: 77.8% [35/45], P = .663). The duration of fever was significantly longer in the bioactive coil group (bioactive coil group: 2.9 ± 1.4 days vs bare coil group: 1.9 ± 1.1 days, P = .0017), and temperatures at 1, 2, or 3 days after treatment were significantly higher in the bioactive coil group (respective temperatures at 1, 2, 3 days after treatment: bioactive coil group: 37.42 ± 0.49, 37.19 ± 0.45, 37.00 ± 0.49 vs bare coil group: 37.14 ± 0.38, 36.96 ± 0.41, 36.63 ± 0.51, P = .009, P = .0246, P = .0032). There were no significant differences in C-reactive protein level and white blood cell count 1 and 3 days after treatment between 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Bioactive coils induce headache and fever after coil embolization for intracranial aneurysms due to the inflammatory effects of polyglycolic acid used to accelerate aneurysm fibrosis and neointimal formation.

Headache outcomes following treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms: a prospective analysis

OBJECTIVE

To analyze headache patterns prior to and following treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms and identify factors associated with different headache outcomes.

METHODS

A prospective observational study of patients being treated for unruptured intracranial aneurysms. Headache patterns were established prior to aneurysm treatment and for 6 months following treatment. Factors associated with different headache outcomes were investigated.

RESULTS

In all patients (n = 44), 90-day headache frequency decreased from an average of 31 days prior to aneurysm treatment to 17 days following treatment (p < 0.001). In patients with active pretreatment headaches (n = 28), 90-day headache frequency decreased from 49 days to 26 days (p = 0.002). Headache frequency was reduced in 68% of patients, while 9% of patients had new or worsened headaches following aneurysm treatment. Pretreatment migraine, more severe pretreatment headaches, higher pretreatment trait anxiety, and stent-assisted aneurysm coiling were associated with a lack of headache improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of patients with headaches at the time of aneurysm treatment had reductions in headache frequency during the 6 months following treatment. Potential risk factors for poor headache outcomes were identified but need to be studied further.

Both Surgical Clipping and Endovascular Embolization of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms Are Associated With Long-term Improvement in Self-Reported Quantitative Headache Scores

BACKGROUND:

The most common presenting symptom for unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) is headache (HA). However, most experts believe that UIAs associated with HAs are unrelated and incidental.

OBJECTIVE:

To analyze the incidence and characterization of HAs in patients with UIAs before and after treatment with either surgical clipping or endovascular embolization.

METHOD:

We prospectively determined the presence, sidedness, and severity of HAs preoperatively in patients who presented to the senior author with a UIA. A validated, quantitative 11-point HA pain scale was used in all patients. The same HA assessments were performed again on these patients an average of 32.4 months postoperatively.

RESULTS:

In this study, 92.45% (n = 53) of patents for whom we were able to obtain both a preoperative and postoperative pain score had an improvement in their HAs. The average quantitative HA score was 5.87 preoperatively vs 1.39 postoperatively (P &lt; .001). There was no relationship found between the following: (1) HA severity vs aneurysm size, (2) sidedness of aneurysm vs sidedness of HA, and (3) HA improvement after surgical vs endovascular treatment.

CONCLUSION:

This study suggests that surgical and endovascular treatment of a UIA is associated with dramatic improvement in self-reported HA score an average of 32.4 months postoperatively.

Microneurosurgical Management of Ophthalmic Segment of the Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysms

BACKGROUND:

Surgical clipping of ophthalmic segment aneurysms is more technically challenging than other anterior circulation aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE:

To analyze whether surgical clipping is an effective treatment for ophthalmic segment aneurysms with good clinical outcomes and acceptable complication rates.

METHODS:

From 1994 to 2009, a total of 86 aneurysms of the ophthalmic segment of the internal carotid artery were surgically clipped in 80 patients. We retrospectively reviewed the records of these patients to analyze the clinical outcome.

RESULTS:

Of the 86 aneurysms, 68 (79%) were large or giant. Cranial base modification was required in 28 operations. Drilling of the anterior clinoid process was performed in 49 operations. The mean follow-up was 27.38 months. Of the 80 patients, 76 were assessable for clinical outcome. At the last follow-up, 5 patients had a Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) score of 1, 4 had a GOS score of 3, 10 had a GOS score of 4, and 57 had a GOS score of 5. Thus, the clinical outcome was good (GOS scores of 5 and 4) in the majority (88%) of patients. Of the 15 patients who presented with visual problems before surgery, 77% showed improvement after surgical clipping. The overall visual morbidity rate was 2.5%. Outcome assessment indicated that infarcts (P = .000), hydrocephalus (P = .001), and poor grade (P = .000) were significant negative predictors of outcome.

CONCLUSION:

Surgical clipping is an effective treatment for ophthalmic segment of the internal carotid artery aneurysms with excellent or good clinical outcome. Infarcts, hydrocephalus, and poor grade were significant negative predictors of outcome. Surgical clipping may facilitate improvement in vision by decompression of the visual apparatus.

Recurrent coital headache associated with an unruptured carotid saccular aneurysm

We report the case of a 48-year-old woman whose recurrent coital headache ceased following intracranial internal carotid artery aneurysm embolization.

Improvement of Chronic Headache After Treatment of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to determine the incidence, character, and outcome of headache in patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms who had been treated to avoid the risk of rupture.

BACKGROUND

There are a variety of clinical manifestations associated with unruptured intracranial aneurysms. Among them, chronic headache is the most common presenting and/or accompanying symptom.

METHODS

Among the 137 patients with unruptured aneurysms who had been treated, we collected 81 patients excluding 30 on the basis of inclusion criteria. Twenty-six patients were lost to follow-up. We collected data by medical record review and a telephone survey. Included in the information collected was the analysis of presenting symptom, location and size of each aneurysm, location, quality, intensity and duration of headaches, associated symptoms, triggering and alleviating factors, and precipitating events.

RESULTS

Forty-nine patients (60.5%) of 81 had chronic headaches before the diagnosis of unruptured intracranial aneurysm. Forty-four patients (89.8%) answered that their headaches were improved slightly (12 patients) or markedly (32 patients) (P <.05). The clinical pattern of the headache worsened in only 1 patient and did not change in 4 patients. When the surgical group (40 patients) and the coil embolization group (41 patients) were compared, there was no significant difference observed in outcome (P >.05).

CONCLUSION

Either by employing the technique of clipping or by coil embolization, treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms resulted in relief of headaches in majority of patients who had headaches pre-operatively.

Diagnostic testing for chronic daily headache

Primary chronic headaches of long duration include chronic migraine, chronic tension-type headache, new daily persistent headache, and hemicrania continua. This article reviews the utility of neuroimaging and other testing for diagnosis of these headaches. The presentation and diagnosis of the many secondary headaches that can mimic primary headache types are also discussed, including arteriovenous malformations, spontaneous intracranial hypotension, neoplasms, pseudotumor cerebri, cervical artery dissections, cerebral venous thrombosis, Chiari I malformation, and temporal arteritis. Although the yield of diagnostic testing is low, serious pathology as a cause of chronic headaches can be easily overlooked.