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Kollenburg L, Kurt E, Mulleners W, Abd-Elsayed A, Yazdi C, Schatman ME, Yong RJ, Cerda IH, Pappy A, Ashina S, Robinson CL, Dominguez M. Four Decades of Occipital Nerve Stimulation for Headache Disorders: A Systematic Review. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2024:10.1007/s11916-024-01271-1. [PMID: 38907793 DOI: 10.1007/s11916-024-01271-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Chronic headaches are a significant source of disability worldwide. Despite the development of conventional strategies, a subset of patients remain refractory and/or experience side effects following these treatments. Hence, occipital nerve stimulation (ONS) should be considered as an alternative strategy for intractable chronic headaches. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the effectiveness, safety, mechanisms and practical application of ONS for the treatment of headache disorders. RECENT FINDINGS Overall response rate of ONS is 35.7-100%, 17-100%, and 63-100% in patients with cluster headache, chronic migraine and occipital neuralgia respectively. Regarding the long-term effectivity in all groups, 41.6-88.0% of patients remain responders after ≥ 18.3 months. The most frequently reported adverse events include lead migration/fracture (13%) and local pain (7.3%). Based on our results, ONS can be considered a safe and effective treatment for chronic intractable headache disorders. To support more widespread application of ONS, additional research with larger sample sizes should be conducted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Kollenburg
- Department of Neurosurgery, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Erkan Kurt
- Department of Neurosurgery, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Pain & Palliative Care, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Wim Mulleners
- Department of Pain & Palliative Care, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Alaa Abd-Elsayed
- School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Cyrus Yazdi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael E Schatman
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Care, and Pain Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Population Health-Division of Medical Ethics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - R Jason Yong
- Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ivo H Cerda
- Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Adlai Pappy
- Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sait Ashina
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christopher Louis Robinson
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Moises Dominguez
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York Presbyterian Hospital, 520 E 70th St, New York, NY, 10021, USA.
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Kurt E, Kollenburg L, van Dongen R, Volkers R, Mulleners W, Vinke S. The Untold Story of Occipital Nerve Stimulation in Patients With Cluster Headache: Surgical Technique in Relation to Clinical Efficacy. Neuromodulation 2024; 27:22-35. [PMID: 38032594 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurom.2023.10.005] [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] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Approximately one in every 1000 adults experiences cluster headache (CH). Although occipital nerve stimulation (ONS) appears encouraging in treatment for most patients with refractory CH, some patients do not reach adequate pain relief with ONS. A reason for failure of ONS might be anatomical variations and different surgical approaches. Therefore, an extensive literature analysis was performed, and cadaveric experimentation was combined with our clinical experience to provide a standardized proposal for ONS and obtain optimal management of patients with refractory CH. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data from 36 articles published between 1998 and 2023 were analyzed to retrieve information on the anatomical landmarks and surgical technique of ONS. For the cadaveric experimentation (N = 1), two electrodes were inserted from the region over the foramen magnum and projected toward the lower third of the mastoid process. RESULTS The existence of multiple approaches of ONS has been confirmed by the present analysis. Discrepancies have been found in the anatomical locations and corresponding landmarks of the greater and lesser occipital nerve. The surgical approaches differed in patient positioning, electrode placement, and imaging techniques, with an overall efficacy range of 35.7% to 90%. CONCLUSIONS Reports on the surgical approach of ONS remain contradictory, hence emphasizing the need for standardization. Only if all implanting physicians perform the ONS surgery using a standardized protocol, can future data be combined and outcomes compared and analyzed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erkan Kurt
- Department of Neurosurgery, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Department of Anaesthesiology, Pain and Palliative Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Linda Kollenburg
- Department of Neurosurgery, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Robert van Dongen
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Pain and Palliative Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ruben Volkers
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Pain and Palliative Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Wim Mulleners
- Department of Neurology, Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Saman Vinke
- Department of Neurosurgery, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Balossier A, Donnet A, Régis J, Leplus A, Lantéri-Minet M, Fontaine D. Occipital Nerve Stimulation for Recurrent Trigeminal Neuralgia Without Occipital Pain. Neuromodulation 2023; 26:1795-1801. [PMID: 35688701 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurom.2022.03.012] [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] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a severe, debilitating pain condition causing physical and emotional distress. Although the management of TN is well codified with medical and then surgical treatments, 15% to 30% of patients will experience intractable pain. Neuromodulation techniques have been scarcely used for refractory TN, with only small case series and short-term follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a retrospective study of patients treated with occipital nerve stimulation (ONS) for medically and surgically resistant TN without painful trigeminal neuropathy. The effectiveness of the ONS was evaluated using the Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) pain score and the pain relief (0%-100%) at best and at last follow-up. RESULTS Seven patients who have refractory TN were included. The mean age at ONS was 49 years. The mean pain duration was 8.6 years. The mean number of medical and surgical treatments before ONS was six and five, respectively. A percutaneous trial was performed in five of seven patients; all responded (pain relief > 40%), and four of five patients experienced pain recurrence after explantation. Eventually, six patients had a permanent ONS implantation. The average BNI pain score before implantation was V. The mean follow-up after implantation was 59 months. All patients reported an improvement after implantation. The average BNI score and mean pain relief at best were IIIa and 86.7%, respectively. At last follow-up, the average BNI score and mean pain relief were IIIa and 58.0%, respectively, with three patients experiencing pain recurrence. Adverse events were reported for four patients who required surgical revision for lead breakage (1), erosion (1), migration (1), or hardware-related discomfort (1). One patient finally underwent explantation because of infection. CONCLUSIONS Although ONS is not validated in this indication, these results suggest that it can induce an improvement in TN recurring after several surgical treatments, and the benefit of the stimulation can be sustained in the long term. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION The Clinicaltrials.gov registration number for the study is NCT01842763.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Balossier
- Department of Functional and Stereotactic Neurosurgery, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Timone Hospital, Marseille, France; Institut Neurosciences des Systèmes, Aix-Marseille University, Institut National De La Santé Et De La Recherche Médicale, Marseille, France.
| | - Anne Donnet
- Pain Clinic, Timone Hospital, Marseille, France; Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire INOVPAIN, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, Côte d'Azur University, Nice, France
| | - Jean Régis
- Department of Functional and Stereotactic Neurosurgery, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Timone Hospital, Marseille, France; Institut Neurosciences des Systèmes, Aix-Marseille University, Institut National De La Santé Et De La Recherche Médicale, Marseille, France
| | - Aurélie Leplus
- Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire INOVPAIN, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, Côte d'Azur University, Nice, France; Department of Neurosurgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Michel Lantéri-Minet
- Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire INOVPAIN, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, Côte d'Azur University, Nice, France; Institut National De La Santé Et De La Recherche Médicale, Auvergne University, Clermont-Ferrand, France; Pain Department, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, Côte d'Azur University, Nice, France
| | - Denys Fontaine
- Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire INOVPAIN, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, Côte d'Azur University, Nice, France; Department of Neurosurgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
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Brandt RB, Wilbrink LA, de Coo IF, Haan J, Mulleners WM, Huygen FJPM, van Zwet EW, Ferrari MD, Fronczek R. A prospective open label 2-8 year extension of the randomised controlled ICON trial on the long-term efficacy and safety of occipital nerve stimulation in medically intractable chronic cluster headache. EBioMedicine 2023; 98:104895. [PMID: 38007947 PMCID: PMC10755111 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We demonstrated in the randomised controlled ICON study that 48-week treatment of medically intractable chronic cluster headache (MICCH) with occipital nerve stimulation (ONS) is safe and effective. In L-ICON we prospectively evaluate its long-term effectiveness and safety. METHODS ICON participants were enrolled in L-ICON immediately after completing ICON. Therefore, earlier ICON participants could be followed longer than later ones. L-ICON inclusion was stopped after the last ICON participant was enrolled in L-ICON and followed for ≥2 years by completing six-monthly questionnaires on attack frequency, side effects, subjective improvement and whether they would recommend ONS to others. Primary outcome was the change in mean weekly attack frequency 2 years after completion of the ICON study compared to baseline. Missing values for log-transformed attack-frequency were imputed for up to 5 years of follow-up. Descriptive analyses are presented as (pooled) geometric or arithmetic means and 95% confidence intervals. FINDINGS Of 103 eligible participants, 88 (85%) gave informed consent and 73 (83%) were followed for ≥2 year, 61 (69%) ≥ 3 year, 33 (38%) ≥ 5 years and 3 (3%) ≥ 8.5 years. Mean (±SD) follow-up was 4.2 ± 2.2 years for a total of 370 person years (84% of potentially 442 years). The pooled geometric mean (95% CI) weekly attack frequency remained considerably lower after one (4.2; 2.8-6.3), two (5.1; 3.5-7.6) and five years (4.1; 3.0-5.5) compared to baseline (16.2; 14.4-18.3). Of the 49/88 (56%) ICON ≥50% responders, 35/49 (71%) retained this response and 15/39 (38%) ICON non-responders still became a ≥50% responder for at least half the follow-up period. Most participants (69/88; 78% [0.68-0.86]) reported a subjective improvement from baseline at last follow-up and 70/88 (81% [0.70-0.87]) would recommend ONS to others. Hardware-related surgery was required in 44/88 (50%) participants in 112/122 (92%) events (0.35 person-year-1 [0.28-0.41]). We didn't find predictive factors for effectiveness. INTERPRETATION ONS is a safe, well-tolerated and long-term effective treatment for MICCH. FUNDING The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research, the Dutch Ministry of Health, the NutsOhra Foundation from the Dutch Health Insurance Companies, and Medtronic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roemer B Brandt
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | | | - Ilse F de Coo
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Treant, Emmen, the Netherlands
| | - Joost Haan
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; Department of Neurology, Alrijne Hospital, Alphen a/d Rijn, the Netherlands
| | - Wim M Mulleners
- Department of Neurology, Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Erik W van Zwet
- Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Michel D Ferrari
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Rolf Fronczek
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
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Shlobin NA, Wu C. Current Neurostimulation Therapies for Chronic Pain Conditions. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2023; 27:719-728. [PMID: 37728863 DOI: 10.1007/s11916-023-01168-5] [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] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Neurostimulation treatment options have become more commonly used for chronic pain conditions refractory to these options. In this review, we characterize current neurostimulation therapies for chronic pain conditions and provide an analysis of their effectiveness and clinical adoption. This manuscript will inform clinicians of treatment options for chronic pain. RECENT FINDINGS Non-invasive neurostimulation includes transcranial direct current stimulation and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, while more invasive options include spinal cord stimulation (SCS), peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS), dorsal root ganglion stimulation, motor cortex stimulation, and deep brain stimulation. Developments in transcranial direct current stimulation, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, spinal cord stimulation, and peripheral nerve stimulation render these modalities most promising for the alleviating chronic pain. Neurostimulation for chronic pain involves non-invasive and invasive modalities with varying efficacy. Well-designed randomized controlled trials are required to delineate the outcomes of neurostimulatory modalities more precisely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan A Shlobin
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Chengyuan Wu
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals, 909 Walnut Street, Floor 2, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA.
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Fogh-Andersen IS, Sørensen JCH, Petersen AS, Jensen RH, Meier K. The HortONS study. Treatment of chronic cluster headache with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and occipital nerve stimulation: study protocol for a prospective, investigator-initiated, double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. BMC Neurol 2023; 23:379. [PMID: 37865755 PMCID: PMC10590038 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-023-03435-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic cluster headache (CCH) is a debilitating primary headache disorder. Occipital nerve stimulation (ONS) has shown the potential to reduce attack frequency, but the occipital paresthesia evoked by conventional (tonic) stimulation challenges a blinded comparison of active stimulation and placebo. Burst ONS offers paresthesia-free stimulation, enabling a blinded, placebo-controlled study. Identification of a feasible preoperative test would help select the best candidates for implantation. This study aims to explore ONS as a preventive treatment for CCH, comparing burst stimulation to tonic stimulation and placebo, and possibly identifying a potential preoperative predictor. METHODS An investigator-initiated, double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial is conducted, including 40 patients with CCH. Eligible patients complete a trial with the following elements: I) four weeks of baseline observation, II) 12 weeks of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) of the occipital nerves, III) implantation of a full ONS system followed by 2 week grace period, IV) 12 weeks of blinded trial with 1:1 randomization to either placebo (deactivated ONS system) or burst (paresthesia-free) stimulation, and V) 12 weeks of tonic stimulation. The primary outcomes are the reduction in headache attack frequency with TENS and ONS and treatment safety. Secondary outcomes are treatment efficacy of burst versus tonic ONS, the feasibility of TENS as a predictor for ONS outcome, reduction in headache pain intensity (numeric rating scale), reduction in background headache, the patient's impression of change (PGIC), health-related quality of life (EuroQoL-5D), self-reported sleep quality, and symptoms of anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, HADS). Data on headache attack characteristics are registered weekly. Data on patient-reported outcomes are assessed after each trial phase. DISCUSSION The study design allows a comparison between burst ONS and placebo in refractory CCH and enables a comparison of the efficacy of burst and tonic ONS. It will provide information about the effect of burst ONS and explore whether the addition of this stimulation paradigm may improve stimulation protocols. TENS is evaluated as a feasible preoperative screening tool for ONS outcomes by comparing the effect of attack prevention of TENS and tonic ONS. TRIAL REGISTRATION The study is registered at Clinicaltrials.gov (trial registration number NCT05023460, registration date 07-27-2023).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida Stisen Fogh-Andersen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 165J, 8200, Aarhus, Denmark.
- Center for Experimental Neuroscience (CENSE), Institute of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Jens Christian Hedemann Sørensen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 165J, 8200, Aarhus, Denmark
- Center for Experimental Neuroscience (CENSE), Institute of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Rigmor Højland Jensen
- Danish Headache Centre, Rigshospitalet-Glostrup, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kaare Meier
- Department of Neurosurgery, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 165J, 8200, Aarhus, Denmark
- Center for Experimental Neuroscience (CENSE), Institute of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Anesthesiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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Veilleux C, Khousakoun D, Kwon CS, Amoozegar F, Girgis F. Efficacy of Occipital Nerve Stimulation in Trigeminal Autonomic Cephalalgias: A Systematic Review. Neurosurgery 2023; 93:755-763. [PMID: 37712710 DOI: 10.1227/neu.0000000000002490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias (TACs) are a group of highly disabling primary headache disorders. Although pharmacological treatments exist, they are not always effective or well tolerated. Occipital nerve stimulation (ONS) is a potentially effective surgical treatment. OBJECTIVE To perform a systematic review of the efficacy of ONS in treating TACs. METHODS A systematic review was performed using Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases. Primary outcomes were reduction in headache intensity, duration, and frequency. Secondary outcomes included adverse event rate and reduction in medication use. Because of large differences in outcome measures, data for patients suffering from short-lasting, unilateral, and neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT) and cranial autonomic symptoms (SUNA) were reported separately. Risk of bias was assessed using the NIH Quality Assessment Tools. RESULTS A total of 417 patients from 14 published papers were included in the analysis, of which 15 patients were in the SUNCT/SUNA cohort. The mean reduction in headache intensity and duration was 26.2% and 31.4%, respectively. There was a mean reduction in headache frequency of 50%, as well as a 61.2% reduction in the use of abortive medications and a 31.1% reduction in the use of prophylactic medications. In the SUNCT/SUNA cohort, the mean decrease in headache intensity and duration was 56.8% and 42.8%. The overall responder rate, defined as a >50% reduction in attack frequency, was 60.8% for the non-SUNCT/non-SUNA cohort and 66.7% for the SUNCT/SUNA cohort. Adverse events requiring repeat surgery were reported in 33% of cases. Risk of bias assessment suggests that articles included in this review had reasonable internal validity. CONCLUSION ONS may be an effective surgical treatment for approximately two thirds of patients with medically refractory TACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Veilleux
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Division of Neurosurgery, University of Calgary, Calgary , Alberta , Canada
| | - Devon Khousakoun
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Division of Neurosurgery, University of Calgary, Calgary , Alberta , Canada
| | - Churl-Su Kwon
- Departments of Neurology, Epidemiology, Neurosurgery and the Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, Columbia University, New York , New York , USA
| | - Farnaz Amoozegar
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Division of Neurology, University of Calgary, Calgary , Alberta , Canada
| | - Fady Girgis
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Division of Neurosurgery, University of Calgary, Calgary , Alberta , Canada
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Lund NLT, Petersen AS, Fronczek R, Tfelt-Hansen J, Belin AC, Meisingset T, Tronvik E, Steinberg A, Gaul C, Jensen RH. Current treatment options for cluster headache: limitations and the unmet need for better and specific treatments-a consensus article. J Headache Pain 2023; 24:121. [PMID: 37667192 PMCID: PMC10476341 DOI: 10.1186/s10194-023-01660-8] [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] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM Treatment for cluster headache is currently based on a trial-and-error approach. The available preventive treatment is unspecific and based on few and small studies not adhering to modern standards. Therefore, the authors collaborated to discuss acute and preventive treatment in cluster headache, addressing the unmet need of safe and tolerable preventive medication from the perspectives of people with cluster headache and society, headache specialist and cardiologist. FINDINGS The impact of cluster headache on personal life is substantial. Mean annual direct and indirect costs of cluster headache are more than 11,000 Euros per patient. For acute treatment, the main problems are treatment response, availability, costs and, for triptans, contraindications and the maximum use allowed. Intermediate treatment with steroids and greater occipital nerve blocks are effective but cannot be used continuously. Preventive treatment is sparsely studied and overall limited by relatively low efficacy and side effects. Neurostimulation is a relevant option for treatment-refractory chronic patients. From a cardiologist's perspective use of verapamil and triptans may be worrisome and regular follow-up is essential when using verapamil and lithium. CONCLUSION We find that there is a great and unmet need to pursue novel and targeted preventive modalities to suppress the horrific pain attacks for people with cluster headache.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nunu Laura Timotheussen Lund
- Danish Headache Center, Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet-Glostrup, Valdemar Hansens Vej 5, 2600, Glostrup, Denmark.
- Department of Neurology, Sjællands Universitetshospital Roskilde, Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Anja Sofie Petersen
- Danish Headache Center, Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet-Glostrup, Valdemar Hansens Vej 5, 2600, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Rolf Fronczek
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederlands (SEIN), Sleep-Wake Centre, Heemstede, The Netherlands
| | - Jacob Tfelt-Hansen
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Andrea Carmine Belin
- Centre for Cluster Headache, Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tore Meisingset
- Norwegian Advisory Unit On Headaches, St. Olav University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
- NorHEAD, Norwegian Headache Research Centre, NTNU, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Erling Tronvik
- Norwegian Advisory Unit On Headaches, St. Olav University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
- NorHEAD, Norwegian Headache Research Centre, NTNU, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Anna Steinberg
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Charly Gaul
- Charly Gaul, Headache Center, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Rigmor Højland Jensen
- Danish Headache Center, Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet-Glostrup, Valdemar Hansens Vej 5, 2600, Glostrup, Denmark
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Fogh-Andersen IS, Sørensen JCH, Jensen RH, Knudsen AL, Meier K. Treatment of chronic cluster headache with burst and tonic occipital nerve stimulation: A case series. Headache 2023; 63:1145-1153. [PMID: 37602914 DOI: 10.1111/head.14617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES AND BACKGROUND Chronic cluster headache (CCH) is a rare but severely debilitating primary headache condition. A growing amount of evidence suggests that occipital nerve stimulation (ONS) can offer effective treatment in patients with severe CCH for whom conventional medical therapy does not have a sufficient effect. The paresthesia evoked by conventional (tonic) stimulation can be bothersome and may thus limit therapy. Burst ONS produces paresthesia-free stimulation, but the amount of evidence on the efficacy of burst ONS as a treatment for intractable CCH is scarce. METHODS In this case series, we report 15 patients with CCH treated with ONS at Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark, from 2013 to 2020. Nine of these received burst stimulation either as primary treatment or as a supplement to tonic stimulation. The results were assessed in terms of the frequency of headache attacks per week and their intensity on the Numeric Rating Scale, as well as the Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) with ONS treatment. RESULTS At a median (range) follow-up of 38 (16-96) months, 12 of the 15 patients (80%) reported a reduction in attack frequency of ≥50% (a reduction from a median of 35 to 1 attack/week, p < 0.001). Seven of these patients were treated with burst ONS. A significant reduction was also seen in maximum pain intensity. Overall, 10 patients stated a clinically important improvement in their headache condition following ONS treatment, rated on the PGIC scale. A total of 16 adverse events (nine of which were in the same patient) were registered. CONCLUSION Occipital nerve stimulation significantly reduced the number of weekly headache attacks and their intensity. Burst ONS seems to function well alone or as a supplement to conventional tonic ONS as a preventive treatment for CCH; however, larger prospective studies are needed to determine whether the effect can be confirmed and whether the efficacy of the two stimulation paradigms is even.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida Stisen Fogh-Andersen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Center for Experimental Neuroscience (CENSE), Institute of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jens Christian Hedemann Sørensen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Center for Experimental Neuroscience (CENSE), Institute of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Rigmor Højland Jensen
- Danish Headache Centre, Righospitalet-Glostrup, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne Lene Knudsen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Kaare Meier
- Department of Neurosurgery, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Center for Experimental Neuroscience (CENSE), Institute of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Anesthesiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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10
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Wang Z, Yang X, Zhao B, Li W. Primary headache disorders: From pathophysiology to neurostimulation therapies. Heliyon 2023; 9:e14786. [PMID: 37077680 PMCID: PMC10106918 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary headache disorders including migraine, cluster headache, and tension-type headache are among the most common disabling diseases worldwide. The unclear pathogenesis of primary headache disorders has led to high rates of misdiagnosis and limited available treatment options. In this review, we have summarized the pathophysiological factors for a better understanding of primary headache disorders. Advances in functional neuroimaging, genetics, neurophysiology have indicated that cortical hyperexcitability, regional brain dysfunction, central sensitization and neuroplasticity changes play vital roles in the development of primary headache disorders. Moreover, we have also discussed a series of neurostimulation approaches with their stimulation mechanism, safety and efficacy for prevention and treatment of primary headache disorders. Noninvasive or implantable neurostimulation techniques show great promise for treating refractory primary headache disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziying Wang
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, And Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- WLA Laboratories, World Laureates Association, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangyu Yang
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, And Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- WLA Laboratories, World Laureates Association, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Binglei Zhao
- Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weidong Li
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, And Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- WLA Laboratories, World Laureates Association, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Global Institute of Future Technology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Corresponding author. Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
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11
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Diener HC, Tassorelli C, Dodick DW. Management of Trigeminal Autonomic Cephalalgias Including Chronic Cluster: A Review. JAMA Neurol 2023; 80:308-319. [PMID: 36648786 DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2022.4804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Importance Trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias (TACs) comprise a unique collection of primary headache disorders characterized by moderate or severe unilateral pain, localized in in the area of distribution of the first branch of the trigeminal nerve, accompanied by cranial autonomic symptoms and signs. Most TACs are rare diseases, which hampers the possibility of performing randomized clinical trials and large studies. Therefore, knowledge of treatment efficacy must be based only on observational studies, rare disease registries, and case reports, where real-world data and evidence play an important role in health care decisions. Observations Chronic cluster headache is the most common of these disorders, and the literature offers some evidence from randomized clinical trials to support the use of pharmacologic and neurostimulation treatments. Galcanezumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting the calcitonin gene-related peptide, was not effective at 3 months in a randomized clinical trial but showed efficacy at 12 months in a large case series. For the other TACs (ie, paroxysmal hemicrania, hemicrania continua, short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing, and short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with cranial autonomic symptoms), only case reports and case series are available to guide physicians in everyday management. Conclusions and Relevance The accumulation of epidemiologic, pathophysiologic, natural history knowledge, and data from case series and small controlled trials, especially over the past 20 years from investigators around the world, has added to the previously limited evidence and has helped advance and inform the treatment approach to rare TACs, which can be extremely challenging for clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Christoph Diener
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology (IMIBE), Department of Neuroepidemiology, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Cristina Tassorelli
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Headache Science & Neurorehabilitation Centre, IRCCS C., Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - David W Dodick
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Arizona
- Atria Institute, New York, New York
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12
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Dominguez Garcia MM, Abejon Gonzalez D, de Diego Gamarra JM, Cánovas Martinez ML, Balboa Díaz M, Hadjigeorgiou I. Symptoms and pathophysiology of cluster headache. Approach to combined occipital and supraorbital neurostimulation. REVISTA ESPANOLA DE ANESTESIOLOGIA Y REANIMACION 2023; 70:83-96. [PMID: 36822404 DOI: 10.1016/j.redare.2021.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Cluster headache (CH) is included under section 3 - Trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias (TAC) of the International Headache Society (IHS) classification. It is one of the most frequent, painful and disabling primary headaches. Acute and preventive pharmacological treatments are often poorly tolerated and of limited effectiveness. Due to improved understanding of the pathophysiology of CH, neuromodulation devices are now considered safe and effective options for preventive and acute treatment of CH. In this paper, we review the information available to date, and present the case of a patient with disabling cluster headache highly resistant to medical treatment who underwent implantation of a peripheral nerve neurostimulation system to stimulate the supraorbital nerves (SON) and greater occipital nerve (GON) in our Pain Unit. We also review the diagnostic criteria for CH, the state of the knowledge on the pathophysiology of CH, and the role played by neuromodulation in treating this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M Dominguez Garcia
- Hospital Doctor José Molina Orosa de Lanzarote: Hospital Doctor José Molina Orosa Arrecife, Las Palmas, Spain.
| | - D Abejon Gonzalez
- Hospital Doctor José Molina Orosa de Lanzarote: Hospital Doctor José Molina Orosa Arrecife, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - J M de Diego Gamarra
- Hospital Doctor José Molina Orosa de Lanzarote: Hospital Doctor José Molina Orosa Arrecife, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - M L Cánovas Martinez
- Hospital Doctor José Molina Orosa de Lanzarote: Hospital Doctor José Molina Orosa Arrecife, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - M Balboa Díaz
- Hospital Doctor José Molina Orosa de Lanzarote: Hospital Doctor José Molina Orosa Arrecife, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - I Hadjigeorgiou
- Hospital Doctor José Molina Orosa de Lanzarote: Hospital Doctor José Molina Orosa Arrecife, Las Palmas, Spain
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13
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Membrilla JA, Roa J, Díaz-de-Terán J. Preventive treatment of refractory chronic cluster headache: systematic review and meta-analysis. J Neurol 2023; 270:689-710. [PMID: 36310189 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-022-11436-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preventive treatment for refractory chronic cluster headache (rCCH) is challenging and many therapies have been tried. OBJECTIVE To study what could be considered the therapy of choice in rCCH through a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS This review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (ID CRD42021290983). A systematic search was performed in MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, clinicaltrials.gov, and the WHO's-International-Clinical-Trials-Registry-Platform. Studies on the preventive treatment for rCCH as defined by the European Headache Federation consensus statement were included. A meta-analysis of the pooled response rate was conducted for the different therapies. RESULTS Of 336 results, 45 were eligible for inclusion. Most articles studied the effect of neuromodulation as a preventive treatment for rCCH. The most studied neuromodulation technique was occipital nerve stimulation (ONS), with a pooled response rate in the meta-analysis of 57.3% (95% CI 0.481-0.665). Deep brain stimulation (DBS) was the second most studied treatment with a pooled response rate of 77.0% (95% CI 0.594-0.957). DBS results were more heterogeneous than ONS, which could be related to the different stimulation targets in DBS studies, and reported more serious adverse events than in ONS studies. The remaining therapies (anti-CGRP pathway drugs, warfarin, ketamine-magnesium infusions, serial occipital nerve blocks, clomiphene, onabotulinum toxin A, ketogenic diet, sphenopalatine ganglion radiofrequency or stimulation, vagus nerve stimulation, percutaneous bioelectric current stimulation, upper cervical cord stimulation, and vidian neurectomy) present weaker results or have less quality of evidence. CONCLUSIONS The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that ONS could be the first therapeutic strategy for patients with rCCH based on the current evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier A Membrilla
- Neurology Department, "La Paz" University Hospital, P.º de la Castellana 261, 28046, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Javier Roa
- Neurology Department, "La Paz" University Hospital, P.º de la Castellana 261, 28046, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Díaz-de-Terán
- Neurology Department, "La Paz" University Hospital, P.º de la Castellana 261, 28046, Madrid, Spain
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14
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Montenegro MM, Kissoon NR. Long term outcomes of occipital nerve stimulation. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2023; 4:1054764. [PMID: 37021077 PMCID: PMC10067723 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2023.1054764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Occipital nerve stimulation (ONS) has been investigated as a potential treatment for disabling headaches and has shown promise for disorders such as chronic migraine and cluster headache. Long term outcomes stratified by headache subtype have had limited exploration, and literature on outcomes of this neuromodulatory intervention spanning 2 or more years is scarce. Measures We performed a narrative review on long term outcomes with ONS for treatment of headache disorders. We surveyed the available literature for studies that have outcomes for 24 months or greater to see if there is a habituation in response over time. Review of the literature revealed evidence in treatment of occipital neuralgia, chronic migraine, cluster headache, cervicogenic headache, short lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks (SUNHA) and paroxysmal hemicrania. While the term "response" varied per individual study, a total of 17 studies showed outcomes in ONS with long term sustained responses (as defined per this review) in the majority of patients with specific headache types 177/311 (56%). Only 7 studies in total (3 cluster, 1 occipital neuralgia, 1 cervicogenic headache, 1 SUNHA, 1 paroxysmal hemicrania) provided both short-term and long-term responses up to 24 months to ONS. In cluster headache, the majority of patients (64%) were long term responders (as defined per this review) and only a minority of patients 12/62 (19%) had loss of efficacy (e.g., habituation). There was a high number 313/439 (71%) of adverse events per total number of patients in the studies including lead migration, requirements of revision surgery, allergy to surgical materials, infection and intolerable paresthesias. Conclusions With the evidence available, the response to ONS was sustained in the majority of patients with cluster headache with low rates of loss of efficacy in this patient population. There was a high percent of adverse events per number of patients in long term follow-up and likely related to the off-label use of leads typically used for spinal cord stimulation. Further longitudinal assessments of outcomes in occipital nerve stimulation with devices labelled for use in peripheral nerve stimulation are needed to evaluate the extent of habituation to treatment in headache.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Narayan R. Kissoon
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
- Correspondence: Narayan R. Kissoon
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Abstract
Cluster headache, a primary headache disorder, consists of short (15-180 minutes), frequent (up to eight a day), unilateral attacks of facial pain with associated ipsilateral autonomic features and restlessness. The attacks are suspected to be one of the most painful human experiences, and the disorder is associated with a high rate of suicidal ideation. Proper diagnosis is key, as some of the most effective treatments, such as high flow oxygen gas, are rarely used in other headache disorders. Yet diagnostic delay is typically years for this disorder, as it is often confused with migraine and trigeminal neuralgia, and secondary causes may be overlooked. This review covers the clinical, pathophysiologic, and therapeutic features of cluster headache. Recent updates in diagnosis include the redefinition of chronic cluster headache (remission periods lasting less than three months instead of the previous one month), and recent advances in management include new treatments for episodic cluster headache (galcanezumab and non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation).
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuelle A D Schindler
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Veterans Health Administration Headache Center of Excellence, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT
| | - Mark J Burish
- Department of Neurosurgery, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
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16
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Coppola G, Magis D, Casillo F, Sebastianelli G, Abagnale C, Cioffi E, Di Lenola D, Di Lorenzo C, Serrao M. Neuromodulation for Chronic Daily Headache. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2022; 26:267-278. [PMID: 35129825 PMCID: PMC8927000 DOI: 10.1007/s11916-022-01025-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review We reviewed the literature that explored the use of central and peripheral neuromodulation techniques for chronic daily headache (CDH) treatment. Recent Findings Although the more invasive deep brain stimulation (DBS) is effective in chronic cluster headache (CCH), it should be reserved for extremely difficult-to-treat patients. Percutaneous occipital nerve stimulation has shown similar efficacy to DBS and is less risky in both CCH and chronic migraine (CM). Non-invasive transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation is a promising add-on treatment for CCH but not for CM. Transcutaneous external trigeminal nerve stimulation may be effective in treating CM; however, it has not yet been tested for cluster headache. Transcranial magnetic and electric stimulations have promising preventive effects against CM and CCH. Summary Although the precise mode of action of non-invasive neuromodulation techniques remains largely unknown and there is a paucity of controlled trials, they should be preferred to more invasive techniques for treating CDH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Coppola
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome Polo Pontino, Latina, Italy.
| | - Delphine Magis
- Headache and Pain Multimodal Treatment Centre (CMTCD), Department of Neurology, Neuromodulation Centre, CHR East Belgium, Verviers, Belgium
| | - Francesco Casillo
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome Polo Pontino, Latina, Italy
| | - Gabriele Sebastianelli
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome Polo Pontino, Latina, Italy
| | - Chiara Abagnale
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome Polo Pontino, Latina, Italy
| | - Ettore Cioffi
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome Polo Pontino, Latina, Italy
| | - Davide Di Lenola
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome Polo Pontino, Latina, Italy
| | - Cherubino Di Lorenzo
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome Polo Pontino, Latina, Italy
| | - Mariano Serrao
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome Polo Pontino, Latina, Italy
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17
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW In this narrative review, the current literature on neurostimulation methods in the treatment of chronic cluster headache is evaluated. These neurostimulation methods include deep brain stimulation, vagus nerve stimulation, greater occipital nerve stimulation, sphenopalatine ganglion stimulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcranial direct current stimulation, supraorbital nerve stimulation, and cervical spinal cord stimulation. RECENT FINDINGS Altogether, only nVNS and SPG stimulation are supported by at least one positive sham-controlled clinical trial for preventive and acute attack (only SPG stimulation) treatment. Other clinical trials either did not control at all or controlled by differences in the stimulation technique itself but not by a sham-control. Case series report higher responder rates. The evidence for these neurostimulation methods in the treatment of chronic cluster headache is poor and in part contradictive. However, except deep brain stimulation, tolerability and safety of these methods are good so that in refractory situations application might be justified in individual cases.
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18
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Wilbrink LA, de Coo IF, Doesborg PGG, Mulleners WM, Teernstra OPM, Bartels EC, Burger K, Wille F, van Dongen RTM, Kurt E, Spincemaille GH, Haan J, van Zwet EW, Huygen FJPM, Ferrari MD. Safety and efficacy of occipital nerve stimulation for attack prevention in medically intractable chronic cluster headache (ICON): a randomised, double-blind, multicentre, phase 3, electrical dose-controlled trial. Lancet Neurol 2021; 20:515-525. [PMID: 34146510 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(21)00101-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Occipital nerve stimulation (ONS) has shown promising results in small uncontrolled trials in patients with medically intractable chronic cluster headache (MICCH). We aimed to establish whether ONS could serve as an effective treatment for patients with MICCH. METHODS The ONS in MICCH (ICON) study is an investigator-initiated, international, multicentre, randomised, double-blind, phase 3, electrical dose-controlled clinical trial. The study took place at four hospitals in the Netherlands, one hospital in Belgium, one in Germany, and one in Hungary. After 12 weeks' baseline observation, patients with MICCH, at least four attacks per week, and history of being non-responsive to at least three standard preventive drugs, were randomly allocated (at a 1:1 ratio using a computer-generated permuted block) to 24 weeks of occipital nerve stimulation at either 100% or 30% of the individually determined range between paraesthesia threshold and near-discomfort (double-blind study phase). Because ONS causes paraesthesia, preventing masked comparison versus placebo, we compared high-intensity versus low-intensity ONS, which are hypothesised to cause similar paraesthesia, but with different efficacy. In weeks 25-48, participants received individually optimised open-label ONS. The primary outcome was the weekly mean attack frequency in weeks 21-24 compared with baseline across all patients and, if a decrease was shown, to show a group-wise difference. The trial is closed to recruitment (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01151631). FINDINGS Patients were enrolled between Oct 12, 2010, and Dec 3, 2017. We enrolled 150 patients and randomly assigned 131 (87%) to treatment; 65 (50%) patients to 100% ONS and 66 (50%) to 30% ONS. One of the 66 patients assigned to 30% ONS was not implanted and was therefore excluded from the intention-to-treat analysis. Because the weekly mean attack frequencies at baseline were skewed (median 15·75; IQR 9·44 to 24·75) we used log transformation to analyse the data and medians to present the results. Median weekly mean attack frequencies in the total population decreased from baseline to 7·38 (2·50 to 18·50; p<0·0001) in weeks 21-24, a median change of -5·21 (-11·18 to -0·19; p<0·0001) attacks per week. In the 100% ONS stimulation group, mean attack frequency decreased from 17·58 (9·83 to 29·33) at baseline to 9·50 (3·00 to 21·25) at 21-24 weeks (median change from baseline -4·08, -11·92 to -0·25), and for the 30% ONS stimulation group, mean attack frequency decreased from 15·00 (9·25 to 22·33) to 6·75 (1·50 to 16·50; -6·50, -10·83 to -0·08). The difference in median weekly mean attack frequency between groups at the end of the masked phase in weeks 21-24 was -2·42 (95% CI -5·17 to 3·33). In the masked study phase, 129 adverse events occurred with 100% ONS and 95 occurred with 30% ONS. None of the adverse events was unexpected but 17 with 100% ONS and eight with 30% ONS were labelled as serious, given they required brief hospital admission for minor hardware-related issues. The most common adverse events were local pain, impaired wound healing, neck stiffness, and hardware damage. INTERPRETATION In patients with MICCH, both 100% ONS intensity and 30% ONS intensity substantially reduced attack frequency and were safe and well tolerated. Future research should focus on optimising stimulation protocols and disentangling the underlying mechanism of action. FUNDING The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research, the Dutch Ministry of Health, the NutsOhra Foundation from the Dutch Health Insurance Companies, and Medtronic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leopoldine A Wilbrink
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, Netherlands; Department of Neurology, Zuyderland Medical Centre, Heerlen, Netherlands
| | - Ilse F de Coo
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, Netherlands; Basalt Rehabilitation Centre, the Hague, Netherlands
| | - Patty G G Doesborg
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Wim M Mulleners
- Department of Neurology, Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Onno P M Teernstra
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Eveline C Bartels
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Katja Burger
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Alrijne Hospital, Leiderdorp, Netherlands
| | - Frank Wille
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Diakonessenhuis Hospital, Zeist, Netherlands
| | - Robert T M van Dongen
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Erkan Kurt
- Department of Neurosurgery, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Geert H Spincemaille
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Joost Haan
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, Netherlands; Department of Neurology, Alrijne Hospital, Leiderdorp, Netherlands
| | - Erik W van Zwet
- Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | - Michel D Ferrari
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, Netherlands.
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Fontaine D, Lanteri-Minet M. Occipital nerve stimulation for chronic cluster headache. Lancet Neurol 2021; 20:498-499. [PMID: 34146497 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(21)00163-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Denys Fontaine
- Department of Neurosurgery, CHU de Nice, Université Cote d'Azur, Nice, France; FHU INOVPAIN, CHU de Nice, Université Cote d'Azur, Nice, France.
| | - Michel Lanteri-Minet
- FHU INOVPAIN, CHU de Nice, Université Cote d'Azur, Nice, France; Pain Department, CHU de Nice, Université Cote d'Azur, Nice, France
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20
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Caiado Vencio R, Raffa PEAZ, Ponce ACC, Malamud BP, Pacheco CC, Franceschini PR, Medeiros RTR, de Aguiar PHP. An unusual case of lead migration in occipital nerve stimulation: A case report and literature review. Surg Neurol Int 2021; 12:189. [PMID: 34084617 PMCID: PMC8168692 DOI: 10.25259/sni_158_2021] [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] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Lead migration is a complication associated with occipital nerve stimulation (ONS). We present a rare case in which fibrosis in the stress relief loop caused lead migration in the treatment of occipital neuralgia. Case Description: A 30-year-old woman with a 5-year history of refractory occipital neuralgia, who had been under ONS therapy for 2 months, presented with a sudden onset of typical occipital neuralgia pain associated with cervical muscles spasms and myoclonus. A skull radiography showed lead migration. The patient underwent surgery for lead repositioning. During surgery, we identified extensive fibrosis throughout the stress relief loop that produced several constriction points. The fibrosis in the stress relief loop increased tension on the lead during head-and-neck movement, causing progressive migration of the lead. Conclusion: Although lead migration is a common complication of ONS, its association with fibrosis in the stress relief loop has not, to the best of our knowledge, been reported before. Lead migration can directly affect treatment outcome and it is, therefore, important to fully understand the possible mechanisms that can cause it and how to promptly manage them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Caiado Vencio
- Department of Medicine, Graduation Medicine, Pontifical Catholic University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | | | - André Costa Corral Ponce
- Department of Medicine, Graduation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine of ABC, Santo André, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bruno Pricoli Malamud
- Department of Medicine, Graduation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine of ABC, Santo André, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Paulo Roberto Franceschini
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University of Caxias do Sul, Caxias do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | | | - Paulo Henrique Pires de Aguiar
- Department of Neurosurgery, Santa Paula Hospital, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Neurology, Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil, Brazil.,Department of Research and Innovation, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine of ABC, Santo André, São Paulo, Brazil
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21
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Bulsei J, Leplus A, Donnet A, Regis J, Lucas C, Buisset N, Raoul S, Guegan-Massardier E, Derrey S, Jarraya B, Valade D, Roos C, Creach C, Chabardes S, Giraud P, Voirin J, Colnat-Coulbois S, Caire F, Rigoard P, Fontas E, Lanteri-Minet M, Fontaine D. Occipital Nerve Stimulation for Refractory Chronic Cluster Headache: A Cost-Effectiveness Study. Neuromodulation 2021; 24:1083-1092. [PMID: 33886139 DOI: 10.1111/ner.13394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Occipital nerve stimulation (ONS) is proposed to treat refractory chronic cluster headache (rCCH), but its cost-effectiveness has not been evaluated, limiting its diffusion and reimbursement. MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed a before-and-after economic study, from data collected prospectively in a nation-wide registry. We compared the cost-effectiveness of ONS associated with conventional treatment (intervention and postintervention period) to conventional treatment alone (preintervention period) in the same patients. The analysis was conducted on 76 rCCH patients from the French healthcare perspective at three months, then one year by extrapolation. Because of the impact of the disease on patient activity, indirect cost, such as sick leave and disability leave, was assessed second. RESULTS The average total cost for three months was €7602 higher for the ONS strategy compared to conventional strategy with a gain of 0.07 quality-adjusted life-years (QALY), the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was then €109,676/QALY gained. The average extrapolated total cost for one year was €1344 lower for the ONS strategy (p = 0.5444) with a gain of 0.28 QALY (p < 0.0001), the ICER was then €-4846/QALY gained. The scatter plot of the probabilistic bootstrapping had 80% of the replications in the bottom right-hand quadrant, indicating that the ONS strategy is dominant. The average indirect cost for three months was €377 lower for the ONS strategy (p = 0.1261). DISCUSSION This ONS cost-effectiveness study highlighted the limitations of a short-time horizon in an economic study that may lead the healthcare authorities to reject an innovative strategy, which is actually cost-effective. One-year extrapolation was the proposed solution to obtain results on which healthcare authorities can base their decisions. CONCLUSION Considering the burden of rCCH and the efficacy and safety of ONS, the demonstration that ONS is dominant should help its diffusion, validation, and reimbursement by health authorities in this severely disabled population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Bulsei
- Delegation of Clinical Research, CHU de Nice, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Aurélie Leplus
- Department of Neurosurgery, Université Côte d'Azur, CHU de Nice, Nice, France.,Université Côte d'Azur, CHU de Nice, FHU INOVPAIN, Nice, France.,UR2CA, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Anne Donnet
- Université Côte d'Azur, CHU de Nice, FHU INOVPAIN, Nice, France.,Pain Clinic, Hopital La Timone, Marseille, France
| | - Jean Regis
- Department of Functional Neurosurgery, Aix-Marseille University, Hopital La Timone, Marseille, France
| | | | - Nadia Buisset
- Department of Neurosurgery, CHU de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Sylvie Raoul
- Department of Neurosurgery, CHU de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | | | | | - Bechir Jarraya
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hopital Foch, Suresnes, France.,Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin en Yvelines/Université Paris-Saclay, Versailles, France
| | - Dominique Valade
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hopital Pitié-Sapêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Caroline Roos
- Emergency Headache Centre, Hopital Lariboisière, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Pierric Giraud
- Department of Neurology, Hopital d'Annecy, Annecy, France
| | - Jimmy Voirin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hopitaux Civils de Colmar, Colmar, France
| | | | - Francois Caire
- Department of Neurosurgery, CHU de Limoges, Limoges, France
| | | | - Eric Fontas
- Delegation of Clinical Research, CHU de Nice, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Michel Lanteri-Minet
- Université Côte d'Azur, CHU de Nice, FHU INOVPAIN, Nice, France.,UR2CA, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France.,Pain Department, Université Cote d'Azur, CHU de Nice, Nice, France.,INSERM/UdA, U1107, Neuro-Dol, Auvergne University, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Denys Fontaine
- Department of Neurosurgery, Université Côte d'Azur, CHU de Nice, Nice, France.,Université Côte d'Azur, CHU de Nice, FHU INOVPAIN, Nice, France.,UR2CA, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
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22
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Díaz-de-Terán J, Membrilla JA, Paz-Solís J, de Lorenzo I, Roa J, Lara-Lara M, Gil-Martínez A, Díez-Tejedor E. Occipital Nerve Stimulation for Pain Modulation in Drug-Resistant Chronic Cluster Headache. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11020236. [PMID: 33668570 PMCID: PMC7918621 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11020236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Occipital nerve stimulation (ONS) is a surgical treatment proposed for drug-resistant chronic cluster headache (drCCH). Long-term series assessing its efficacy are scarce. We designed a retrospective observational study with consecutive sampling, evaluating the follow-up of 17 drCCH patients who underwent ONS. Our main endpoint was the reduction the rate of attacks per week. We also evaluated the pain intensity through the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), patient overall perceived improvement and decrease in oral medication intake. After a median follow-up of 6.0 years (4.5–9.0), patients decreased from a median of 30 weekly attacks to 22.5 (5.6–37.5, p = 0.012), 7.5 at 1 year (p = 0.006) and 15.0 at the end of follow-up (p = 0.041). The VAS decreased from a median of 10.0 to 8.0 (p = 0.011) at three months, to 7.0 (p = 0.008) at twelve months and 7.0 (p = 0.003) at the end of the follow-up. A total of 23.5% had an overall perceived improvement of ≥70% at 3 months, 41.2% at 1 year and 27.8% at the end of follow-up. Reducing prophylactic oral medication was possible in 76.5% and it was stopped in 17.7%. Triptan use decreased in all the responder patients and 17.7% stopped its intake. A total of 41.2% presented mild adverse events. In conclusion, our long-term experience suggests that ONS could be an interesting option for drCCH-selected patients, as it is a beneficial and minimally invasive procedure with no serious adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Díaz-de-Terán
- Neurology Department, University Hospital La Paz, 28046 Madrid, Spain; (J.D.-d.-T.); (J.A.M.); (I.d.L.); (J.R.); (M.L.-L.); (E.D.-T.)
- CranioSPain Research Group, Departamento de Fisioterapia, Centro Superior de Estudios Universitarios La Salle (UAM), La Salle Campus Madrid, 28023 Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier A. Membrilla
- Neurology Department, University Hospital La Paz, 28046 Madrid, Spain; (J.D.-d.-T.); (J.A.M.); (I.d.L.); (J.R.); (M.L.-L.); (E.D.-T.)
| | - José Paz-Solís
- La Paz Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), 28046 Madrid, Spain
- Neurosurgery Department, University Hospital La Paz, 28046 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Iñigo de Lorenzo
- Neurology Department, University Hospital La Paz, 28046 Madrid, Spain; (J.D.-d.-T.); (J.A.M.); (I.d.L.); (J.R.); (M.L.-L.); (E.D.-T.)
| | - Javier Roa
- Neurology Department, University Hospital La Paz, 28046 Madrid, Spain; (J.D.-d.-T.); (J.A.M.); (I.d.L.); (J.R.); (M.L.-L.); (E.D.-T.)
| | - Manuel Lara-Lara
- Neurology Department, University Hospital La Paz, 28046 Madrid, Spain; (J.D.-d.-T.); (J.A.M.); (I.d.L.); (J.R.); (M.L.-L.); (E.D.-T.)
- La Paz Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), 28046 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alfonso Gil-Martínez
- CranioSPain Research Group, Departamento de Fisioterapia, Centro Superior de Estudios Universitarios La Salle (UAM), La Salle Campus Madrid, 28023 Madrid, Spain
- La Paz Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), 28046 Madrid, Spain
- Unit of Physiotherapy, University Hospital La Paz, 28046 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-666-137-908
| | - Exuperio Díez-Tejedor
- Neurology Department, University Hospital La Paz, 28046 Madrid, Spain; (J.D.-d.-T.); (J.A.M.); (I.d.L.); (J.R.); (M.L.-L.); (E.D.-T.)
- La Paz Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), 28046 Madrid, Spain
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