Variables Associated With the Use of Prophylactic Amitriptyline Treatment in Patients With Tension-type Headache

Vitamin D and tension-type headache: causal association or epiphenomenon?

Background-Purpose: Low serum vitamin D (VD) has been already associated with a series of highly prevalent pain-related conditions, including fibromyalgia, migraine and chronic widespread pain. Considering the potential interplay between VD and pain signalling pathways, the association of VD with tension-type headache (TTH) was reviewed.

Methods: A multifaceted narrative approach assessing the relationship of serum VD with TTH and TTH parameters, as well as the efficacy of VD supplementation for the prevention of TTH, was fostered. MEDLINE, CENTRAL and EMBASE were comprehensively searched for this purpose, while Google Scholar was also explored according to a structured approach. ClinicalTrials.gov and European Union Clinical Trials Register were explored for ongoing prevention trials.

Results: Although available evidence was suggestive of an association between VD and TTH, mainly of the chronic type, the causal nature of the association remains to be determined. Considering the lack of longitudinal evidence, this relationship could arguably reflect behavioural patterns of headache sufferers. On the other hand, evidence principally originated from tertiary clinical settings (severe comorbidity burden) and researchers tend to report a concomitant association of both entities with generalized musculoskeletal compromise. In this context, the association between TTH and VD may represent nothing more than a secondary by-product of the simultaneous relationship of other comorbid diseases-conditions with both TTH and low serum VD. Regarding its efficacious properties, only one ongoing trial specifically designed to explore the efficacy of VD in chronic TTH in adults was retrieved.

Conclusions: There is no evidenced based indication for VD supplementation in TTH.

Nutrient Status in Patients with Frequent Episodic Tension-Type Headache: A Case-Control Study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between frequent episodic tension-type headache (FE-TTH) and 25-hydroxyvitamin-D (25(OH)D), folate, vitamin B12, and magnesium.

DESIGN-METHODS

A prospective case-control study involving adults with FETTH and age-sex matched healthy controls (HC) was performed. Individuals under the responsibility of the three provincial Health Centres of the prefecture of Trikala (Central Greece) were recruited during their regular check-up visits. The relationship between FETTH and serum levels of 25(OH)D, vitamin B12, folate, and magnesium was investigated (primary outcomes). Demographics, daily habits, somatometrics, psychometric and sleep quality measurements, laboratory indices, cardiovascular comorbidities and medications taken were also recorded and compared (secondary outcomes). Potential associations of the above-listed parameters with headache parameters (headache frequency, severity and analgesic consumption) were also examined (secondary outcomes).

RESULTS

Between September and December 2020, 30 patients with FETTH and 30 HC were successfully recruited. Demographics, comorbidities, regular medications, smoking habits, alcohol and coffee consumption, body mass index measurements, markers of systemic inflammation, folate and vitamin B12 levels were similar between the two groups (P>0.05). Lower serum 25(OH)D was both univariately (P<0.001) and multivariately [OR= 0.72, 95%CI=(0.55, 0.94) per 1ng/ml increase] associated with FETTH, while serum magnesium was found lower in FETTH only according to the univariate approach (P=0.036). Higher levels of depression (P=0.050) and anxiety (P=0.020), as well as poor quality of sleep (P=0.008), were univariately associated with FETTH. Only the effect of anxiety remained significant following the multivariate logistic regression [OR=7.90, 95%CI=(1.00, 62.47)]. Headache parameters were not associated with any one of the assessed variables.

DISCUSSION

Lower serum 25(OH)D was related to the presence of FETTH. This finding could imply a potential role for vitamin D in the pathophysiology of TTH.

Recent advancements in tension-type headache: a narrative review

INTRODUCTION

Tension-type headache (TTH) is the most common primary headache disorder with a prevalence of up to 78% in general population and huge expenses in terms of health service. Despite its high incidence and impact on life's quality the knowledge on the pathophysiology and efficacious treatment of TTH was still limited.

AREAS COVERED

In recent years, a series of studies highlighted the heterogeneous nature of this pathology that seems to be determined by a complex interaction between genetic, environmental, and neuromuscular factors, which result in nociceptive system activation. In this setting, alongside the simple analgesic therapies used during the acute attack, a series of therapeutic options based on newly acquired experiences have taken hold.

EXPERT REVIEW

Not having a single substrate or a typical site of pathophysiology, TTH must be analyzed in a global and multidisciplinary way. Herein, we perform a narrative review of the most recent advancement stimulating the concept of this disease as the tip of the iceberg of a more complex individual malaise secondary to different alterations. Strategies based solely on symptomatic drugs should therefore be avoided by experienced personnel and treatment should aim at taking charge of the patient considering the processes behind this complex pathology.

Endogenous melatonin levels and therapeutic use of exogenous melatonin in tension type headache: A systematic review

BACKGROUND-PURPOSE

A bidirectional relationship appears to connect tension-type headache (TTH) and circadian dysregulation. The present systematic review examined the published evidence for melatonin (MT) supplementation in the prophylaxis of TTH. Initially, we reviewed case-control studies investigating nocturnal MT or 6-sulphatoxymelatonin (aMT6s, a urine-discarded metabolite) in TTH individuals and healthy controls (HC). Secondly, we reviewed studies appraising the use of MT in the prevention of TTH.

METHODS

The search strategy involved MEDLINE EMBASE, CENTRAL, PsycINFO, trial registries, Google Scholar and OpenGrey. Case-control studies were appraised according to the Newcastle-Ottawa-Scale, whereas randomised controlled trials were assessed based on the risk-of-bias Cochrane tool. Infrequent, as well as frequent, episodic, and chronic TTH patients were evaluated separately in children and adults.

RESULTS

Our search strategy yielded two case-control studies. One (high-quality) did not reveal any difference in morning salivary MT concentration between children with frequent episodic TTH and HC. The second (moderate-quality) was indicative of a disturbed nocturnal secretion pattern in adults with chronic TTH. For the second part, five uncontrolled studies were retrieved. In total, 94 adults with chronic TTH were assessed and results were suggestive of a beneficial effect of MT on headache frequency, intensity, induced disability, and induced analgesic consumption. However, the uncontrolled-unblinded designs may have induced an important placebo effect. Non-adult populations and frequent TTH were substantially understudied.

CONCLUSIONS

There are not enough studies to designate the role of MT in the prevention of TTH. Given the disease's background, additional relevant research is warranted for chronic TTH.

Tension-type headache

Tension-type headache (TTH) is the most prevalent neurological disorder worldwide and is characterized by recurrent headaches of mild to moderate intensity, bilateral location, pressing or tightening quality, and no aggravation by routine physical activity. Diagnosis is based on headache history and the exclusion of alternative diagnoses, with clinical criteria provided by the International Classification of Headache Disorders, third edition. Although the biological underpinnings remain unresolved, it seems likely that peripheral mechanisms are responsible for the genesis of pain in TTH, whereas central sensitization may be involved in transformation from episodic to chronic TTH. Pharmacological therapy is the mainstay of clinical management and can be divided into acute and preventive treatments. Simple analgesics have evidence-based effectiveness and are widely regarded as first-line medications for the acute treatment of TTH. Preventive treatment should be considered in individuals with frequent episodic and chronic TTH, and if simple analgesics are ineffective, poorly tolerated or contraindicated. Recommended preventive treatments include amitriptyline, venlafaxine and mirtazapine, as well as some selected non-pharmacological therapies. Despite the widespread prevalence and associated disability of TTH, little progress has been made since the early 2000s owing to a lack of attention and resource allocation by scientists, funding bodies and the pharmaceutical industry.

Mapping Assessments Instruments for Headache Disorders against the ICF Biopsychosocial Model of Health and Disability

Headache disorders have a strong impact on sufferers’ lives. However, the “content” of assessment instruments addressing concepts, such as disability and quality of life (QoL), has not comprehensively been addressed. We searched SCOPUS for research papers in which outcome measures were used in adult populations of patients with migraine, tension-type headache (TTH), and cluster headache (CH). The content of single instruments was then mapped against the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health. A total of 150 papers and 26 instruments were included: 15 addressed disability or impact, two addressed work-related difficulties, and nine addressed QoL. Few instruments were commonly used across the conditions and covered domains of functioning were impact on daily life activities, homework, school, and work-related tasks, leisure time, informal and family relations, pain, emotional difficulties, energy level, and impulse control. Most of the research is based on instruments that were developed for migraine, which is critical for CH, and the impact of headache disorders on work-related activities is poorly acknowledged. Further research is needed to expand the scope of headaches impact on daily life activities, and on environmental factors relevant to headache disorders to raise knowledge on the less represented areas, e.g., TTH impact.

Variables associated with use of symptomatic medication during a headache attack in individuals with tension-type headache: a European study

Background

Pharmacological treatment of patients with tension-type headache (TTH) includes symptomatic (acute) and prophylactic (preventive) medication. No previous study has investigated variables associated to symptomatic medication intake in TTH. Our aim was to assess the association of clinical, psychological and neurophysiological outcomes with the use and timing of the use of symptomatic medication in TTH.

Methods

A longitudinal observational study was conducted. One hundred and sixty-eight (n = 168) patients with TTH participated. Pain features of the headache (intensity, frequency, duration), burden of headache (Headache Disability Inventory), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), anxiety/depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), trait/state anxiety levels (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory), and bilateral pressure pain thresholds on the temporalis, C5-C6 joint, second metacarpal and tibialis anterior were assessed. Symptomatic medication intake was also collected for a 6-months follow-up period. Differences between patients using or not using symptomatic medication, depending on self-perceived effectiveness, and time (early during an attack, i.e., the first 5 min, or when headache attack is intense) when the symptomatic medication was taken were calculated.

Results

One hundred and thirty-six (n = 136, 80%) reported symptomatic medication intake for headache (73% NSAIDs). Sixteen (12%) reported no pain relief, 81 (59%) experienced moderate relief and 39 (29%) total pain relief. Fifty-eight (43%) took ‘early medication’ whereas 78 (57%) took ‘late medication’. Patients taking symptomatic medication in general showed lower headache frequency and lower depressive levels than those patients not taking medication. Symptomatic medication was more effective in patients with lower headache history, frequency, and duration, and lower emotional burden. No differences in pressure pain sensitivity were found depending on the self-perceived effectiveness of medication. Patients taking ‘late symptomatic’ medication exhibited more widespread pressure pain sensitivity than those taking ‘early medication’.

Conclusions

This study found that the effectiveness of symptomatic medication was associated with better headache parameters (history, frequency, or duration) and lower emotional burden. Further, consuming early symptomatic medication at the beginning of a headache attack (the first 5 min) could limit widespread pressure pain sensitivity.

Sleep disorder-related headaches

Migraine with and without aura, cluster headache, hypnic headache, and paroxysmal hemicranias are each reported as intrinsically related to sleep. Chronic migraine, chronic tension-type headache, and medication overuse headache may cause sleep disturbance. Otherwise, both headache and sleep disorder may be manifestations of a same systemic dysfunction. There is a vicious cycle linking sleep disorders and migraine. The poor quality or poor duration of sleep could be a trigger of migraine attack and migraineurs with poor sleep reported a higher headache frequency. Moreover, coping behaviors of migraineurs (e.g., going to sleep early to relieve migraine attacks) can be factors precipitating and perpetuating sleep disturbances themselves. During cluster headache, patients report a poor quality of sleep correlated with the amount of daylight. In particular, it was demonstrated that melatonin levels have influences on cluster headache attacks. Concerning the pathophysiology of hypnic headache, it has been hypothesized a possible role of obstructive sleep apnea in triggering nocturnal attacks: an increased number of apnea episodes has been reported in hypnic headache patients, but a lack of a temporal correlation of headache attacks with the drop of oxygen saturation has been observed. Tension-type headache is the most common headache with sleep dysregulation (lack of sleep or oversleeping) frequently reported as a triggering factor for acute attacks: management of sleep disturbances seems crucial in this form of headache.