Quantitative sensory testing in patients with migraine: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Somatosensory Profiling of Patients With Cluster Headache: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

The objectives were 1) to synthesize quantitative sensory testing results in cluster headache (CH) patients and to identify somatosensory differences from healthy subjects (HS), and 2) between symptomatic and asymptomatic sides in CH patients. Two independent reviewers conducted a literature search in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and CINAHL databases. Studies with observational designs were included. Methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed with the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. The selected studies underwent qualitative and quantitative analyses. The qualitative analysis showed inconsistent findings among multiple studies. Meta-analysis showed lower pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) on the symptomatic side of CH patients than HS in V2 (standardized mean difference [SMD] -1.01 [95% confidence interval (CI) -1.79, -.23], P = .01, I2 = 73%, n = 114), V3 (SMD -1 [95% CI -1.54, .45], P < .01, I2 = 82%, n = 354), and cervical region (SMD -1.25 [95% CI -2.07, -.44], P < .01, I2 = 84%, n = 194). Furthermore, lower PPTs than those detected in HS were found on the asymptomatic side in V3 (SMD -.77 [95% CI -1.27, -.27], P < .01, I2 = 79%, n = 354) and in the cervical region (SMD -1.13 [95% CI -1.97, -.3], P < .01, I2 = 85%, n = 194). However, no differences were found in V1 or the extratrigeminal points between these groups. No significant changes were found between symptomatic and asymptomatic sides in trigeminal and extratrigeminal regions. Mechanical hyperalgesia in the trigemino-cervical region of patients with CH could suggest the presence of central pain mechanisms. These results are of clinical relevance because their presence could be associated with a poorer prognosis, chronification, and treatment response. PERSPECTIVE: This study provides consistent findings on the somatosensory profile characterizing patients with CH. Clinicians should assess PPTs and other quantitative sensory testing variables in the trigeminal and extratrigeminal (cervical) regions.

Children and adolescents with primary headaches exhibit altered sensory profiles - a multi-modal investigation

BACKGROUND

Pediatric headache is an increasing medical problem that has adverse effects on children's quality of life, academic performance, and social functioning. Children with primary headaches exhibit enhanced sensory sensitivity compared to their healthy peers. However, comprehensive investigations including multimodal sensory sensitivity assessment are lacking. This study aimed to compare sensory sensitivity of children with primary headaches with their healthy peers across multiple sensory domains.

METHODS

The study included 172 participants aged 6 to 17 years (M = 13.09, SD = 3.02 years; 120 girls). Of these 80 participants were patients with migraine, 23 were patients with tension-type headache, and 69 were healthy controls. The following sensory measures were obtained: Mechanical Detection Threshold (MDT), Mechanical Pain Threshold (MPT), Mechanical Pain Sensitivity (MPS), detection and pain threshold for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), olfactory and intranasal trigeminal detection threshold, and odor identification ability. Sensory sensitivity was compared between groups with a series of Kruskal-Wallis tests. Binomial regression models were used to compare the relative utility of sensory sensitivity measures in classifying participants into patients and healthy controls, as well as into patients with migraine and tension-type headache.

RESULTS

Patients with migraine had lower MPT measured at the forearm than patients with tension-type headaches and healthy controls. MPS was higher in patients with migraine than in healthy controls. All patients with headaches had lower detection threshold of TENS and higher olfactory sensitivity. Healthy controls showed increased intranasal trigeminal sensitivity. Scores in MPS, TENS, and olfactory and trigeminal thresholds were significantly predicting presence of primary headaches. Additionally, scores in MPT, olfactory and trigeminal threshold were positive predictors of type of headache.

CONCLUSIONS

Children with primary headaches exhibit different sensory profiles than healthy controls. The obtained results suggest presence of increased overall, multimodal sensitivity in children with primary headaches, what may negatively impact daily functioning and contribute to further pain chronification.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study was registered in the German Registry of Clinical Trials (DRKS) DRKS00021062.

sEMG Biofeedback for Episodic Migraines: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial

The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and potential effectiveness of a 6-week virtual sEMG biofeedback intervention for patients with episodic migraines. Patients with episodic migraines were randomized to treatment with a novel surface EMG (sEMG) at-home biofeedback device or a treatment as usual control group; they completed validated baseline and post-intervention assessments of migraine related disability (migraine-specific quality of life, anxiety and depression). Participants also underwent a series of Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) procedures referring to several different tests that quantitatively assess responses to mechanical stimuli during two separate visits (baseline and post intervention). No adverse events were reported during the study. Compared to the treatment as usual comparison group, patients in the sEMG biofeedback group reported lower migraine disability (p < 0.05). Compared to baseline, participants in the sEMG biofeedback group demonstrated statistically significant reductions in anxiety (p < 0.01), and significant increases in quality of life (p < 0.001), and significant decreases in temporal summation (p < 0.05) assessed by QST. No significant changes were observed in any of the outcomes in the control comparison group (p > 0.05). No significant changes were observed in migraine frequency in either of the two groups (p > 0.05). In addition, mediation analyses revealed that changes in migraine related quality of life mediated group effects on changes in migraine disability. Virtual sEMG biofeedback shows promise as a potential therapy for reducing disability, anxiety and depression and improving quality of life in individuals with episodic migraines. These results demonstrate the feasibility of a digital intervention for migraines and set the basis for conducting a future, larger scale randomized controlled trial to confirm these preliminary findings.

Association between central sensitization, pain sensitivity and balance control in patients with migraine

BACKGROUND

Balance alterations are prevalent among pain conditions, including migraine. The mechanisms explaining the association between pain and balance are unclear, as well as whether levels of pain sensitivity correlate with impaired balance. Our aim was therefore to investigate the association between balance, central sensitization symptoms and pain sensitivity in patients with migraine.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 50 patients and demographic, clinical information, central sensitization inventory (CSI) and pain catastrophizing (PCS) scores were obtained. Patients underwent a standardized protocol evaluating balance and pain thresholds for cold (CPT), heat (HPT), mechanical (MPT) and pressure (PPT) in trigeminal (V1) and extra-trigeminal (C6) dermatomes. Data were analysed using Person's correlation, linear regression models and contrasting the presence and absence of central sensitization symptoms through T-tests.

RESULTS

Mild-to-moderate correlations were observed between balance and MPT in V1 (r = -0.24, p = 0.046) and C6 (r = -0.41, p = 0.002), CPT in V1 (r = 0.31, p = 0.026), CSI scores (r = 0.27, p = 0.029) and migraine frequency (r = 0.25, p = 0.040). Balance was explained by CPT and MPT (R2 = 0.32, p = 0.001). The variance of CSI was explained by PCS scores and balance (R2 = 0.28, p = 0.001). Patients with symptoms of central sensitization presented an increased balance impairment (p = 0.044) and higher catastrophizing levels (p = 0.001) in contrast to patients without symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Balance impairment is associated with reduced pain thresholds and higher CSI scores. These results may help to elucidate the aetiology of balance alterations among chronic pain conditions.

SIGNIFICANCE

For the first time, it has been shown that balance alterations can reflect greater pain sensitivity and signs of central sensitization in patients with migraine. This opens up perspectives for future studies to understand the mechanisms and further factors associated with balance and pain sensitivity in migraine.

Opioid Prescribing Patterns Following Lateral Skull Base Spontaneous Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak Repair

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the opioid prescribing patterns for and requirements of patients undergoing repair of spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (sCSF) leaks of the lateral skull base.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective chart review.

SETTING

Tertiary referral center.

PATIENTS

Adults with lateral skull base sCSF leaks who underwent repairs between September 1, 2014, and December 31, 2020.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Mean morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) of opioids dispensed to inpatients and prescribed at discharge, additional pain control medications dispensed, and outpatient additional opioid requests were compared between groups.

RESULTS

Of 78 patients included, 46 (59%) underwent repair via a transmastoid (TM), 6 (7.7%) via a middle cranial fossa (MCF), and 26 (33.3%) via a combined TM-MCF approach. Inpatients received a mean of 21.3, 31.4, and 37.6 MMEs per day during admission for the TM, MCF, and combined TM-MCF approaches, respectively ( p = 0.019, ηp 2 = 0.101). Upon discharge, nearly all patients (n = 74, 94.9%) received opioids; 27.3, 32.5, and 37.6 MMEs per day were prescribed after the TM, MCF, and TM-MCF approaches, respectively ( p = 0.015, ηp 2 = 0.093). Five (6.4%) patients requested additional outpatient pain medication, after which three were prescribed 36.7 MMEs per day. Patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension required significantly more inpatient MMEs than those without (41.5 versus 25.2, p = 0.02, d = 0.689), as did patients with a history of headaches (39.6 versus 23.6, p = 0.042, d = 0.684).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients undergoing sCSF leak repair via the MCF or TM-MCF approaches are prescribed more opioids postoperatively than patients undergoing the TM approach. Patients with a history of headaches or idiopathic intracranial hypertension might require more opioids postoperatively.

Somatosensory and psychosocial profile of migraine patients: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Migraine is a chronic neurological disorder that involves the brain, characterized by a series of abnormal neuronal networks interacting at different levels of the central and peripheral nervous system. Furthermore, it is known that psychosocial features contribute to the exacerbation and chronicity of symptoms.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the somatosensory and psychosocial profiles of migraine patients with a control group.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study comparing the somatosensory and psychosocial profiles of patients with migraine and healthy volunteers. A total of 52 women were included. For the somatosensory profile, Mechanical Detection Threshold (MDT), Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT), Temporal Summation (TS), and Conditioned Pain Modulation (CPM) in the trigeminal and extra-trigeminal areas were evaluated. Psychosocial profiles were assessed using questionnaires, the Central Sensitization Inventory, the Generalized Anxiety Disorders, the Pain Catastrophizing Scale, and the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare differences in the profiles between groups. The significance level was set at 5%.

RESULTS

Migraine patients showed a loss of somatosensory function in the trigeminal area for MDT (p = 0.019, r = 0.34 and p = 0.011, r = 0.37 for the ophthalmic nerve and masseter muscle respectively), lower PPT in trigeminal and extra-trigeminal areas (p < 0.001, r=>0.60) and less efficient CPM (p < 0.001, r=>0.60). No statistically significant differences were found in the TS (p=>0.05). Statistically significant differences were found in all psychosocial variables (p = <0.001 r=>0.60).

CONCLUSION

Migraine patients showed loss of somatosensory function, lower pressure pain threshold, and an inhibitory pro-nociceptive profile with high scores on central sensitization and fear of movement compared to the control group.

Age differences in pain sensitivity and effect of topical lidocaine on the tongue in healthy female subjects

PURPOSE

To assess the sensitivity and the effect of topical lidocaine on the tongue by quantitative sensory testing, comparing healthy middle-aged female subjects with healthy young female subjects.

METHODS

Sixteen healthy female subjects including eight in their fifties and eight in their twenties participated. They participated in two sessions at a 2-week interval in randomized order: lidocaine (experimental session) or placebo gel (placebo session) was applied on the tongue tip for 5min. The following parameters were taken on the tongue tip before and after application of the gel in each session: tactile detection threshold (TDT), filament-prick pain detection threshold (FPT), and numerical rating scale (NRS).

RESULTS

An increase of both TDT and FPT and a decrease of NRS were found after lidocaine application in both middle-aged and young female subjects. In the elder females, an increase of TDT, FPT, and NRS was also found after placebo gel application. However, the changes were not statistically significant, except for FPT in middle-aged subjects.

CONCLUSION

The reactions found after lidocaine application in middle-aged female subjects could be due to habituation as well as to the post-application effect of placebo gel. Placebo-induced changes appeared more pronounced in the elder females.

Role of sensory processing sensitivity and high sensation seeking in migraine with typical aura

The psychological differences between migraine with aura (MwA) patients and healthy controls (HCs) have not been sufficiently investigated in the current scientific literature. Taking this into account, the present study aimed to examine differences between MwA patients and HCs in sensory processing sensitivity factors, high sensation seeking factors, depression, and anxiety. Mentioned variables were also used to determine their predictive role in predicting the group membership (MwA patients vs HCs). The Highly Sensitive Person Scale, the revised High Sensation Seeking Test, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were administered to a sample of seventy-one respondents (39 MwA patients and 32 HCs). MwA patients had a significantly higher score for the low sensory threshold (sensory processing sensitivity factor) in comparison with HCs (4.36 ± 1.4 vs 3.45 ± 1.1, p = 0.003). There was no significant difference in other subscales of sensory processing sensitivity, as well as regarding the high sensation seeking, anxiety, and depression scores, between those two groups. The logistic regression model correctly classified 79.5% MwA patients and 66.7% HCs. The low sensory threshold was a statistically significant predictor for MwA patients (p = 0.001). Our results indicate a certain similarity in the brain sensitivities of MwA patients and people with sensory processing sensitivity trait. Moreover, this shows that the constructs of sensitivity in migraine patients and highly sensitive people overlap to an extent, suggesting the similarity between the conceptualization of sensitivity in the psychological literature and the conceptualization of sensitivity in the medical literature.

Translation, cross-cultural adaptation and measurement proprieties of the German version of the Allodynia Symptom Checklist (ASC-12)

BACKGROUND

Cutaneous allodynia is highly prevalent among migraineurs and is associated with a poor prognosis. The Allodynia Symptom Checklist (ASC-12) is a comprehensive questionnaire to identify the presence and severity of allodynia. Our aim was to translate and adapt the ASC-12 to German and evaluate its measurement properties.

METHODS

Following the COSMIN guidelines, 80 migraine patients were enrolled in the study to evaluate the stages of translation (n=30) and measurement propriety assessment (n=50), respectively. After reaching a final version, the German ASC-12 was assessed for structural validity, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, construct validity and absolute agreement, using mechanical and thermal pain thresholds as reference method.

RESULTS

The German version of the ASC-12 presented an adequate structural validity compatible with the original version of the questionnaire. Its internal consistency ranged from 0.70 to 0.80 considering the total score and the thermic, static and dynamic mechanic subdomains. The total score presented excellent reliability (ICC: 0.85) with a standard error of measurement of 1.15 points and smallest detectable change of 3.40 points. ASC-12 total scores were correlated with headache intensity (r=0.38, p=0.004), headache disability (r=0.37, p=0.004) and cold pain thresholds (r=0.28, p=0.025). The thermic allodynia ASC-12 scores were correlated with cold (r=0.36, p=0.005) and heat (r=-0.30, p=0.010) pain thresholds, while the static mechanical allodynia ASC-12 scores correlated with mechanical pain threshold (r=0.29, p=0.019) and with mechanical pain sensitivity (r=0.24 to 0.28, p< 0.045). Despite no significant bias between methods, quantitative sensory testing (QST) results and ASC-12 scores tend to disagree.

CONCLUSION

The German version of the ASC-12 is available for research and clinical settings and presented adequate measurement proprieties, as the original version. Despite the correlation between the ASC-12 and QST, one method cannot be replaced by the other.

Trigeminocervical pain sensitivity during the migraine cycle depends on headache frequency

OBJECTIVE

This experimental study aimed to assess pain sensitivity in low-frequency episodic migraine (LFEM), high-frequency episodic migraine (HFEM), and chronic migraine (CM) patients across the different phases of the migraine cycle.

METHOD

In this observational, experimental study, clinical characteristics (diary and time from the last/next headache attack), and quantitative sensory testing (QST) (wind-up pain ratio (WUR) and pressure pain threshold (PPT) from the trigeminal area and PPT from the cervical spine) was performed. LFEM, HFEM, and CM were assessed in each of the 4 migraine phases (HFEM and LFEM: interictal, preictal, ictal, and postictal; CM: interictal and ictal) and compared vs. each other's (matched for the phase) and controls.

RESULTS

A total of 56 controls, 105 LFEM, 74 HFEM, and 32 CM were included. No differences in QST parameters were observed between LFEM, HFEM, and CM in any of the phases. During the interictal phase and when comparing with controls the following were found: 1) LFEM had lower trigeminal PPT (p = 0.001) and 2) lower cervical PPT (p = 0.001). No differences were observed between HFEM or CM and healthy controls. During the ictal phase and when comparing with controls the following were found: HFEM and CM had 1) lower trigeminal PPTs (HFEM p = 0.001; CM = p < 0.001), 2) lower cervical PPT s (HFEM p = 0.007; CM p < 0.001), and 3) higher trigeminal WUR (HFEM p = 0.001, CM p = 0.006). No differences were observed between LFEM and healthy controls. During the preictal phase and when comparing with controls the following were found: 1) LFEM had lower cervical PPT (p = 0.007), 2) HFEM had lower trigeminal (p = 0.013) and 3) HFEM had lower cervical (p = .006) PPTs. During the postictal phase and when comparing with controls the following were found: 1) LFEM had lower cervical PPT (p = 0.003), 2) HFEM had lower trigeminal PPT (p = 0.005), and 3) and HFEM had lower cervical (p = 0.007) PPTs.

CONCLUSION

This study suggested that HFEM patients have a sensory profile matching CM better than LFEM. When assessing pain sensitivity in migraine populations, the phase with respects to headache attacks is of utmost importance and can explain the inconsistency in pain sensitivity data reported in the literature.

Harnessing the conditioned pain modulation response in migraine diagnosis, outcome prediction, and treatment-A narrative review

OBJECTIVE

To present the potential use and relevance of the conditioned pain modulation (CPM) response to migraine diagnosis, outcome prediction, and treatment.

BACKGROUND

The CPM response is a widely used laboratory test to examine inhibitory pain modulation capabilities.

METHODS

This narrative review summarizes and synthesizes the findings on the CPM response in patients with migraine.

RESULTS

For diagnosis, we summarized the studies comparing CPM responses between patients with migraine and individuals without migraine or with other headache syndromes, as well as between patients with subtypes of migraine. For prediction, we summarized the studies utilizing the CPM response to predict migraine outcome, such as response to interventions. For treatment, we described a device that utilizes the CPM response for acute and preventative migraine treatment. In addition, we suggest the requirements needed for the CPM response to be used for migraine diagnosis, outcome prediction, and treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Although more research is needed, the CPM response could be a useful tool for improving migraine management.

Musculoskeletal dysfunctions and physiotherapy treatment strategies in patients with migraine

BACKGROUND

Neck pain is prevalent in patients with migraine but its role for the physiotherapy management is unclear.

METHOD

In this narrative review, results of studies, contributing to the overall understanding of musculoskeletal dysfunctions in patients with migraine are summarized, as are approaches to subgroup migraine and attempts to improve migraine non-pharmacologically.

RESULTS

Our line of research shows that musculoskeletal dysfunctions are prevalent in patients with migraine. Pain provocation during manual palpation of the upper cervical spine might be relevant when referred pain to the head is elicited. This subgroup of patients might benefit from physiotherapy treatment to the neck. Preliminary data from treatment studies shows that a small reduction of headache and migraine days can be achieved when treating the neck. The reduction in migraine days might be enhanced when treating migraine as a chronic pain disease and adding pain neuroscience education to the neck treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Physiotherapy assessment and treatment plays a role in the management of migraine. The effectiveness of different physiotherapy approaches and pain neuroscience education needs to be evaluated further in randomized controlled trials.

Cervical musculoskeletal impairments and pain sensitivity in migraine patients

INTRODUCTION

Currently, examination of migraine patients relies on a clinical interview investigating symptoms characteristics. Despite this, to help identify distinct migraine subtypes and allow a personalized treatment approach, biomarkers to profile distinct migraine subtypes should be utilized in clinical and research settings. Therefore, there is a need to include physical and psychophysical examinations aimed at assessing migraine features quantitatively.

PURPOSE

This paper aimed to discuss if increased pressure pain sensitivity and impaired cervical musculoskeletal function could be considered 1) as quantitative features of migraine and 2) if they could be used as biomarkers to profile migraine patients in distinct subtypes.

IMPLICATION

Increased pain sensitivity and cervical musculoskeletal impairments have been suggested as quantitative biomarkers to phenotype and subgroup migraine patients in clinical and research settings. This could provide the first step for a mechanistically-driven and personalized treatment approach according to migraine phenotypes.

Cervical musculoskeletal impairments and pressure pain sensitivity in office workers with headache

BACKGROUND

Office workers are specifically vulnerable to headache conditions. Neck pain is reported by almost 80% of patients with headaches. Associations between currently recommended tests to examine cervical musculoskeletal impairments, pressure pain sensitivity and self-reported variables in headache, are unknown. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether cervical musculoskeletal impairments and pressure pain sensitivity are associated with self-reported headache variables in office workers.

METHODS

This study reports a cross-sectional analysis using baseline data of a randomized controlled trial. Office workers with headache were included in this analysis. Multivariate associations, controlled for age, sex and neck pain, between cervical musculoskeletal variables (strength, endurance, range of motion, movement control) and pressure pain threshold (PPT) over the neck and self-reported headache variables, such as frequency, intensity, and the Headache-Impact-Test-6, were examined.

RESULTS

Eighty-eight office workers with a 4-week headache frequency of 4.8 (±5.1) days, a moderate average headache intensity (4.5 ± 2.1 on the NRS), and "some impact" (mean score: 53.7 ± 7.9) on the headache-impact-test-6, were included. Range of motion and PPT tested over the upper cervical spine were found to be most consistently associated with any headache variable. An adjusted R2 of 0.26 was found to explain headache intensity and the score on the Headache-Impact-Test-6 by several cervical musculoskeletal and PPT variables.

DISCUSSION

Cervical musculoskeletal impairments can explain, irrespective of coexisting neck pain, only little variability of the presence of headache in office workers. Neck pain is likely a symptom of the headache condition, and not a separate entity.

Subgrouping individuals with migraine associated neck pain for targeted management

INTRODUCTION

Neck pain is one of the most common and burdensome symptoms associated with migraine. Many individuals with migraine and neck pain seek neck treatment, but evidence for such treatment is limited. Most studies have treated this population as a homogenous group, providing uniform cervical interventions that have yet to show clinically important effects. However, different neurophysiological and musculoskeletal mechanisms can underlie neck pain in migraine. Targeting treatment to specific underlying mechanisms may therefore be the key to improving treatment outcomes. Our research characterised neck pain mechanisms and identified subgroups based on cervical musculoskeletal function and cervical hypersensitivity. This suggests that specific management aimed towards addressing mechanisms relevant to each subgroup might be beneficial.

PURPOSE

This paper explains our research approach and findings to date. Potential management strategies for the identified subgroups and future research directions are discussed.

IMPLICATIONS

Clinicians should perform skilled physical examination with the aim of identifying if patterns of cervical musculoskeletal dysfunction and or hypersensitivity are present in the individual patient. There is currently no research into treatments differentiated for subgroups to address specific underlying mechanisms. It is possible that neck treatments addressing musculoskeletal impairments may be most beneficial for those subgroups where neck pain is primarily due to musculoskeletal dysfunction. Future research should define treatment aims and select specific subgroups for targeted management to determine which treatments are most effective for each subgroup.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Not applicable.

Intramuscular Electrical Stimulation for the Treatment of Trigger Points in Patients with Chronic Migraine: A Protocol for a Pilot Study Using a Single-Case Experimental Design

Background and Objectives: Trigger points (TrPs) are prevalent in patients with migraine headaches. Needling interventions targeting TrPs in migraine patients may reduce the intensity and frequency of headaches, yet systematic reviews reveal a lack of robust evidence. Intramuscular electrical stimulation (IMES) is a modality that delivers electrical current into muscles and TrPs, with recent studies suggesting it may amplify the therapeutic effects of dry needling peripherally and centrally. This could be advantageous for patients with migraine and symptomatic TrPs. Materials and Methods: This study will implement a multiple baseline single-case experimental design (SCED). In a clinical setting, a SCED study lends itself to conducting research with only a few patients that each serve as their own controls. In this SCED study, four participants with chronic migraine will be enrolled in a non-concurrent manner and randomized to one of four baseline measurement periods (4, 5, 6 or 7 weeks), leading to four potentially different start dates for each participant in the intervention phase. During the intervention phase, patients will receive five sessions of dry needling with IMES, one session per week for five weeks. The primary outcome measure will be headache frequency, i.e., the reduction in the number of headache days over a one-month period using electronic headache diary data from the Migraine Buddy smartphone application. Secondary outcome measures will be changes in mean migraine pain intensity using a numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), migraine disability using the Migraine Disability Assessment Test (MIDAS), the Headache Impact Test (HIT-6), and changes in selected cervical musculoskeletal impairments including pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) over TrPs, the craniocervical flexion test (CCFT), and cervical active range of motion (AROM). Primary and secondary outcome measures will be analyzed separately using both visual and statistical analyses. Results: Actively recruiting participants. This project was approved by the Mass General Brigham Institutional Review Board (protocol #2023P000931) and is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05893914). Conclusions: This study will seek to determine the effects of a five-week intervention period of IMES to TrPs in the posterior cervical muscles of subjects with chronic migraine.

Evaluation of Plasma Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide as a Biomarker for Painful Temporomandibular Disorder and Migraine

Objective

To assess associations of plasma calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) with chronic temporomandibular disorder (TMD) myalgia/arthralgia or frequent/chronic migraine, alone and in combination, and to evaluate relations between the CGRP concentration and clinical, psychological, and somatosensory characteristics of participants.

Methods

The cross-sectional study selected four groups of adult volunteers: healthy controls (HCs), TMD without migraine, migraine without TMD, and TMD with migraine. Each group comprised 20 participants, providing 94% power to detect statistically significant associations with CGRP concentration for either TMD or migraine. TMD and headache were classified according to the Diagnostic Criteria for TMD and the International Classification for Headache Disorders, 3rd edition, respectively. Plasma CGRP was quantified with a validated high-sensitivity electrochemiluminescent Meso Scale Discovery assay. Questionnaires and clinical examinations were used to evaluate characteristics of TMD, headache, psychological distress, and pressure pain sensitivity. Univariate regression models quantified associations of the CGRP concentration with TMD, migraine, and their interaction. Univariate associations of the CGRP concentration with clinical, psychological, and pressure pain characteristics were also assessed.

Results

Among 80 participants enrolled, neither TMD nor migraine was associated with plasma CGRP concentration (P = 0.761 and P = 0.972, respectively). The CGRP concentration (mean ± SD) was similar in all 4 groups: HCs 2.0 ± 0.7 pg/mL, TMD 2.1 ± 0.8 pg/mL, migraine 2.1 ± 0.9 pg/mL, and TMD with migraine 2.2 ± 0.7 pg/mL. CGRP concentration was positively associated with age (P = 0.034) and marginally with body mass index (P = 0.080) but was unrelated to other participant characteristics.

Conclusion

In this well-powered study, interictal plasma concentration of CGRP was a poor biomarker for TMD and migraine.

Outcomes of a QST Protocol in Healthy Subjects and Chronic Pain Patients: A Controlled Clinical Trial

Chronic pain is an important cause of disability with a high burden to society. Quantitative sensory testing (QST) is a noninvasive multimodal method used to discriminate the function of nerve fibers. The aim of this study is to propose a new, reproducible, and less time-consuming thermal QST protocol to help characterize and monitor pain. Additionally, this study also compared QST outcomes between healthy and chronic pain subjects. Forty healthy young/adult medical students and fifty adult/elderly chronic pain patients were evaluated in individual sessions including pain history, followed by QST assessments divided into three proposed tests: pain threshold, suprathreshold, and tonic pain. In the chronic pain group, a significantly higher pain threshold (hypoesthesia) and a higher pain sensibility (hyperalgesia) were demonstrated at threshold temperature when compared to healthy participants. The sensitivity to the suprathreshold and tonic stimulus did not prove to be significantly different between both groups. The main results demonstrated that the heat threshold QST tests can be helpful in evaluating hypoesthesia and that the sensitivity threshold temperature test can demonstrate hyperalgesia in individuals with chronic pain. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the importance of using tools such as QST as a complement to detect changes in several pain dimensions.

Cranial Autonomic Symptoms and Neck Pain in Differential Diagnosis of Migraine

Cranial autonomic symptoms and neck pain have been reported to be highly prevalent in migraine, although they are rarely considered in clinical evaluation. The aim of this review is to focus on the prevalence, pathophysiology, and clinical characteristics of these two symptoms, and their importance in the differential diagnosis between migraines and other headaches. The most common cranial autonomic symptoms are aural fullness, lacrimation, facial/forehead sweating, and conjunctival injection. Migraineurs experiencing cranial autonomic symptoms are more likely to have more severe, frequent, and longer attacks, as well as higher rates of photophobia, phonophobia, osmophobia, and allodynia. Cranial autonomic symptoms occur due to the activation of the trigeminal autonomic reflex, and the differential diagnosis with cluster headaches can be challenging. Neck pain can be part of the migraine prodromal symptoms or act as a trigger for a migraine attack. The prevalence of neck pain correlates with headache frequency and is associated with treatment resistance and greater disability. The convergence between upper cervical and trigeminal nociception via the trigeminal nucleus caudalis is the likely mechanism for neck pain in migraine. The recognition of cranial autonomic symptoms and neck pain as potential migraine features is important because they often contribute to the misdiagnosis of cervicogenic problems, tension-type headache, cluster headache, and rhinosinusitis in migraine patients, delaying appropriate attack and disease management.

Additional effects of pain neuroscience education combined with physiotherapy on the headache frequency of adult patients with migraine: A randomized controlled trial

Aim To assess the efficacy of pain neuroscience education combined with physiotherapy for the management of migraine.Background Physiotherapy can significantly reduce the frequency of migraine, but the evidence is based only on a few studies. Pain neuroscience education might pose a promising treatment, as it addresses migraine as a chronic pain disease.Methods In this non-blinded randomized controlled trial, migraine patients received physiotherapy + pain neuroscience education or physiotherapy alone, preceded by a three-month waiting period. Primary outcomes were frequency of headache (with and without migraine features), frequency of migraine and associated disability.Results Eighty-two participants were randomized and analyzed. Both groups showed a decrease of headache frequency (p = 0.02, d = 0.46) at post-treatment (physiotherapy: 0.77 days, 95%CI: -0.75 to 2.29 and physiotherapy + pain neuroscience education: 1.25 days, 95%CI: -0.05 to 2.55) and at follow-up (physiotherapy: 1.93, 95%CI: 0.07 to 3.78 and physiotherapy + pain neuroscience education: 3.48 days, 95%CI: 1.89 to 5.06), with no difference between groups (p = 0.26, d = 0.26). Migraine frequency was reduced significantly in the physiotherapy + pain neuroscience education group, and not in the physiotherapy group, at post-treatment (1.28 days, 95%CI: 0.34 to 2.22, p = 0.004) and follow-up (3.05 days, 95%CI: 1.98 to 5.06, p < 0.0001), with a difference between groups at follow-up (2.06 days, p = 0.003). Migraine-related disability decreased significantly in both groups (physiotherapy: 19.8, physiotherapy + pain neuroscience education: 24.0 points, p < 0.001, d = 1.15) at follow-up, with no difference between groups (p = 0.583). Secondary outcomes demonstrated a significant effect of time with no interaction between time and group. No harm or adverse events were observed during the study.Conclusion In comparison to physiotherapy alone, pain neuroscience education combined with physiotherapy can further reduce the frequency of migraine, but had no additional effect on general headache frequency or migraine-related disability.Trial Registration The study was pre-registered at the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00020804).

The complexities of the sleep-pain relationship in adolescents: A critical review

Chronic pain is a common and disabling condition in adolescents. Disturbed sleep is associated with many detrimental effects in adolescents with acute and chronic pain. While sleep and pain are known to share a reciprocal relationship, the sleep-pain relationship in adolescence warrants further contextualization within normally occurring maturation of several biopsychological processes. Since sleep and pain disorders begin to emerge in early adolescence and are often comorbid, there is a need for a comprehensive picture of their interrelation especially related to temporal relationships and mechanistic drivers. While existing reviews provide a solid foundation for the interaction between disturbed sleep and pain in youth, we will extend this review by highlighting current methodological challenges for both sleep and pain assessments, exploring the recent evidence for directionality in the sleep-pain relationship, reviewing potential mechanisms and factors underlying the relationship, and providing direction for future investigations. We will also highlight the potential role of digital technologies in advancing the understanding of the sleep and pain relationship. Ultimately, we anticipate this information will facilitate further research and inform the management of pain and poor sleep, which will ultimately improve the quality of life in adolescents and reduce the risk of pain persisting into adulthood.

Pain mechanisms in complex regional pain syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of quantitative sensory testing outcomes

BACKGROUND

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic condition following inciting events such as fractures or surgeries with sensorimotor and autonomic manifestations and poor prognosis. This review aimed to provide conclusive evidence about the sensory phenotype of CRPS based on quantitative sensory testing (QST) to understand the underlying pain mechanisms and guide treatment strategies.

DATABASES

Eight databases were searched based on a previously published protocol. Forty studies comparing QST outcomes (thermal, mechanical, vibration, and electric detection thresholds, thermal, mechanical, pressure, and electric pain thresholds, wind-up ratio, mechanical pain sensitivity, allodynia, flare area, area after pinprick hyperalgesia, pleasantness after C-tactile stimulation, and pain ratings) in chronic CRPS (adults and children) versus healthy controls were included.

RESULTS

From 37 studies (14 of low quality, 22 of fair quality, and 1 of good quality), adults with CRPS showed: (i) significant loss of thermal, mechanical, and vibration sensations, significant gain of thermal and mechanical pain thresholds, significant elevation of pain ratings, and no difference in wind-up ratio; (ii) significant reduction of pleasantness levels and increased area of pinprick hyperalgesia, in the affected limb. From three fair-quality studies, adolescents and children with CRPS showed loss of cold detection with cold hyperalgesia in the affected limb. There was moderate to substantial overall heterogeneity.

CONCLUSION

Diffuse thermal and mechanical hypoesthesia with primary and secondary hyperalgesia, enhanced pain facilitation evidenced by increased area of pinprick hyperalgesia, and elevated pain ratings are dominant in adults with CRPS. Adolescents and children with CRPS showed less severe sensory abnormalities.

Bridging the gap between preclinical scientists, clinical researchers, and clinicians: From animal research to clinical practice

BACKGROUND

Collaborations amongst researchers and clinicians with complementary areas of expertise enhance knowledge for everyone and can lead to new discoveries. To facilitate these interactions, shared language and a general understanding of how colleagues in different subfields of headache and headache research approach their work are needed.

METHODS

This narrative review focuses on research methods applied in animal studies, human studies including clinical trials, and provides an overview of clinical practice.

RESULTS

For animal studies, we describe concepts needed to evaluate the quality and relevance of preclinical studies. For human research, fundamental concepts of neuroimaging, quantitative sensory testing, genetic and epidemiological research methods, and clinical research methodology that are commonly used in headache research are summarized. In addition, we provide an understanding of what guides headache clinicians, and summarize the practical approach to migraine management in adults and children.

CONCLUSIONS

It is hoped that this review facilitates further dialogue between clinicians and researchers that will help guide future research efforts and implementation of research findings into clinical practice.

ThermoTRP channels in pain sexual dimorphism: new insights for drug intervention

Chronic pain is a major burden for the society and remains more prevalent and severe in females. The presence of chronic pain is linked to persistent alterations in the peripheral and the central nervous system. One of the main types of peripheral pain transducers are the transient receptor potential channels (TRP), also known as thermoTRP channels, which intervene in the perception of hot and cold external stimuli. These channels, and especially TRPV1, TRPA1 and TRPM8, have been subjected to profound investigation because of their role as thermosensors and also because of their implication in acute and chronic pain. Surprisingly, their sensitivity to endogenous signaling has been far less studied. Cumulative evidence suggests that the function of these channels may be differently modulated in males and females, in part through sexual hormones, and this could constitute a significant contributor to the sex differences in chronic pain. Here, we review the exciting advances in thermoTRP pharmacology for males and females in two paradigmatic types of chronic pain with a strong peripheral component: chronic migraine and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). The possibilities of peripheral druggability offered by these channels and the differential exploitation for men and women represent a development opportunity that will lead to a significant increment of the armamentarium of analgesic medicines for personalized chronic pain treatment.

Transient receptor potential melastatin 8 is required for nitroglycerin- and calcitonin gene-related peptide-induced migraine-like pain behaviors in mice

ABSTRACT

Migraine is a complex neurovascular disorder that is one of the leading causes of disability and a reduced quality of life. Even with such a high societal impact, our understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that contribute to migraine headaches is limited. To address this complex disorder, several groups have performed genome-wide association studies to elucidate migraine susceptibility genes, with many identifying transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8), a cold-sensitive cation channel expressed in peripheral afferents innervating the trigeminovascular system, and the principal mediator of cold and cold pain associated with injury and disease. Interestingly, these migraine-associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms reside in noncoding regions of TRPM8, with those correlated with reduced migraine risk exhibiting lower TRPM8 expression and decreased cold sensitivity. Nonetheless, as a role for TRPM8 in migraine has yet to be defined, we sought to address this gap in our knowledge using mouse genetics and TRPM8 antagonism to determine whether TRPM8 channels or neurons are required for migraine-like pain (mechanical allodynia and facial grimace) in inducible migraine models. Our results show that both evoked and spontaneous pain behaviors are dependent on both TRPM8 channels and neurons, as well as required in both acute and chronic migraine models. Moreover, inhibition of TRPM8 channels prevented acute but not established chronic migraine-like pain. These results are consistent with its association with migraine in genetic analyses and establish that TRPM8 channels are a component of the underlying mechanisms of migraine.

Multi-omics to predict changes during cold pressor test

Background

The cold pressor test (CPT) is a widely used pain provocation test to investigate both pain tolerance and cardiovascular responses. We hypothesize, that performing multi-omic analyses during CPT gives the opportunity to home in on molecular mechanisms involved. Twenty-two females were phenotypically assessed before and after a CPT, and blood samples were taken. RNA-Sequencing, steroid profiling and untargeted metabolomics were performed. Each ‘omic level was analyzed separately at both single-feature and systems-level (principal component [PCA] and partial least squares [PLS] regression analysis) and all ‘omic levels were combined using an integrative multi-omics approach, all using the paired-sample design.

Results

We showed that PCA was not able to discriminate time points, while PLS did significantly distinguish time points using metabolomics and/or transcriptomic data, but not using conventional physiological measures. Transcriptomic and metabolomic data revealed at feature-, systems- and integrative- level biologically relevant processes involved during CPT, e.g. lipid metabolism and stress response.

Conclusion

Multi-omics strategies have a great potential in pain research, both at feature- and systems- level. Therefore, they should be exploited in intervention studies, such as pain provocation tests, to gain knowledge on the biological mechanisms involved in complex traits.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-022-08981-z.

To Calibrate or not to Calibrate? A Methodological Dilemma in Experimental Pain Research

To calibrate or not to calibrate? This question is raised by almost everyone designing an experimental pain study with supra-threshold stimulation. The dilemma is whether to individualize stimulus intensity to the pain threshold / supra-threshold pain level of each participant or whether to provide the noxious stimulus at a fixed intensity so that everyone receives the identical input. Each approach has unique pros and cons which need to be considered to i) accurately design an experiment, ii) enhance statistical inference in the given data and, iii) reduce bias and the influence of confounding factors in the individual study e.g., body composition, differences in energy absorption and previous experience. Individualization requires calibration, a procedure already irritating the nociceptive system but allowing to match the pain level across individuals. It leads to a higher variability of the stimulus intensity, thereby influencing the encoding of "noxiousness" by the central nervous system. Results might be less influenced by statistical phenomena such as ceiling/floor effects and the approach does not seem to rise ethical concerns. On the other hand, applying a fixed (standardized) intensity reduces the problem of intensity encoding leading to a large between-subjects variability in pain responses. Fixed stimulation intensities do not require pre-exposure. It can be proposed that one method is not preferable over another, however the choice depends on the study aim and the desired level of external validity. This paper discusses considerations for choosing the optimal approach for experimental pain studies and provides recommendations for different study designs. PERSPECTIVE: To calibrate pain or not? This dilemma is related to almost every experimental pain research. The decision is a trade-off between statistical power and greater control of stimulus encoding. The article decomposes both approaches and presents the pros and cons of either approach supported by data and simulation experiment.

Triad Multisystem Phenotype with High-risk for Developing Temporomandibular Disorders- Characteristics and Potential Pathophysiology Results from the OPPERA Dataset

ABSTRACT

A multisystem phenotype with the Triad of bodily pain, psychological distress, and sleep disturbance was found to have high risk for developing initial onset of painful temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) in the multicenter Orofacial Pain: Prospective Evaluation and Risk Assessment (OPPERA) dataset. In this study, we systemically examined phenotypic characteristics and explored potential pathophysiology in quantitative sensory testing (QST) and autonomic nervous system (ANS) domains in this multisystem Triad phenotype. Secondary analysis was performed on 1199 non-Triad and 154 Triad TMD-free OPPERA enrollees at baseline. Results indicate that prior to developing TMDs, the Triad phenotype demonstrated both orofacial and systemic signs and symptoms that can only be captured through multisystem assessment. In addition, we found significantly lower resting heart rate variability and higher resting heart rate in the Triad phenotype as compared to the non-Triad group. However, pain sensitivity measured by QST was not different between groups. These findings highlight the importance of whole-person multisystem assessment at the stage prior to developing complex pain conditions such as TMDs, and suggest that, in addition to a "tissue damage monitor", pain should be considered in a broader context, such as a component within a "distress monitoring system" at the whole-person level when multisystem issues co-present. Therefore, the presence or absence of multisystem issues may carry critical information when searching for disease mechanisms and developing mechanism-based intervention and prevention strategies for TMDs and related pain conditions. Cardiovascular autonomic function should be further researched when multisystem issues co-present prior to developing TMDs.

Network Analysis Reveals That Headache-Related, Psychological and Psycho-Physical Outcomes Represent Different Aspects in Women with Migraine

Evidence supports that migraine is a complex pain condition with different underlying mechanisms. We aimed to quantify potential associations between demographic, migraine-related, and psychophysical and psychophysical variables in women with migraine. Demographic (age, height, and weight), migraine-related (intensity, frequency, and duration), related-disability (Migraine Disability Assessment Scale, Headache Disability Inventory), psychological (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), and psycho-physical (pressure pain thresholds -PPTs-) variables were collected from a sample of 74 women suffering from migraine. We calculated adjusted correlations between the variables by using a network analysis. Additionally, we also calculated centrality indices to identify the connectivity among the variables within the network and the relevance of each variable in the network. Multiple positive correlations (ρ) between PPTs were observed ranging from 0.1654 (C5-C6 and tibialis anterior) to 0.40 (hand and temporalis muscle). The strongest associations within the network were those between migraine attack frequency and diagnosis of chronic migraine (ρ = 0.634) and between the HDI-E and HDI-P (ρ = 0.545). The node with the highest strength and betweenness centrality was PPT at the second metacarpal, whereas the node with the highest harmonic centrality was PPT at the tibialis anterior muscle. This is the first study applying a network analysis to understand the underlying mechanisms in migraine. The identified network revealed that a model where each subgroup of migraine-related, psychological, and psycho-physical variables showed no interaction between each variable. Current findings could have clinical implications for developing multimodal treatments targeting the identified mechanisms.

Pathophysiology and Therapy of Associated Features of Migraine

Migraine is a complex and debilitating disorder that is broadly recognised by its characteristic headache. However, given the wide array of clinical presentations in migraineurs, the headache might not represent the main troublesome symptom and it can even go unnoticed. Understanding migraines exclusively as a pain process is simplistic and certainly hinders management. We describe the mechanisms behind some of the most disabling associated symptoms of migraine, including the relationship between the central and peripheral processes that take part in nausea, osmophobia, phonophobia, vertigo and allodynia. The rationale for the efficacy of the current therapeutic arsenal is also depicted in this article. The associated symptoms to migraine, apart from the painful component, are frequent, under-recognised and can be more deleterious than the headache itself. The clinical anamnesis of a headache patient should enquire about the associated symptoms, and treatment should be considered and individualised. Acknowledging the associated symptoms as a fundamental part of migraine has permitted a deeper and more coherent comprehension of the pathophysiology of migraine.

Migraine disability, pain catastrophizing, and headache severity are associated with evoked pain and targeted by mind-body therapy

ABSTRACT

Meta-analysis suggests that migraine patients are no more sensitive to experimentally evoked pain than healthy control subjects. At the same time, studies have linked some migraine symptoms to quantitative sensory testing (QST) profiles. Unfortunately, previous studies associating migraine symptoms and QST have important methodological shortcomings, stemming from small sample sizes, and frequent use of univariate statistics for multivariate research questions. In the current study, we seek to address these limitations by using a large sample of episodic migraine patients (n = 103) and a multivariate analysis that associates pain ratings from many thermal intensities simultaneously with 12 clinical measures ranging from headache frequency to sleep abnormalities. We identified a single dimension of association between thermal QST and migraine symptoms that relates to pain ratings for all stimulus intensities and a subset of migraine symptoms relating to disability (Headache Impact Test 6 and Brief Pain Inventory interference), catastrophizing (Pain Catastrophizing Scale), and pain severity (average headache pain, Brief Pain Inventory severity, and Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire 2). Headache frequency, allodynia, affect, and sleep disturbances were unrelated to this dimension. Consistent with previous research, we did not observe any difference in QST ratings between migraine patients and healthy control subjects. Additionally, we found that the linear combination of symptoms related to QST was modified by the mind-body therapy enhanced mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR+). These results suggest that QST has a selective relationship with pain symptoms even in the absence of between-subjects differences between chronic pain patients and healthy control subjects.

Multidimensional pain phenotypes after Traumatic Brain Injury

More than 50% of individuals develop chronic pain following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Research suggests that a significant portion of post-TBI chronic pain conditions is neuropathic in nature, yet the relationship between neuropathic pain, psychological distress, and somatosensory function following TBI is not fully understood. This study evaluated neuropathic pain symptoms, psychological and somatosensory function, and psychosocial factors in individuals with TBI (TBI, N = 38). A two-step cluster analysis was used to identify phenotypes based on the Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory and Beck's Anxiety Inventory scores. Phenotypes were then compared on pain characteristics, psychological and somatosensory function, and psychosocial factors. Our analyses resulted in two different neuropathic pain phenotypes: (1) Moderate neuropathic pain severity and anxiety scores (MNP-AS, N = 11); and (2) mild or no neuropathic pain symptoms and anxiety scores (LNP-AS, N = 27). Furthermore, the MNP-AS group exhibited greater depression, PTSD, pain severity, and affective distress scores than the LNP-AS group. In addition, thermal somatosensory function (difference between thermal pain and perception thresholds) was significantly lower in the MNP-AS compared to the LNP-AS group. Our findings suggest that neuropathic pain symptoms are relatively common after TBI and are not only associated with greater psychosocial distress but also with abnormal function of central pain processing pathways.

Total tenderness score and pressure pain thresholds in persistent post-traumatic headache attributed to mild traumatic brain injury

Objective

To investigate whether persistent post-traumatic headache attributed to mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with more pronounced pericranial tenderness and lower pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) in the head and neck region, compared with healthy controls.

Methods

Patients with persistent post-traumatic headache (n = 100) and age- and gender-matched healthy controls (n = 100) were included between July 2018 and June 2019. Total tenderness score (TTS) was used to assess pericranial tenderness by bilateral manual palpation in eight muscles or tendon insertions. Summation was then used to calculate a TTS from 0 to 48 based on individual right- and left-sided scores; higher TTS score indicated more pronounced pericranial tenderness. PPTs were examined in m. temporalis and m. trapezius (upper and middle part) using an electronic pressure algometer that applies increasing blunt pressure at a constant rate.

Results

The TTS score was higher in patients with persistent post-traumatic headache (median, 21; IQR, 12–31), compared with healthy controls (median, 10; IQR, 6–17; P < .001). PPTs were lower in patients with persistent post-traumatic headache than in controls in both the left-sided m. temporalis (mean ± SD, 157.5 ± 59.9 vs. 201.1 ± 65.2; P < .001) and right-sided m. temporalis (mean ± SD, 159.5 ± 63.8 vs. 212.3 ± 61.9; P < .001). Furthermore, patients with persistent post-traumatic headache also had lower left- and right-sided PPTs in the upper as well as middle part of m. trapezius, compared with healthy controls; all P values were .05 or less.

Conclusions

Among patients with persistent post-traumatic headache, pericranial tenderness was more pronounced and PPTs in the head and neck region were lower than in healthy controls free of headache and mild TBI. Further research is needed to better understand the involvement of pericranial myofascial nociceptors in the disease mechanisms underlying post-traumatic headache.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s10194-022-01457-1.

Cyclic changes of sensory parameters in migraine patients

BACKGROUND

Migraine shows a cyclic pattern with an inter-ictal-, a pre-ictal, an ictal- and a post-ictal phase. We aimed to examine changes in psychophysical parameters during the migraine cycle.

METHODS

The perception of nociceptive and non-nociceptive stimuli and an electrically induced axon-reflex-erythema were assessed in 20 healthy controls and 14 migraine patients on five consecutive days according to different phases of the migraine cycle. Pain was rated three times during a 10-second electrical stimulus. The size of the axon-reflex-erythema was determined using laser-Doppler-imaging. Intensity and hedonic estimates of odours presented by Sniffin' Sticks were rated.

RESULTS

In healthy controls, no significant changes over the test days were observed. In migraine patients pain thresholds at the head decreased with an ictal minimum. Less habituation after five seconds of stimulation at the head was found pre-ictally, whereas reduced habituation to 10-second electrical stimulation was present in all phases. The axon-reflex-erythema size showed an inter-ictal-specific minimum at the head. odours were perceived ictally as more unpleasant and intense.

CONCLUSIONS

Somatosensory functions, pain thresholds and habituation as predominantly central parameters, axon-reflex-erythema as a peripheral function of trigeminal neurons and odour perception as a predominantly extra-thalamic sensation change specifically over the migraine cycle indicating complex variations of neuronal signal processing.

Pain sensitivities predict prophylactic treatment outcomes of flunarizine in chronic migraine patients: A prospective study

BACKGROUND

We aimed to assess the differences in quantitative sensory testing between chronic migraine and healthy controls and to explore the association between pain sensitivities and outcomes in chronic migraine following preventive treatment.

METHODS

In this prospective open-label study, preventive-naïve chronic migraine and healthy controls were recruited, and cold, heat, mechanical punctate, and pressure pain thresholds over the dermatomes of first branch of trigeminal nerve and first thoracic nerve were measured by quantitative sensory testing at baseline. Chronic migraines were treated with flunarizine and treatment response was defined as ≥50% reduction in the number of monthly headache days over the 12-week treatment period.

RESULTS

Eighty-four chronic migraines and fifty age-and-sex-matched healthy controls were included in the analysis. The chronic migraine had higher cold pain thresholds over the dermatomes of the first branch of trigeminal nerve and the first thoracic nerve (p < 0.001 and < 0.001), lower pressure pain thresholds over the dermatomes of the first thoracic nerve (p = 0.003), heat pain thresholds over the dermatomes of the first branch of the trigeminal nerve and the first thoracic nerve (p < 0.001 and p = 0.015) than healthy controls. After treatment, 24/84 chronic migraine had treatment response. The responders with relatively normal pain sensitivity had higher heat pain thresholds over the dermatome of the first branch of the trigeminal nerve (p = 0.002), mechanical punctate pain thresholds over the dermatomes of the first branch of the trigeminal nerve (p = 0.023), and pressure pain thresholds over the dermatomes of the first branch of the trigeminal nerve (p = 0.026) than the hypersensitive non-responders. Decision tree analysis showed that patients with mechanical punctate pain threshold over the dermatomes of the first branch of the trigeminal nerve > 158 g (p = 0.020) or heat pain threshold over the dermatome of the first branch of the trigeminal nerve > 44.9°C (p = 0.002) were more likely to be responders.

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic migraine were generally more sensitive compared to healthy controls. Preventive treatment with flunarizine should be recommended particularly for chronic migraine who have relatively normal sensitivity to mechanical punctate or heat pain.Trial registration: This study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT02747940).

The temporal behaviour of migraine related neck pain does not inform on the origin of neck pain: An observational study

BACKGROUND

Clinicians seek to identify associations between pain behaviours to understand if symptoms are related or separate conditions. This study determined whether the temporal behaviour of migraine related neck pain related to i) the presence of cervical musculoskeletal function or ii) migraine hypersensitivity.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study of migraineurs with neck pain (n = 110). Participants reported daily for one month via an online survey, on migraine and other headaches, neck symptoms, location of onset and self-identified triggers. Allodynia Symptom Checklist (ASC12), Pressure pain thresholds (PPTs), and presence or absence of cervical musculoskeletal dysfunction were also assessed.

RESULTS

The temporal behaviours of neck pain in 92 participants (46 migraine only, 46 migraine plus another headache) were categorised as: i) ictal only (n = 42), ii) ictal and infrequent interictal (n = 26), iii) ictal and frequent interictal (n = 17), and iv) undecipherable (n = 7). Cervical musculoskeletal dysfunction was present in 43%. Temporal behaviours of neck pain were not associated with cervical musculoskeletal dysfunction (p = 1.00 and 0.21), nor related to ASC12, PPTs, headache triggers, neck pain, nor region of symptom onset, whether migraine only or migraine and another headache was reported (p = 0.29 to 0.97).

CONCLUSION

Individuals with migraine present with varied behaviours of neck pain in relation to the headache. As temporal behaviour is not informative, a physical examination is needed to negate or confirm a cervical source of neck pain in migraine.

Localized and widespread pressure pain hypersensitivity in patients with episodic or chronic migraine: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This meta-analysis compared pressure pain sensitivity in trigeminal, cervical spine and remote pain-free areas between migraine patients and headache-free controls considering diagnosis (episodic versus chronic) and sex.Databases and data treatment: Electronic databases were searched for cross-sectional or prospective case-control studies comparing pressure pain thresholds between migraine and headache-free controls. Data were extracted by two reviewers. The risk of bias and methodological quality was assessed by Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. Meta-analyses of trigeminal, extra-trigeminal (cervical spine) and remote pain-free areas were compared. Frequency of migraine and sex were taken into account. Mean differences (MD) and random effects were calculated.

RESULTS

Eighteen studies were included. Patients with migraine showed lower pressure pain thresholds than headache-free controls: trigeminal (MD -71.33 kPa, 95%CI -92.14 to -50.53), cervical spine (MD -68.50 kPa, 95%CI -84.67 to -52.33), and remote pain-free (MD -62.49 kPa, 95%CI -99.52 to -25.45) areas. Differences were consistently significant for episodic migraine in all locations, but only significant in the trigeminal area for chronic migraine (MD -67.36 kOPa, 95%CI -101.31 to -33.42). Overall, women had lower pressure pain thresholds than men. The methodological quality of most studies (66.7%) was good. The results showed a high heterogeneity.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis found low to high quality evidence showing lower pressure pain thresholds in trigeminal, extra-trigeminal, and remote pain-free areas in migraine sufferers when compared with headache-free controls. Hypersensitivity to pressure pain locally and widespread was consistently observed in episodic migraine, but locally in chronic migraine as compared to headache-free controls. Women with migraine were more sensitive than men.Registration number: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/YJTAK.

The Neck Disability Index Reflects Allodynia and Headache Disability but Not Cervical Musculoskeletal Dysfunction in Migraine

OBJECTIVE

The Neck Disability Index (NDI) is a self-rated disability tool originally developed for whiplash-associated disorders and validated in cervical musculoskeletal conditions. It is now commonly used to assess neck disability in migraine, but it is unknown whether NDI scores relate to migraine and hypersensitivity, cervical musculoskeletal dysfunction, or both. This single-blinded observational study aimed to determine whether the presence of cervical musculoskeletal dysfunction, migraine features, and hypersensitivity predict NDI scores and whether alternate versions of the NDI (NDI-physical, NDI-8, NDI-5) relate more to cervical musculoskeletal dysfunction.

METHODS

Migraine and neck pain features, the Headache Impact Test (HIT-6), NDI, Allodynia Symptom Checklist (ASC12), and pressure pain thresholds were assessed in 104 participants with migraine and neck pain, 45 previously identified with cervical musculoskeletal dysfunction and 59 without. The NDI score was regressed on the presence or absence of cervical dysfunction, migraine features, HIT-6, total pressure pain threshold, and ASC12 while accounting for neck pain features. The presence of cervical dysfunction was regressed on the scores of NDI versions.

RESULTS

The ASC12 (standardized ß = 0.20) and HIT-6 (standardized ß = 0.18) were significantly predictive of total NDI score, as were neck pain intensity (standardized ß = 0.32) and frequency (standardized ß = 0.44). No scores from alternate NDI versions related to cervical dysfunction.

CONCLUSION

The NDI score is a complex measure of neck disability influenced by migraine disability and hypersensitivity beyond the presence of cervical musculoskeletal dysfunction. This has implications for the clinical interpretation of NDI scores in patients with migraine.

IMPACT

Many patients with migraine and neck pain report neck disability; therefore, it is important to understand if migraine impacts neck disability. The results of this study indicate that clinicians need to consider migraine-related disability and hypersensitivity when managing neck disability in this population.

Interpersonal Neural Synchronization Predicting Learning Outcomes From Teaching-Learning Interaction: A Meta-Analysis

In school education, teaching-learning interaction is deemed as a core process in the classroom. The fundamental neural basis underlying teaching-learning interaction is proposed to be essential for tuning learning outcomes. However, the neural basis of this process as well as the relationship between the neural dynamics and the learning outcomes are largely unclear. With non-invasive technologies such as fNIRS (functional near-infrared spectroscopy), hyperscanning techniques have been developed since the last decade and been applied to the field of educational neuroscience for simultaneous multi-brain scanning. Hyperscanning studies suggest that the interpersonal neural synchronization (INS) during teaching-learning interaction might be an ideal neural biomarker for predicting learning outcomes. To systematically evaluate such a relationship, this meta-analysis ran on a random-effects model on 16 studies with 23 independent samples (effect sizes). Further moderator analyses were also performed to examine the potential influences of the style, mode, content, and the assessment method of learning outcomes. The random-effects modeling results confirmed a robust positive correlation between INS and learning outcomes. Subsequent analyses revealed that such relationship was mainly affected by both interaction style and mode. Therefore, the present meta-analysis provided a confirmatory neurocognitive foundation for teaching-learning interaction, as well as its relation to the learning outcomes, consolidated future learning and teaching studies in various disciplines including second language education with a firm methodological reference.

Trigeminal sensory modulatory effects of galcanezumab and clinical response prediction

ABSTRACT

Galcanezumab, a monoclonal antibody against calcitonin gene-related peptide, is an emerging migraine preventative. We hypothesized that the preventive effects are conveyed via modulation of somatosensory processing and that certain sensory profiles may hence be associated with different clinical responses. We recruited migraine patients (n=26), who underwent quantitative sensory tests (QST) over the right V1 dermatome and forearm at baseline (T0), 2-3 weeks (T1), and one year (T12) after monthly galcanezumab treatment. The clinical response was defined as a reduction of ≥30% in headache frequency based on the headache diary. Predictors for clinical response were calculated using binary logistical regression models. After galcanezumab (T1 vs. T0), the heat pain threshold (HPT) (°C, 44.9 ± 3.4 vs. 43.0 ± 3.3, p=0.013) and mechanical pain threshold (MPT) (log mN, 1.60 ± 0.31 vs. 1.45 ± 0.26, p=0.042) were increased exclusively in the V1 dermatome, but not the forearm. These changes were immediate, did not differ between responders and non-responders, and did not last in one year of follow-up (T12 vs. T0). However, baseline HPT (OR: 2.13, 95% CI: 1.08-4.19, p = 0.029) on the forearm was a robust predictor for a clinical response three months later. In summary, our data demonstrated that galcanezumab modulates pain thresholds specifically in the V1 dermatome, but this modulation is short-lasting and irrelevant to clinical response. Instead, the clinical response may be determined by individual sensibility even before the administration of medication.

The descending pain modulation system predicts short term efficacy of multimodal pain therapy - an observational prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

Treating chronic pain patients with multimodal pain therapy (MMPT) alters perception, awareness, and processing of pain at multiple therapeutic levels. Several clinical observations suggest that the effects of therapy may go beyond the possible sum of each level of therapy and may be due to a central descending inhibitory effect measurable by conditioned pain modulation (CPM). Thus, we investigated whether CPM is able to identify a group of patients that benefit particularly from MMPT.

METHODS

This was an observational prospective cohort study. Patients were hospitalized on a special pain medicine ward with specially trained staff for 10 days. The patients were questioned and had investigations before and shortly after MMPT and were followed-up on 3 months post discharge. Before and after treatment, subjects were investigated via CPM and quantitative sensory testing (QST) as well as completing questionnaires. The study was registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00006850).

RESULTS

During the study period of 24 months, 224 chronic pain patients were recruited. 51 percent of patients completed the study period. There was an improvement in overall groups regarding all domains assessed, lasting beyond the end of the intervention. Patients with a sufficient CPM effect, defined as a reduction in pain during the conditioning stimulus, at baseline did show a more pronounced reduction in mean pain ratings than those without. This was not the case 3 months after therapy. Furthermore, sufficient CPM was identified as a predictor for pain reduction using a linear regression model.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, this study shows that while a heterogeneous group of patients with chronic pain disorders does sustainably benefit from MMPT in general, patients with a sufficient CPM effect do show a more pronounced decrease in pain ratings directly after therapy in comparison to those without.

Cervical musculoskeletal impairments in migraine

Background

Neck pain is common and disabling amongst individuals with migraine. Cervical musculoskeletal interventions are often sought but there is currently no evidence to support such interventions for this population. Improved understanding of how cervical musculoskeletal impairments present in migraine can elucidate neck pain mechanisms and guide clinicians and researchers in the management of patients with migraine and neck pain.

Main body

Migraine hypersensitivity is a major consideration when assessing for cervical impairments as it can aggravate migraine and confound findings. Current evidence of cervical impairments in migraine is limited by disregard for the different underlying causes of neck pain and possible influence of hypersensitivity. Findings of cervical musculoskeletal impairments are mixed within and across studies, indicating that different forms of neck pain are present in migraine. Some migraineurs have neck pain that is part of the migraine symptom complex and therefore exhibit little or no cervical musculoskeletal impairment. Others have a cervical source of neck pain and therefore exhibit a pattern of cervical musculoskeletal impairments akin to that of cervical disorders. The presence of cervical musculoskeletal dysfunction may or may not be related to migraine but knowledge of this is currently lacking which impacts decision making on management. Cervical musculoskeletal interventions may be indicated for migraineurs with identified cervical dysfunction but other factors requiring further clarification include determination of i) patient specific outcomes, ii) impact of co-existing migraine referred neck pain, and iii) potential moderating effects of migraine hypersensitivity on treatment efficacy.

Conclusions

Physiotherapists should seek a combination of cervical impairments through skilful assessment to identify if cervical musculoskeletal dysfunction is present or not in individual patients. The relevance of cervical dysfunction to migraine and influence of co-existing migraine referred neck pain need to be established through detailed evaluation of pain behaviours and further research. Future clinical trials should define expected treatment outcomes and select individuals with cervical musculoskeletal dysfunction when investigating the efficacy of cervical musculoskeletal interventions.

Psychophysical testing in chronic migraine and chronic tension type headache: An observational study

BACKGROUND

Clinical presentation is the key to the diagnosis of patients with migraine and tension-type headache, but features may overlap when both become chronic. Psychophysical parameters may distinguish both conditions. We aimed to compare psychophysical aspects of patients with chronic migraine, chronic tension-type headache and headache-free controls, and to determine whether these can predict headache frequency.

METHODS

An examiner blinded to the diagnosis assessed 100 participants (chronic migraine (n = 38), chronic tension-type headache (n = 31) and controls (n = 31)). Assessed variables included painful area, pressure pain thresholds, temporal summation, cervical range of motion, neck posture, headache and neck impact, quality of life, and kinesiophobia. Comparison between groups was performed with one-way ANOVA and multiple linear regression was used to assess the headache frequency predictors.

RESULTS

We found differences of both headache groups compared to controls (p < 0.01), but not between headache groups. Neck disability was a significant predictor of headache frequency for chronic tension-type headache (adjusted R² = 0.14; β = 0.43; p = 0.03) and chronic migraine (adjusted R² = 0.18; β = 0.51; p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic tension-type headache and chronic migraine showed similar psychophysical results, but were significantly worse when compared to controls. The psychophysical examination did not discriminate between headache types. The variable best explaining headache frequency for both headache types was neck disability.

Quantitative sensory testing in patients with the muscle pain subtype of temporomandibular disorder: a systemic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate quantitative sensory testing (QST) evidence for pain processing in patients with the muscle pain subtype of temporomandibular disorders (mTMD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A comprehensive systematic electronic search strategy was performed in online literature databases. All full-text observational studies published up to July 2021 with the aim of investigating pain sensitization in humans with mTMD using QST measures were eligible for inclusion. Meta-analysis of QST data was performed using a random effects model, which included results comparing patients with mTMD to healthy controls, and standard mean difference (SMD) results were analyzed.

RESULTS

Twelve studies with 732 participants (371 patients with mTMD and 361 healthy controls) were analyzed following screening and quality appraisal. Compared with healthy controls, patients with mTMD had significantly lower pressure pain threshold (SMD - 1.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] - 1.52 to - 0.68) with high heterogeneity (Tau2 = 0.61, I2 = 86%), and significantly lower mechanical pain threshold (SMD - 0.64, 95% CI - 0.95 to - 0.32) with no heterogeneity (Tau2 = 0.00, I2 = 0%). No difference was observed in the cold pain threshold (SMD 0.16, 95% CI - 0.13 to 0.45), heat pain threshold (SMD - 0.13, 95% CI - 0.40 to 0.15), and wind-up ratio (SMD 0.63, 95% CI - 0.11 to 1.38) between patients with mTMD and healthy controls. Other QST parameters were also discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

The study results suggest that the pain processing of deep tissues is likely sensitized in mTMD and calls for more QST studies with standard procedures to reduce inter-study heterogeneity.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The major findings of this meta-analysis support using PPT to examine the pain processing in patients with mTMD in clinical scenario.

Pain thresholds and suprathreshold pain after sleep restriction in migraine - A blinded crossover study

OBJECTIVE

There is an unexplained association between disturbed sleep and migraine. In this blinded crossover study, we investigate if experimental sleep restriction has a different effect on pain thresholds and suprathreshold pain in interictal migraineurs and controls.

METHODS

Forearm heat pain thresholds and tolerance thresholds, and trapezius pressure pain thresholds and suprathreshold pain were measured in 39 interictal migraineurs and 31 healthy controls after two consecutive nights of partial sleep restriction and after habitual sleep.

RESULTS

The effect of sleep restriction was not significantly different between interictal migraineurs and controls in the primary analyses. Pressure pain thresholds tended to be lower (i.e., increased pain sensitivity) after sleep restriction in interictal migraineurs compared to controls with a 48-hour preictal-interictal cut-off (p = 0.061). We found decreased pain thresholds after sleep restriction in two of seven migraine subgroup comparisons: heat pain thresholds decreased in migraineurs with lower pain intensity during attacks (p = 0.005) and pressure pain thresholds decreased in migraineurs with higher severity of photophobia during attacks (p = 0.031). Heat pain thresholds tended to decrease after sleep restriction in sleep-related migraine (p = 0.060). Sleep restriction did not affect suprathreshold pain measurements in either group.

CONCLUSION

This study could not provide strong evidence for an increased effect of sleep restriction on pain sensitivity in migraineurs compared to healthy controls. There might be a slightly increased effect of sleep restriction in migraineurs, detectable using large samples or more pronounced in certain migraine subgroups.

Has the Phase of the Menstrual Cycle Been Considered in Studies Investigating Pressure Pain Sensitivity in Migraine and Tension-Type Headache: A Scoping Review

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this scoping review was to identify if the phase of the menstrual cycle was considered in observational studies comparing pressure pain sensitivity between women with migraine or tension-type headache (TTH) and headache-free women.

METHODS

A systematic electronic literature search in PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, and CINAHL databases was conducted. Observational studies including one or more groups with TTH and/or migraine comparing pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) were included. The methodological quality (risk of bias) was assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Authors, objectives, inclusion/exclusion criteria, size sample, female sample, tool to assess PPTs, mean age, and the use of any medication were extracted and analyzed independently by two authors.

RESULTS

From a total of 1404 and 1832 identified articles for TTH and migraine, 30 and 18 studies satisfied the criteria and were included. Nineteen (63.4%) studies assessing TTH patients and eleven (61.1%) assessing migraine patients showed a high risk of bias. The most common flaws were attributed to improper selection of control and control over other additional factors. Based on the systematic review, just one study including TTH and one including migraine patients considered the menstrual cycle.

CONCLUSION

The results of this scoping review identified that the phase of the menstrual cycle has been rarely considered in studies investigating sensitivity to pressure pain in primary headaches, such as TTH or migraine, although there is evidence showing the relevance of the phase of the menstrual cycle in pain perception.

Acute Pain Burden and Opioid Dose Requirements after Cesarean Delivery in Parturients with Preexisting Chronic Back Pain and Migraine

Introduction

Preexisting chronic pain has been reported to be a consistent risk factor for severe acute postoperative pain. However, each specific chronic pain condition has unique pathophysiology, and it is possible that the effect of each condition on postoperative pain is different.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study of pregnant women with preexisting chronic pain conditions (i.e., migraine, chronic back pain, and the combination of migraine + chronic back pain), who underwent cesarean delivery. The effects of the three chronic pain conditions on time-weighted average (TWA) pain score (primary outcome) and opioid dose requirements in morphine milligram equivalents (MME) during postoperative 48 hours were compared.

Results

The TWA pain score was similar in preexisting migraine and chronic back pain. Chronic back pain was associated with significantly greater opioid dose requirements than migraine (12.92 MME, 95% CI: 0.41 to 25.43, P=0.041). Preoperative opioid use (P < 0.001) was associated with a greater TWA pain score. Preoperative opioid use (P < 0.001), smoking (P=0.004), and lower postoperative ibuprofen dose (P=0.002) were associated with greater opioid dose requirements.

Conclusions

Findings suggest women with chronic back pain and migraine do not report different postpartum pain intensities; however, women with preexisting chronic back pain required 13 MME greater opioid dose than those with migraine during 48 hours after cesarean delivery.