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Cabral G, Serôdio M, Krupka D, Ferreira VM, Calado S, Baptista MV. Are there differences between patients with unifocal nummular headache and those who progress to bifocal nummular headache? A retrospective observational study. Headache 2024; 64:1065-1068. [PMID: 38860505 DOI: 10.1111/head.14751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This retrospective observational cohort study aimed to compare clinical characteristics and treatment responses in patients exclusively experiencing unifocal nummular headache (NH) with those who develop the bifocal variant. METHODS A retrospective study was conducted on patients diagnosed with NH who attended a neurology (headache) outpatient clinic between January 2018 and December 2022. The cohort was divided into two groups: Group 1, exclusive unifocal NH; and Group 2, those developing a secondary focal area of pain, i.e., bifocal NH. Data were collected on demographic characteristics, clinical features, other headache comorbidities, and treatment-related information. RESULTS A total of 23 patients were included in this study: 12 were categorized as unifocal NH (Group 1) and 11 as bifocal NH (Group 2). There were no differences between the two groups in terms of demographic characteristics, clinical features, or treatment response. Nonetheless, patients with bifocal NH exhibited spontaneous remission rates in the first pain area when compared to the unifocal NH group, with statistically significant differences (36% vs. 0%, p = 0.020). CONCLUSION In our sample, patients with bifocal NH demonstrated spontaneous remission rates in the initial pain area, a phenomenon not observed in patients with unifocal NH. It is worth noting the limited sample size in the present study, highlighting the need for larger cohorts to validate and further explore our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonçalo Cabral
- Neurology Department, Hospital de Egas Moniz, Unidade de Local de Saúde de Lisboa Ocidental, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Miguel Serôdio
- Neurology Department, Hospital de Egas Moniz, Unidade de Local de Saúde de Lisboa Ocidental, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Danna Krupka
- Neurology Department, Hospital de Egas Moniz, Unidade de Local de Saúde de Lisboa Ocidental, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Vitor Mendes Ferreira
- Neurology Department, Hospital de Egas Moniz, Unidade de Local de Saúde de Lisboa Ocidental, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sofia Calado
- Neurology Department, Hospital de Egas Moniz, Unidade de Local de Saúde de Lisboa Ocidental, Lisbon, Portugal
- Chronic Diseases Research Center (CEDOC), NOVA Medical School, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Miguel V Baptista
- Neurology Department, Hospital de Egas Moniz, Unidade de Local de Saúde de Lisboa Ocidental, Lisbon, Portugal
- Chronic Diseases Research Center (CEDOC), NOVA Medical School, Lisbon, Portugal
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García-Iglesias C, González-Celestino A, Sierra Mencía Á, González Osorio Y, Recio García A, Martínez-Badillo C, Echavarría Íñiguez A, Varona-Galán B, García-Azorín D, Guerrero-Peral ÁL. Long-term outcomes of nummular headache: A series of 168 patients and 1198 patient-years of follow-up. Cephalalgia 2023; 43:3331024231201576. [PMID: 37728578 DOI: 10.1177/03331024231201576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since the first description of nummular headache (NH), more than 500 cases have been described, delineating its clinical phenotype and response to treatment. However, data on the natural history of NH and outcomes during long-term follow-up are not currently available. The present study aimed to describe the long-term outcomes and follow-up of a large series of patients with NH. METHODS A descriptive observational ambisective study with a series of cases was conducted. The study population included adult patients with primary NH and a minimum of 12 months of follow-up. Demographic variables, previous medical history, clinical phenotype, diagnosis and treatment of NH, temporal pattern, and long-term evolution were analysed. RESULTS In total, 168 patients were enrolled and followed for a median [interquartile range (IQR)] of 80.5 (55-118.5) months. The temporal pattern after NH onset was chronic in 67.9% and, at diagnosis, the median (IQR) number of pain days per month was 20 [10-30] days with 138 (82.1%) patients with ≥8 days of pain per month. Preventive treatment was needed by 112 (66.7%) patients. The most frequently used drugs were gabapentin (69/112; 61.6%), onabotulinumtoxinA (38/112; 33.9%), amitriptyline (31/112; 27.7%) and lamotrigine (21/112; 18.7%). Response to preventive treatment was at least partial in 91/112 (81.3%) patients. At the end of follow-up, 81 (48.2%) patients had inactive NH. Of patients with active NH, the median (IQR) number of headache days per month was 3 (1-12) days and patients had ≥8 days of pain in 35 (20.8%) cases. CONCLUSIONS Long-term outcomes of NH were positive in most patients. After a median of 6.7 years of follow-up, 48% of cases were inactive. Two-thirds of patients required preventive treatment, and 80% of them were treatment-responsive. In NH cases that remained symptomatic, the headache frequency was lower, and the proportion of patients with chronic NH decreased from 68% to 11%.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Álvaro Sierra Mencía
- Headache Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Valladolid, Spain
| | | | - Andrea Recio García
- Headache Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Valladolid, Spain
| | | | | | - Berta Varona-Galán
- Pneumology Department, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario, A Coruña, Spain
| | - David García-Azorín
- Headache Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Valladolid, Spain
- Department of Medicine, University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Ángel Luis Guerrero-Peral
- Headache Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Valladolid, Spain
- Department of Medicine, University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Nummular headache and epicrania fugax are two primary headaches that fall under the heading of epicranial headaches. METHODS This article reviews the epidemiological and clinical features of nummular headache and epicrania fugax, proposed pathogenic mechanisms and state-of-the-art management, according to the literature. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Nummular headache and epicrania fugax are generally viewed as rare headache disorders, but no population-based epidemiological data are available. Nummular headache is characterized by continuous or intermittent head pain, which remains circumscribed in a round or oval area of the scalp, typically one to six centimeters in diameter. Epicrania fugax manifests with brief paroxysms of pain that move along the surface of the head, following a linear or zigzag trajectory through different nerve territories. Nummular headache and epicrania fugax are mostly primary headaches, but some secondary cases have been reported. The pathogenesis of these headaches is not fully understood. Nummular headache could probably originate in epicranial tissues or adjacent intracranial structures, while the origin of epicrania fugax could be extracranial or intracranial. Diagnostic assessment requires careful examination of the symptomatic areas. Underlying disorders should be excluded by additional investigations, including neuroimaging and appropriate blood tests. No controlled clinical trials have been conducted in nummular headache or epicrania fugax. Analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs, botulinum toxin and gabapentin are currently the most recommended treatment options for nummular headache. In epicrania fugax, the most used treatments are gabapentin, lamotrigine, and other antiseizure medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- María-Luz Cuadrado
- Headache Unit, Department of Neurology, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria San Carlos, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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4
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Treatment of Primary Nummular Headache: A Series of 183 Patients from the NUMITOR Study. J Clin Med 2022; 12:jcm12010122. [PMID: 36614923 PMCID: PMC9821628 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12010122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Nummular headache (NH) is a primary headache characterized by superficial coin-shaped pain. NUMITOR (NCT05475769) is an observational study evaluating the responder rate of preventive drugs in NH patients. The treatment response was assessed between weeks 8 and 12 compared with the baseline. Patients were included between February 2002 and October 2022. Demographic and clinical variables were assessed; treatment response was estimated by 50%, 30%, and 75% responder rates and treatment discontinuation due to inadequate tolerability. A total of 183 out of 282 patients fulfilled eligibility criteria and completed the study. Patients were aged 49.5 (standard deviation (SD): 16.8) years, and 60.7% were female. NH phenotype was a parietal circular pain of four centimeters' diameter, moderate intensity, and oppressive quality. At baseline, patients had 25 (interquartile range) pain days per month. Preventive treatment was used by 114 (62.3%) patients. The highest 50% and 75% responder rates corresponded to onabotulinumtoxinA (62.5%, 47.5%), followed by gabapentin (43.7%, 35.2%). Oral preventive drugs were not tolerated by 12.9-25%. The present study provides class IV evidence of the effectiveness of oral preventive drugs and onabotulinumtoxinA in the treatment of primary NH. OnabotulinumtoxinA was the most effective and best-tolerated drug, positioning it as first-line treatment of NH.
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Sánchez Galindo B. Cefalea numular. A propósito de un caso. Semergen 2022; 48:e37-e38. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semerg.2022.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Ikram H, Vakil H, Zipperer K, Fang X, Jan Q, Islam J, Rai P, Thottempudi N. The Tricky Diagnosis of Nummular Headaches: Description of Two Cases and Literature Review. Cureus 2022; 14:e25043. [PMID: 35719810 PMCID: PMC9199569 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.25043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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Zhou S, Badash I, Doherty JK. Nummular and Side-locked Headaches for the Otolaryngologist. Otolaryngol Clin North Am 2022; 55:697-706. [PMID: 35490038 DOI: 10.1016/j.otc.2022.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Side-locked headaches are a common symptom having a wide-ranging differential. Unchanging in laterality, these headaches can represent neuralgias, trigeminal autonomic cephalgias, ophthalmologic disorders, otolaryngologic and craniofacial disorders, vascular disorders, and malignancy. In rarer situations, they have presented secondary to neurosurgical or dermatologic considerations. Loss of cranial nerves and visual changes warrant additional evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Zhou
- LAC+USC Medical Center Otolaryngology Department, 1200 North State Street, Suite A2E, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
| | - Ido Badash
- LAC+USC Medical Center Otolaryngology Department, 1200 North State Street, Suite A2E, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Joni K Doherty
- USC Caruso Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, 1450 San Pablo Street #5100, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
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8
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Lax DN, Hershey AD, Kabbouche MA, Kacperski J. Nummular headache in children: A case series and systematic literature review. CEPHALALGIA REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/25158163221091782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Nummular headache is a rare primary headache disorder potentially disabling and refractory to treatment. Of over 300 reported cases, only 9 are children. Design/Methods: We searched our institutional database and PubMed for “nummular headache” and synonyms and evaluated select articles from reference lists of substantial reviews. Results: Seven children were identified from our institution and nine from 107 unique publications. Mean age at onset was 9.7 and 11.9 years in our cohort and the literature, respectively, with a female:male ratio of 2:1. Location and quality varied, and allodynia was reported in five. Frequency ranged from every other week to continuous. Imaging was normal except in four cases. Migraine was often comorbid. Published cases were frequently refractory to treatment whereas four of our cohort improved with therapy for comorbid migraine. Conclusions: Nummular headache is rarely reported in children. We describe characteristics of seven new and nine previously published pediatric cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel N Lax
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Andrew D Hershey
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Marielle A Kabbouche
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Joanne Kacperski
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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García-Iglesias C, Martínez-Badillo C, García-Azorín D, Trigo-López J, Martínez-Pías E, Guerrero-Peral ÁL. SECONDARY NUMMULAR HEADACHE: A NEW CASE SERIES AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE. PAIN MEDICINE 2021; 22:2718-2727. [PMID: 34022054 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnab174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nummular Headache (NH) is defined in the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD) by the presence of localized pain circumscribed to a small round area of the scalp, not better accounted by any other diagnosis. As in many other primary headache disorders, secondary cases might occur. To date, 13 secondary cases have been published. We aim to present a long series of secondary NH and review the literature of symptomatic NH. PATIENTS AND METHODS Retrospective analysis of an observational prospective cohort in a headache unit located in a tertiary hospital. We included patients that fulfilled ICHD criteria and were attributed to a secondary cause. We describe the clinical characteristics, the underlying causes, and the response to treatment. RESULTS We included 274 NH patients, 8 of them (2.9%) were considered secondary. In 1 patient the underlying cause was subcutaneous, as for 6 cases the lesion was located in the bone (two hemangiomas, 1 osteoma, 3 different types of cysts), and in one was intracranial but closely related with internal diploe (cavernoma). Among our patients with secondary NH, a preventive therapy was not always needed and, when required, gabapentin or onabotulinumtoxinA were used with positive response. CONCLUSION Secondary NH phenotype overlaps primary NH. Therefore, we recommend routine imaging study in every NH patient. Concerning treatment, it was not necessary to remove the underlying lesion to control the pain and many cases responded to the same prophylactics as primary NH cases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - David García-Azorín
- Headache Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Javier Trigo-López
- Headache Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Enrique Martínez-Pías
- Headache Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Ángel Luis Guerrero-Peral
- Headache Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Valladolid, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
- Department of Medicine, University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
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10
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Chavarría-Miranda A, Guerrero ÁL, Talavera B, Martínez-Pías E, Trigo-López J, Sierra Á, García-Azorín D. Linear Headache: A Novel Entity or a Variant of Nummular Headache? Clinical Characteristics and Treatment Response in a Series of 16 Patients. PAIN MEDICINE 2021; 22:1158-1166. [PMID: 33723599 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnaa436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Linear headache has been recently described as an episodic or chronic unilateral pain distributed along a fixed linear trajectory, which combines some characteristics of epicrania fugax and nummular headache. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics and therapeutic response of a series of 16 new patients. DESIGN This is an observational study with a series of cases. SETTING The study period encompassed June 2014 to June 2019. Demographic, clinical, and therapeutic response data were recorded. METHODS We included all consecutive patients who presented pain with the following characteristics: sharply contoured, fixed in size and shape, with linear shape, without movement along a trajectory, and not circumscribed to the territory of any nerve. RESULTS Twelve patients were women, and four were men. The mean age at onset was 40.1 years. Pain was described as pressing in seven patients, burning in five, and electric or stabbing in two each. Symptomatic treatment had been used by 13 patients (81.2%), with analgesics being the most frequent treatment used. Thirteen patients received preventive treatment. The response to oral medications and anesthetic blockade was insufficient. OnabotulinumtoxinA was used in six cases, with an optimal (>75%) response observed in half. CONCLUSION Linear headache appears to be a distinct headache syndrome from epicrania fugax or nummular headache. Preventive treatment is often required. The drug with the best response was onabotulinumtoxinA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Chavarría-Miranda
- Headache Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Ángel L Guerrero
- Headache Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain.,Institute for Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain.,Department of Medicine, University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Blanca Talavera
- Headache Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Enrique Martínez-Pías
- Headache Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Javier Trigo-López
- Headache Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Álvaro Sierra
- Headache Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - David García-Azorín
- Headache Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain.,Institute for Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
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Hall S, Vajramani G. Nummular Headache Successfully Managed With Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation: A Case Report. Neuromodulation 2021; 24:1132-1134. [PMID: 33847033 DOI: 10.1111/ner.13397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Hall
- Centre for Functional Neurosurgery, Wessex Neurological Centre, University Hospital Southampton NHS FT, Southampton, UK
| | - Girish Vajramani
- Centre for Functional Neurosurgery, Wessex Neurological Centre, University Hospital Southampton NHS FT, Southampton, UK
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12
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Patel J, Desai D, Desai S. Nummular Headache responding to Oxcarbazepine: A Rare Case. Ann Indian Acad Neurol 2021; 23:722-724. [PMID: 33623286 PMCID: PMC7887469 DOI: 10.4103/aian.aian_7_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jalpan Patel
- Intern Doctor, Pramukhswami Medical College, Karamsad, Anand, Gujarat, India
| | - Devangi Desai
- Department of Medicine, Shree Krishna Hospital, Pramukhswami Medical College, Karamsad, Anand, Gujarat, India
| | - Soaham Desai
- Department of Neurology, Shree Krishna Hospital, Pramukhswami Medical College, Karamsad, Anand, Gujarat, India
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Thomas DC, Heir GM, Patil AG, Soni PK. Nummular Headache - a Case Report of a Rare Entity. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2020; 24:71. [PMID: 33047184 DOI: 10.1007/s11916-020-00901-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of this manuscript is to shed light on systematic work-up of a diagnostic challenge such as nummular headache (NH), and to summarize the relevant literature on NH. RECENT FINDINGS The specific nature of the shape of the pain site is usually characteristic of NH. Multiple modalities of investigation including succinct imaging are necessary to successfully rule out other similar conditions. A 26-year-old female patient of Asian-Indian origin presented to the clinic with the chief complaint of chronic persistent left parietal headache for more than 10 years, which has been worsening over the past few days with no specific identifiable trigger. The diagnosis of nummular headache is challenging and confusing due to the rare occurrence and inadequate references in the literature. Appropriate imaging was done, which revealed no pathology that could explain the headache presentation. These findings are consistent with our diagnosis of nummular headache, and helped in the successful management of the case.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davis C Thomas
- Center for TMD and Orofacial Pain, Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, Newark, NJ, USA.
| | - Gary M Heir
- Center for TMD and Orofacial Pain, Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Amey G Patil
- Department of Restorative Dentistry and Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Center for TMD and Orofacial Pain, Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Prutha K Soni
- Center for TMD and Orofacial Pain, Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, Newark, NJ, USA
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Santos-Lasaosa S, Cuadrado M, Gago-Veiga A, Guerrero-Peral A, Irimia P, Láinez J, Leira R, Pascual J, Porta-Etessam J, Sánchez del Río M, Viguera Romero J, Pozo-Rosich P. Evidencia y experiencia del uso de onabotulinumtoxinA en neuralgia del trigémino y cefaleas primarias distintas de la migraña crónica. Neurologia 2020; 35:568-578. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nrl.2017.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Revised: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
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15
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Evidence of and experience with the use of onabotulinumtoxinA in trigeminal neuralgia and primary headaches other than chronic migraine. NEUROLOGÍA (ENGLISH EDITION) 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nrleng.2017.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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16
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Baldelli I, Lucia Mangialardi M, Salgarello M, Raposio E. Nummular Headache and Its Surgical Treatment. PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY-GLOBAL OPEN 2020; 8:e2989. [PMID: 32802677 PMCID: PMC7413807 DOI: 10.1097/gox.0000000000002989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Nummular headache (NH) is an uncommon primary headache characterized by pain limited to a precise small area of the scalp. There is no global consensus on its pathogenesis, but its extracranial origin is the most accepted theory. Moreover, peripheral mechanism is supported by the overlapping symptomatology of secondary forms of NH and is well described in the literature. However, a standard effective treatment is still lacking. METHODS A literature search according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines was conducted to evaluate surgical strategies for NH. Inclusion criteria were English language, diagnosis of primary NH according to International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd Edition, or of secondary NH, and follow-up at a minimum of 3 months. The treatment had to consist of peripheral surgery. RESULTS One hundred eighty-seven records were identified after duplicates were removed, 15 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility, and 4 records were selected for inclusion. A total of 53 patients were included in this review, 50 of whom were diagnosed with primary NH. The general positive response after surgery (>50% reduction in occipital migraine headaches) was about 70.0% for primary NH, while secondary NH always showed complete pain relief. However, many variations in patient selection and type of surgery were described. CONCLUSIONS Neurovascular relationship in the extracranial tissues seems to be involved in the onset of NH. However, only limited data from meager literature and from few patients are currently available. Shared multicentric research protocols are badly required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Baldelli
- From the Clinica di Chirurgia Plastica e Ricostruttiva, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino e Sezione di Chirurgia Plastica, Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche e Diagnostiche Integrate–DISC, Università degli Studi di Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Maria Lucia Mangialardi
- Istituto di Clinica Chirurgica, Dipartimento Scienze della Salute della Donna e del Bambino, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore e Unità di Chirurgia Plastica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Marzia Salgarello
- Istituto di Clinica Chirurgica, Dipartimento Scienze della Salute della Donna e del Bambino, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore e Unità di Chirurgia Plastica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Edoardo Raposio
- From the Clinica di Chirurgia Plastica e Ricostruttiva, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino e Sezione di Chirurgia Plastica, Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche e Diagnostiche Integrate–DISC, Università degli Studi di Genova, Genova, Italy
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Pellesi L, Cevoli S, Favoni V, Lupi C, Mampreso E, Negro A, Russo A, Benemei S, Guerzoni S. Nummular headache: a gender-oriented perspective on a case series from the RegistRare Network. Neurol Sci 2019; 41:583-589. [DOI: 10.1007/s10072-019-04129-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 10/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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18
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García-Azorín D, Trigo-López J, Sierra Á, Blanco-García L, Martínez-Pías E, Martínez B, Talavera B, Guerrero ÁL. Observational, open-label, non-randomized study on the efficacy of onabotulinumtoxinA in the treatment of nummular headache: The pre-numabot study. Cephalalgia 2019; 39:1818-1826. [DOI: 10.1177/0333102419863023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background Nummular headache is a primary headache characterised by superficial, coin-shaped pain. Superficial sensory fibre dysfunction might be involved in its pathophysiology. Considering the mechanism of action of onabotulinumtoxinA, it could be a reasonable option in treatment of nummular headache. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of onabotulinumtoxinA in a series of nummular headache patients. Patients and methods This was an observational, prospective, non-randomized and open-label study. Nummular headache patients with at least 10 headache days in three preceding months were included. They were administered 25 units of onabotulinumtoxinA. The primary endpoint was the decrease of headache days per month, evaluated between weeks 20 to 24, compared with baseline. The secondary endpoints included reduction of intense headache days and acute treatment days evaluated between weeks 20–24 and weeks 8–12, compared with baseline. The 30%, 50% and 75% responder rates were determined, and tolerability described. Results We included 53 patients, 67.9% females, with a median age of 54 years. Preventive treatment had been used previously in 60.4% of patients. The median diameter of the nummular headache was 5 cm. At baseline, the number of headache days per month was 24.5 (7.3); the number of intense headache days was 12.5 (10.1), and the number of acute treatment days was 12.8 (7.8). After onabotulinumtoxinA, the mean number of headache days per month decreased to 6.9 (9.3) between weeks 20 and 24 ( p < 0.001). Secondary endpoints concerning intense headache days per month and acute treatment days per month were also statistically significant ( p < 0.001). The 50% responder rate, evaluated between weeks 20 and 24, was 77.4% and the 75% responder rate was 52.8%. Concerning tolerability, 26 patients (49.1%) experienced an adverse event (AE), the commonest being injection-site pain in 12 cases (22.6%). There were no moderate or severe AEs. Conclusion It was found that after injecting onabotulinumtoxinA, the number of headache days per month was reduced in nummular headache patients. The number of intense headache days per month and acute treatment days were also lowered. No serious adverse events occurred during treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- David García-Azorín
- Headache Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Javier Trigo-López
- Headache Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Álvaro Sierra
- Headache Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | | | - Enrique Martínez-Pías
- Headache Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Blanca Martínez
- Headache Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Blanca Talavera
- Headache Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Ángel L Guerrero
- Headache Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
- Department of Medicine, University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
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Trigo J, García-Azorín D, Martinez Pias E, Sierra Á, Chavarría A, Guerrero AL. Clinical characteristics of nummular headache and differentiation between spontaneous and posttraumatic variant: an observational study. J Headache Pain 2019; 20:34. [PMID: 30961529 PMCID: PMC6734533 DOI: 10.1186/s10194-019-0981-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Head trauma has been described as a precipitating event in Nummular Headache (NH). We aimed to describe the largest NH published series and compare characteristics between idiopathic and post-traumatic cases. METHODS Patients attended in a Headache Unit in a tertiary hospital (January 2008-January 2018). NH diagnosed according to International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD) criteria. We prospectively considered clinical and epidemiological data, comparing idiopathic cases with those precipitated by a cranial trauma. RESULTS We included 225 patients (145 women, 80 men) with NH. Median latency between onset and diagnosis was 10 months (IQR: 5-24). Symptomatic treatment was used in 190 patients (84.4%) among which 142 (74.7%) experienced response to it. Preventive treatment was necessary in 127 patients (51.4%), among which 95 (74.8%) achieved response. 29 patients (23 women, 6 men) described a head trauma related to beginning of pain. When comparing groups with or without previous trauma, age of onset was higher among post-traumatic patients (59.9 ± 17.4 vs 48.1 ± 18 years, p: 0.001). Allodynia upon palpation was encountered more frequently in trauma triggered painful areas (53.3% vs. 32.7%, p: 0.02). No other clinical characteristics differences were observed. CONCLUSION Cranial trauma is not a rare trigger of NH. Patients with post-traumatic forms are older and the presence of allodynia is more frequent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Trigo
- Headache Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, Avda. Ramón y Cajal 3, 47005 Valladolid, Spain
| | - David García-Azorín
- Headache Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, Avda. Ramón y Cajal 3, 47005 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Enrique Martinez Pias
- Headache Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, Avda. Ramón y Cajal 3, 47005 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Álvaro Sierra
- Headache Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, Avda. Ramón y Cajal 3, 47005 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Alba Chavarría
- Headache Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, Avda. Ramón y Cajal 3, 47005 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Angel Luis Guerrero
- Headache Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, Avda. Ramón y Cajal 3, 47005 Valladolid, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
- Department of Medicine, University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
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Jiang L, Li M, Liu Q, Liu C, Zhou J. Nummular Headache: 2 Cases With Good Beta Blocker Responses and a Narrative Review. Headache 2019; 59:593-602. [PMID: 30869172 DOI: 10.1111/head.13503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Li Jiang
- Department of Neurology The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University Chongqing China
| | - Maolin Li
- Department of Neurology The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University Chongqing China
| | - Qing Liu
- Department of Neurology The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University Chongqing China
| | - Chaoyang Liu
- Department of Neurology The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University Chongqing China
| | - Jiying Zhou
- Department of Neurology The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University Chongqing China
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Pedraza Hueso M, Ruíz Piñero M, Martínez Velasco E, Juanatey García A, Guerrero Peral A. Headache in young patients: clinical characteristics of a series of 651 cases. NEUROLOGÍA (ENGLISH EDITION) 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nrleng.2018.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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Pedraza Hueso M, Ruíz Piñero M, Martínez Velasco E, Juanatey García A, Guerrero Peral A. Cefalea en jóvenes: características clínicas en una serie de 651 casos. Neurologia 2019; 34:22-26. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nrl.2016.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2016] [Revised: 10/16/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
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Abstract
Nummular headache (NH) is an unusual disorder attributed to a dysfunction of the epicranial nerves. We report a new series of cases, highlighting some clinical features, the association with other headaches, and the therapeutic response. Data of patients with NH, fulfilling ICHD-3 criteria, observed in a Headache Outpatient clinic during 5 years, were retrieved from records. Response to onabotulinumtoxinA was recorded prospectively and evaluated with a Headache Impact Test (HIT). Twenty-four patients, aged 53.8 (±14.6) years at diagnosis, 13 women, had definitive ( N = 21) or probable ( N = 3) NH for an average of 2.4 years. Headache was consistently localized, more frequently extratrigeminal ( N = 15) and parietal, and confined to the scalp. Pain was unremitting since onset in 58.3% of mild-to-moderate severity often with superimposed paroxysms (66.7%) and local allodynia (70.8%). In five cases, there was a possible precipitant. Thirteen patients reported other headaches, preceding NH by 8.2 years. In eight persistent cases, there was a significant improvement on HIT, after onabotulinumtoxinA. Despite its persistence, NH may go unrecognized for years. It often follows other headache types and has some tropism for hair-covered regions of the scalp. OnabotulinumtoxinA seems effective in persistent cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Pavão Martins
- Headache Outpatient Clinic, Department of Neurology, Hospital de Santa Maria, CHLN Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Centro de Estudos Egas Moniz, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Luis Abreu
- Headache Outpatient Clinic, Department of Neurology, Hospital de Santa Maria, CHLN Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Centro de Estudos Egas Moniz, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
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Lupi C, Evangelista L, Favoni V, Granato A, Negro A, Pellesi L, Ornello R, Russo A, Cevoli S, Guerzoni S, Benemei S. Rare primary headaches in Italian tertiary Headache Centres: Three year nationwide retrospective data from the RegistRare Network. Cephalalgia 2018; 38:1429-1441. [PMID: 29754500 DOI: 10.1177/0333102418768824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Background Rare primary headaches are mainly included in Chapters 3, Trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias, and 4, Other primary headache disorders, Part One of the International Classification of Headache Disorders 3rd edition. Epidemiological data are scarce, mostly emerging from case series or small studies, with the exception of cluster headache. In order to overcome the knowledge gap about rare primary headaches, the RegistRare Network was launched in 2017 to promote research in the field. Methods A retrospective cohort study including patients who, from April 30, 2014 to May 1, 2017, visited seven Italian tertiary Headache Centres, was undertaken to estimate in that clinical setting prevalence and incidence of headaches included in Chapters 3 and 4, Part One of the International Classification of Headache Disorders 3rd edition. Prevalent headache is defined as a headache recorded within the study timeframe, regardless of when the diagnosis was made. Incident headache is defined as a headache diagnosed for the first time in the patient during the study period. Results Twenty thousand and eighty-three patients visited the participating centres, and 822 (4.1%) prevalent cases, of which 461 (2.3%) were incident cases, were registered. Headaches listed in Chapter 3 affected 668 patients, representing 81.3% of the total number of prevalent cases. Headaches listed in Chapter 4 affected 154 patients and represent 18.7% of the total number of prevalent cases. Cluster headaches represent the most frequently diagnosed rare headaches (70.4%). For 13 entities out of 20, no cases were registered in more than 50% (n ≥ 4) of the centres, and for 14 entities more than 50% of diagnoses were incident. Conclusions This large, multicentre study gives the first wide-ranging snapshot of the burden in clinical practice of rare headaches and confirms that cooperative networks are necessary to study rare headaches, as their prevalence is often very low. The launch of a disease registry by the RegistRare Network will favour research in this neglected population of headache patients. Trial registration NCT03416114.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Lupi
- 1 Headache Centre, Careggi University Hospital, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Luana Evangelista
- 2 Regional Headache Referral Center, Department of Neurology, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Valentina Favoni
- 3 IRCCS Institute of Neurological Sciences of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Antonio Granato
- 4 Department of Medical, Technological and Translational Sciences, Headache Centre, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Andrea Negro
- 5 Regional Referral Headache Centre, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Lanfranco Pellesi
- 6 Headache and Drug Abuse Research Centre, Policlinico Hospital, Department of Diagnostic Medicine, Clinical and Public Health, University of Modena e Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Raffaele Ornello
- 2 Regional Headache Referral Center, Department of Neurology, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Antonio Russo
- 7 Headache Centre, Department of Medical, Surgical, Neurological, Metabolic and Ageing Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Sabina Cevoli
- 3 IRCCS Institute of Neurological Sciences of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Simona Guerzoni
- 6 Headache and Drug Abuse Research Centre, Policlinico Hospital, Department of Diagnostic Medicine, Clinical and Public Health, University of Modena e Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Silvia Benemei
- 1 Headache Centre, Careggi University Hospital, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Cuadrado ML, López-Ruiz P, Guerrero ÁL. Nummular headache: an update and future prospects. Expert Rev Neurother 2017; 18:9-19. [DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2018.1401925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- María Luz Cuadrado
- Department of Neurology, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria San Carlos (IdISSC), Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro López-Ruiz
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitario Quirón Madrid, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ángel L Guerrero
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Universidad de Valladolid (UVA), Valladolid, Spain
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Abstract
Epicrania fugax (EF) is a primary headache of recent description. EF essentially consists of brief paroxysms of pain describing a linear or zigzag trajectory across the surface of one hemicranium, commencing and terminating in the territories of different nerves. The pain of forward EF originates in a particular area of the occipital, parietal or temporal regions and moves anteriorly, whereas the pain of backward EF originates in the frontal area, the eye or the nose and moves posteriorly. Some patients have ocular or nasal autonomic accompaniments, and some have triggers. Between attacks, many patients have continuous or intermittent pain and/or tenderness at the stemming area. Pain frequency is extremely variable and some patients have spontaneous remissions. Preventive therapy is required when the paroxysms are frequent and non-remitting. Neuromodulators, indomethacin, amitryptiline, nerve anesthetic blockades, and trochlear steroid injections have been used in different cases, with partial or complete response.
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Chirchiglia D, Della Torre A, Signorelli F, Volpentesta G, Guzzi G, Stroscio CA, Deodato F, Gabriele D, Lavano A. Administration of palmitoylethanolamide in combination with topiramate in the preventive treatment of nummular headache. Int Med Case Rep J 2016; 9:193-5. [PMID: 27486344 PMCID: PMC4957685 DOI: 10.2147/imcrj.s106323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Nummular headache has been recently described as a primary disorder characterized by head pain exclusively felt in a small rounded area typically 2–6 cm in diameter, not attributed to another disorder. Both size and shape of the painful area remain constant since the onset of symptoms. A 57-year-old woman presented with a history of focal episodic pain in a circumscribed area on the right parietal region. The administration of standard oral doses of palmitoylethanolamide and topiramate in combination showed an improvement in pain symptoms and on pain measuring scales.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Attilio Della Torre
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Catanzaro "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Francesco Signorelli
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Catanzaro "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giorgio Volpentesta
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Catanzaro "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giusy Guzzi
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Catanzaro "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Federica Deodato
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Catanzaro "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Donatella Gabriele
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Catanzaro "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Angelo Lavano
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Catanzaro "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy
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Rodríguez C, Herrero-Velázquez S, Ruiz M, Barón J, Carreres A, Rodríguez-Valencia E, Guerrero AL, Madeleine P, Cuadrado ML, Fernández-de-Las-Peñas C. Pressure pain sensitivity map of multifocal nummular headache: a case report. J Headache Pain 2015; 16:523. [PMID: 25929432 PMCID: PMC4417469 DOI: 10.1186/s10194-015-0523-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2015] [Accepted: 04/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Nummular headache (NH) is most commonly a localized unifocal headache; however, some patients infrequently exhibit multifocal symptomatic painful head areas retaining all features of NH. We present the pressure pain sensitivity map of an adolescent with multifocal NH. Case presentation We describe a case of a 14 year-old-girl with a 3-year history of continuous pain in four rounded areas, all of them with the same size and shape. Pressure pain thresholds (PPT) were assessed on 21 points over the scalp and over the symptomatic areas. A pressure pain sensitivity map of the head was constructed. The neurological exam was unremarkable, with neither sensory symptoms nor trophic changes within the painful areas. As previously shown, symptomatic points exhibited lower PPTs compared to the surrounding areas. The map reflected 4 restricted areas of mechanical hyperalgesia confined just to the painful areas. Treatment with gabapentin achieved complete remission. Conclusion This is the first pain sensitivity map of a patient with multifocal NH. Our results support peripheral mechanisms are maintained in multifocal NH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Rodríguez
- Neurology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, Avda. Ramón y Cajal 3, 47005, Valladolid, Spain,
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Abstract
Nummular headache is a type of headache that can be identified by continuous or intermittent pain occuring in a well-circumscribed area. The symptoms of nummular headache can overlap with those of migraine headache, and a failure to reach an accurate diagnosis can affect the choice of treatment. The authors report a case involving a 21-year-old woman with headache symptoms that appeared to represent nummular headache, for whom treatment with the typical first-line agent was unsuccessful. The authors subsequently generated a pressure algometry map of the painful area, leading to clarification of the diagnosis. A peripheral mechanism has been proposed for nummular headache; however, there have been descriptions of atypical features resembling migraine. The authors describe a case in which algometry assessment facilitated the discrimination between atypical nummular headache and circumscribed migraine. A 21-year-old woman presented with a history of focal episodic pain in a circumscribed area on the left frontal region. The algometry study showed a unilateral and diffuse decrease of the pain pressure thresholds with frontal predominance, as has been proposed for migraine patients. This result led the authors to introduce a more specific preventive therapy with topiramate, with significant relief. In conclusion, cartographic investigation of pressure pain sensitivity is a simple tool that can help to differentiate between nummular headache and migraine. Further confirmatory investigations are needed.
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de la Cruz C, Herrero-Velázquez S, Ruiz M, Pedraza MI, Mulero P, Barón J, Guerrero ÁL, Cuadrado ML. Epicrania fugax with sagittal trajectory of the pain. PAIN MEDICINE 2015; 16:1238-9. [PMID: 25645426 DOI: 10.1111/pme.12698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marina Ruiz
- Neurology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Valladolid, Spain
| | - María I Pedraza
- Neurology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Patricia Mulero
- Neurology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Johanna Barón
- Neurology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Ángel L Guerrero
- Neurology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Valladolid, Spain
| | - María L Cuadrado
- Neurology Department, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
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McAbee GN. A review of episodic and chronic pediatric headaches of brief duration. Pediatr Neurol 2015; 52:137-42. [PMID: 25499092 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2014.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2014] [Revised: 10/10/2014] [Accepted: 10/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Headaches that last less than an hour in duration are uncommon, except for atypical migraine, and without a practitioner's appropriate knowledge, may result in misdiagnosis. Although most of these headaches are classified as primary headache syndromes, some have secondary etiologies such as structural lesions. METHODS This pediatric-specific review updates these headache syndromes. Included are atypical migraine, the trigeminal autonomic cephalgias, idiopathic stabbing headache, cranial neuralgias, occipital neuralgia, thunderclap headache, nummular headache, the red ear syndrome, and the numb-tongue syndrome. CONCLUSION Knowledge of the clinical characteristics of these headache patterns in children allows physicians to quickly establish the headache diagnosis and develop the optimal treatment plan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary N McAbee
- Department of Pediatrics, CarePoint Health Medical Group, Jersey City, New Jersey; Department of Neuroscience, Seton Hall University, School of Health & Medical Sciences, South Orange, New Jersey.
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Kurian M, Solomon GD. Can temporal course of pain determine patient response to specific medication in nummular headache? Headache 2014; 54:1058-61. [PMID: 24666155 DOI: 10.1111/head.12331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Kurian
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, USA
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Cuadrado ML, Ordás CM, Sánchez-Lizcano M, Casas-Limón J, Matías-Guiu JA, García-García ME, Fernández-Matarrubia M, Barahona-Hernando R, Porta-Etessam J. Epicrania fugax: 19 cases of an emerging headache. Headache 2013; 53:764-74. [PMID: 23573949 DOI: 10.1111/head.12094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Epicrania fugax (EF) is a primary headache of recent description. We aimed to report 19 new cases of EF, and thus contribute to the characterization of this emerging headache. BACKGROUND EF is characterized by painful paroxysms starting in a particular area of the head, and rapidly radiating forwards or backwards through the territories of different nerves. The pain is felt in quick motion along a lineal or zigzag trajectory. To date, 47 cases have been published, 34 with forward EF and 13 with backward EF. METHODS We performed a descriptive study of all EF cases attending our Headache Unit from April 2010 to December 2012. Demographic and clinical data were recorded with a structured questionnaire. RESULTS Overall, there were 12 women and 7 men. Mean age at onset was 51.7 ± 16.2. Fourteen patients had forward EF, while 5 patients had backward EF. Painful paroxysms lasted 1-4 seconds. Pain intensity was usually moderate or severe, and pain quality was mostly electric. Four patients had ocular autonomic accompaniments. Pain frequency was extremely variable, and 7 patients identified some triggers. Between attacks, 13 patients had some pain or tenderness in the stemming area. Thirteen patients required therapy for their pain. Neuromodulators, indomethacin, anesthetic blockades, and steroid injections were used in different cases, with partial or complete response. CONCLUSION EF appears as a distinct headache syndrome and could be eventually included in future editions of the International Classification of Headache Disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Luz Cuadrado
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.
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Dai W, Yu S, Liang J, Zhang M. Nummular headache: Peripheral or central? One case with reappearance of nummular headache after focal scalp was removed, and literature review. Cephalalgia 2013; 33:390-7. [PMID: 23378434 DOI: 10.1177/0333102412474504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background Nummular headache, or coin-shaped cephalagia, is defined as a mild to moderate, pressure-like pain that is felt exclusively in a circumscribed area. More than 200 cases of nummular headache have been reported since it was defined in 2002, but the pathogenesis remains unclear. Methods A patient with nummular headache who had the symptomatic area of his scalp removed but suffered headache reappearance was reported. All published cases of nummular headache in the English literature were reviewed and analyzed for demographic and clinical features, image and laboratory findings, and response to treatment. Results The patient with nummular headache had the symptomatic area of the scalp removed but suffered reappearance of headache in another area that overlapped with the former one. The literature review showed that nummular headache was a chronic, mild to severe, pressure-like pain with a circular or elliptical shape of 1–10 cm in diameter. The parietal region was the most affected region. Exacerbations and sensory disturbances in the affected area were reported in 43% and 56% of cases, respectively. Observational data suggested botulinum toxin type A (BoNTA) and gabapentin may be beneficial. Discussion Our case and evidence from the literature review support the peripheral mechanism of nummular headache. Nummular headache might be a local pain disorder stemming from terminal branches of a sensory nerve and could induce peripheral sensitization in one or several primary sensory neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Dai
- Department of Neurology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shengyuan Yu
- Department of Neurology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jingyao Liang
- Department of Neurology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mingjie Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, People’s Republic of China
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiz P. Queiroz
- Department of Neurology; Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina; Florianópolis Brazil
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Herrero-Velázquez S, Guerrero AL, Pedraza MI, Mulero P, Ayllón B, Ruiz-Piñero M, Rojo E, Marco J, Fernández-Buey N, Cuadrado ML. Nummular headache and epicrania fugax: possible association of epicranias in eight patients. PAIN MEDICINE 2012; 14:358-61. [PMID: 23279627 DOI: 10.1111/pme.12022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Epicrania fugax (EF) is a novel syndrome presenting with brief pain paroxysms that always start in a particular area of the head to spread immediately either forward or backward. Paroxysms stem from a focal area, in which a well-shaped continuous pain reminiscent of the symptomatic area described in nummular headache (NH) can be present. We aimed to analyze the association of these two epicranial headaches in eight patients. METHODS We prospectively assessed all patients with EF attending an outpatient headache office from March 2008, when EF was first described, to June 2012. Among them, we selected those patients with a well-circumscribed continuous pain at the stemming point fulfilling the research diagnostic criteria for NH of the International Classification of Headache Disorders II Edition (ICHD-II) appendix. We considered the demographic and clinical features of the selected patients. RESULTS Eight patients (five females, three males) were diagnosed with both EF and NH. Mean age of onset was 44.2 ± 12 (range: 23-60). Regarding NH, the diameter of the painful area was 4.4 ± 1 centimeters (range: 3-6) and pain intensity was 4.2 ± 0.7 (range: 3-5) on a 10-point verbal analogical scale (VAS). As for the EF, the radiating paroxysms always started in the NH painful area and lasted 6.6 ± 4.5 seconds (range: 2-15), with a pain intensity of 7.9 ± 1.6 (range 5-10) on the VAS. Five cases had forward radiation, while three cases had backward EF. Four cases had ipsilateral autonomic accompaniments. Six patients required a preventive, and lamotrigine achieved complete response in three of them. CONCLUSION Although the etiology of NH and EF remains uncertain, both syndromes seem to share a peripheral source. Their association in a number of patients is probably reflecting a pathophysiological connection. Lamotrigine might be a good therapeutic option for those patients presenting with both disorders.
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