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Vitali-Silva A, Vuolo IG, Gonzalez LH, Galvão RF, Farges SG, Bello VA, Poli-Frederico RC. Oral combined hormonal contraceptive associated with protection against allodynia in migraine in a cross-sectional study. Ir J Med Sci 2023; 192:2203-2208. [PMID: 36720786 DOI: 10.1007/s11845-023-03293-x] [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: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION For the most part, migraine afflicts young women who often need to use the hormonal contraceptive method. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of using exogenous estrogen, present in combined hormonal contraceptives (CHC) and progestin-only methods on the prevalence of allodynia in women with migraine. METHODS Study comprising women diagnosed with migraine, with or without aura, who were not pregnant, breastfeeding, or menopausal. The study was conducted via the digital platform. Data were collected relating to demographics, contraceptive method, anthropometric information, smoking habits, and migraine-related symptoms. The participants then answered the following validated, self-administered questionnaires: Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS), Allodynia Symptom Checklist, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), and Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI). In order to determine the variables associated with allodynia, two binary logistic regression models were used. RESULTS Four hundred eighty-six women took part in the study. Of these, 205 used CHC, 89 used a progestin-only method, and 192 participants did not use any form of hormonal contraception. Allodynia was identified in 411 (84.6%) participants. Allodynia was linked to the presence of aura (OR = 2.76; CI 95% 1.55-4.91; p = 0.001), menstrually related migraine (OR = 2.14; CI 95% 1.28-3.57; p = 0.004), greater disability (MIDAS score 23 vs. 8; p < 0.001), depression (BDI score 14 vs. 10; p < 0.001), and anxiety (GAD-7 score 11 vs. 8; p < 0.001). In adjusted analysis, CHC was associated to protection against allodynia when jointly evaluated all CHC regimens (OR = 0.49 CI 95% 0.26-0.92; p = 0.028), as well as oral CHC individually (OR = 0.48 CI 95% 0.25-0.92; p = 0.027). CONCLUSION CHC reduced the chances of women with migraine getting allodynia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Vitali-Silva
- Medical School, Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, Londrina-PR, Brazil.
| | - Isabella G Vuolo
- Medical School, Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, Londrina-PR, Brazil
| | - Lara H Gonzalez
- Medical School, Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, Londrina-PR, Brazil
| | - Renata F Galvão
- Medical School, Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, Londrina-PR, Brazil
| | - Silvia G Farges
- Medical School, Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, Londrina-PR, Brazil
| | - Valéria A Bello
- Medical School, Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, Londrina-PR, Brazil
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Raffaelli B, Do TP, Chaudhry BA, Ashina M, Amin FM, Ashina H. Menstrual migraine is caused by estrogen withdrawal: revisiting the evidence. J Headache Pain 2023; 24:131. [PMID: 37730536 PMCID: PMC10512516 DOI: 10.1186/s10194-023-01664-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore and critically appraise the evidence supporting the role of estrogen withdrawal in menstrual migraine. MAIN BODY Menstrual migraine, impacting about 6% of reproductive-age women, manifests as migraine attacks closely related to the menstrual cycle. The estrogen withdrawal hypothesis posits that the premenstrual drop in estrogen levels serves as a trigger of migraine attacks. Despite its wide acceptance, the current body of evidence supporting this hypothesis remains limited, warranting further validation. Estrogen is believed to exert a modulatory effect on pain, particularly within the trigeminovascular system - the anatomic and physiologic substrate of migraine pathogenesis. Nevertheless, existing studies are limited by methodologic inconsistencies, small sample sizes, and variable case definitions, precluding definitive conclusions. To improve our understanding of menstrual migraine, future research should concentrate on untangling the intricate interplay between estrogen, the trigeminovascular system, and migraine itself. This necessitates the use of robust methods, larger sample sizes, and standardized case definitions to surmount the limitations encountered in previous investigations. CONCLUSION Further research is thus needed to ascertain the involvement of estrogen withdrawal in menstrual migraine and advance the development of effective management strategies to address unmet treatment needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Raffaelli
- Department of Neurology, Danish Headache Center, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Neurology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Clinician Scientist Program, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Thien Phu Do
- Department of Neurology, Danish Headache Center, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Danish Knowledge Center On Headache Disorders, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Basit Ali Chaudhry
- Department of Neurology, Danish Headache Center, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Messoud Ashina
- Department of Neurology, Danish Headache Center, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Danish Knowledge Center On Headache Disorders, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Faisal Mohammad Amin
- Department of Neurology, Danish Headache Center, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Brain and Spinal Cord Injury, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Håkan Ashina
- Department of Neurology, Danish Headache Center, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Department of Brain and Spinal Cord Injury, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Abdulhussein MA, An X, Alsakaa AA, Ming D. Lack of habituation in migraine patients and Evoked Potential types: Analysis study from EEG signals. JOURNAL OF INFORMATION & OPTIMIZATION SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/02522667.2022.2095958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Msallam Abbas Abdulhussein
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Precision Instruments and Optoelectronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Faculty of Computer Science and Mathematics, Kufa University, Najaf, Iraq
| | - Xingwei An
- Tianjin International Joint Research Centre for Neural Engineering, Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Akeel A. Alsakaa
- Department of Computer Science, University of Kerbala, Karbala, Iraq
| | - Dong Ming
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Precision Instruments and Optoelectronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
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Role of Estrogens in Menstrual Migraine. Cells 2022; 11:cells11081355. [PMID: 35456034 PMCID: PMC9025552 DOI: 10.3390/cells11081355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Migraine is a major neurological disorder affecting one in nine adults worldwide with a significant impact on health care and socioeconomic systems. Migraine is more prevalent in women than in men, with 17% of all women meeting the diagnostic criteria for migraine. In women, the frequency of migraine attacks shows variations over the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, and the use of combined hormonal contraception (CHC) or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can unveil or modify migraine disease. In the general population, 18–25% of female migraineurs display a menstrual association of their headache. Here we present an overview on the evidence supporting the role of reproductive hormones, in particular estrogens, in the pathophysiology of migraine. We also analyze the efficacy and safety of prescribing exogenous estrogens as a potential treatment for menstrual-related migraine. Finally, we point to controversial issues and future research areas in the field of reproductive hormones and migraine.
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Experimentally induced spinal nociceptive sensitization increases with migraine frequency: a single-blind controlled study. Pain 2021; 161:429-438. [PMID: 31633594 PMCID: PMC6970578 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The comparison of low-frequency migraine with high-frequency migraine after nitroglycerin administration shows progression in the degree of derangement of spinal nociception processing. The nitric-oxide donor nitroglycerin (NTG) administration induces a facilitation of nociceptive pathways in episodic migraine. This study aims to test the hypothesis that induced spinal sensitization could be more pronounced in patients affected by high-frequency migraine (HF-MIG) with respect to low-frequency migraine (LF-MIG). We enrolled 28 patients with LF-MIG (1-5 migraine days/month), 19 patients with HF-MIG (6-14 migraine days/month), and 21 healthy controls (HCs). Spinal sensitization was evaluated with the neurophysiological recording of the temporal summation threshold (TST) of the nociceptive withdrawal reflex at the lower limb. Temporal summation threshold was recorded at baseline and 30, 60, and 120 minutes after NTG administration (0.9 mg sublingual). Spinal sensitization was detected in LF-MIG at 60 (P = 0.010) and 120 minutes (P = 0.001) and in HF-MIG at 30 (P = 0.008), 60 (P = 0.001), and 120 minutes (P = 0.001) after NTG administration. Temporal summation threshold did not change in HC (P = 0.899). Moreover, TST reduction was more pronounced in HF-MIG with respect to LF-MIG (P = 0.002). The percentage of patients who developed a migraine-like headache after NTG was comparable in the 2 migraine groups (LF-MIG: 53.6%, HF-MIG: 52.6%, P = 0.284), whereas no subjects in the HC group developed a delayed-specific headache. Notably, the latency of headache onset was significantly shorter in the HF-MIG group when compared with the LF-MIG group (P = 0.015). Our data demonstrate a direct relationship between migraine frequency and both neurophysiological and clinical parameters, to suggest an increasing derangement of the nociceptive system control as the disease progresses, probably as a result of the interaction of genetic and environmental factors.
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Maleki N, Cheng YC, Tu Y, Locascio JJ. Longitudinal course of vasomotor symptoms in perimenopausal migraineurs. Ann Neurol 2019; 85:865-874. [PMID: 30937949 DOI: 10.1002/ana.25476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Revised: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the longitudinal course of vasomotor symptoms (VMS) in women with a history of migraine in comparison to women without a history of migraine disease. METHODS The study sample consisted of 467 women with a self-reported prior migraine diagnosis and 2,466 women without prior migraine diagnosis who were assessed longitudinally during menopausal transition as part of the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation. Linear mixed regression models with backward elimination were used to evaluate longitudinal associations between VMS and migraine while adjusting for baseline and time-varying demographic, socioeconomic, psychological, and reproductive factors. Additional analyses were performed to further assess the specificity of the association between migraine and VMS that included evaluating the association between migraine and vaginal dryness and between back pain and VMS. RESULTS A history of migraine predicted an increased frequency of VMS but not vaginal dryness during menopausal transition. Significant interaction between history of migraine and menopausal status for the prediction of VMS was also identified. Burden of VMS was found to be higher during late-stage perimenopause in women with migraine. In contrast, the history of back pain did not predict the frequency of VMS. INTERPRETATION This is the first study to delineate that a history of migraine predicts an increased frequency of VMS in women during menopausal transition. Hypothalamic abnormalities and thermoregulatory dysfunction against a milieu of decreasing estradiol concentrations during menopausal transition may explain the increased frequency of VMS in migraineurs during menopausal transition. ANN NEUROL 2019;85:865-874.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasim Maleki
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Yu-Chen Cheng
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Department of Neurology, Fu Jen University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yiheng Tu
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Joseph J Locascio
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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Rustamov N, Northon S, Tessier J, Leblond H, Piché M. Integration of bilateral nociceptive inputs tunes spinal and cerebral responses. Sci Rep 2019; 9:7143. [PMID: 31073138 PMCID: PMC6509112 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-43567-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Together with the nociceptive system, pain protects the body from tissue damage. For instance, when the RIII-reflex is evoked by sural nerve stimulation, nociceptive inputs activate flexor muscles and inhibit extensor muscles of the affected lower limb while producing the opposite effects on the contralateral muscles. But how do the spinal cord and brain integrate concurrent sensorimotor information originating from both limbs? This is critical for evoking coordinated responses to nociceptive stimuli, but has been overlooked. Here we show that the spinal cord integrates spinal inhibitory and descending facilitatory inputs during concurrent bilateral foot stimulation, resulting in facilitation of the RIII-reflex and bilateral flexion. In these conditions, high-gamma oscillation power was also increased in the dorsolateral prefrontal, anterior cingulate and sensorimotor cortex, in accordance with the involvement of these regions in cognitive, motor and pain regulation. We propose that the brain and spinal cord can fine-tune nociceptive and pain responses when nociceptive inputs arise from both lower limbs concurrently, in order to allow adaptable behavioural responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabi Rustamov
- Department of Anatomy, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, 3351 Boul. Des Forges, C.P. 500, Trois-Rivières, QC, G9A 5H7, Canada.,CogNAC Research Group, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, 3351 Boul. Des Forges, C.P. 500, Trois-Rivières, QC, G9A 5H7, Canada
| | - Stéphane Northon
- Department of Anatomy, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, 3351 Boul. Des Forges, C.P. 500, Trois-Rivières, QC, G9A 5H7, Canada.,CogNAC Research Group, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, 3351 Boul. Des Forges, C.P. 500, Trois-Rivières, QC, G9A 5H7, Canada
| | - Jessica Tessier
- Department of Anatomy, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, 3351 Boul. Des Forges, C.P. 500, Trois-Rivières, QC, G9A 5H7, Canada.,CogNAC Research Group, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, 3351 Boul. Des Forges, C.P. 500, Trois-Rivières, QC, G9A 5H7, Canada
| | - Hugues Leblond
- Department of Anatomy, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, 3351 Boul. Des Forges, C.P. 500, Trois-Rivières, QC, G9A 5H7, Canada.,CogNAC Research Group, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, 3351 Boul. Des Forges, C.P. 500, Trois-Rivières, QC, G9A 5H7, Canada
| | - Mathieu Piché
- Department of Anatomy, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, 3351 Boul. Des Forges, C.P. 500, Trois-Rivières, QC, G9A 5H7, Canada. .,CogNAC Research Group, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, 3351 Boul. Des Forges, C.P. 500, Trois-Rivières, QC, G9A 5H7, Canada.
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Delaruelle Z, Ivanova TA, Khan S, Negro A, Ornello R, Raffaelli B, Terrin A, Mitsikostas DD, Reuter U. Male and female sex hormones in primary headaches. J Headache Pain 2018; 19:117. [PMID: 30497379 PMCID: PMC6755575 DOI: 10.1186/s10194-018-0922-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The three primary headaches, tension-type headache, migraine and cluster headache, occur in both genders, but all seem to have a sex-specific prevalence. These gender differences suggest that both male and female sex hormones could have an influence on the course of primary headaches. This review aims to summarise the most relevant and recent literature on this topic. METHODS Two independent reviewers searched PUBMED in a systematic manner. Search strings were composed using the terms LH, FSH, progesteron*, estrogen*, DHEA*, prolactin, testosterone, androgen*, headach*, migrain*, "tension type" or cluster. A timeframe was set limiting the search to articles published in the last 20 years, after January 1st 1997. RESULTS Migraine tends to follow a classic temporal pattern throughout a woman's life corresponding to the fluctuation of estrogen in the different reproductive stages. The estrogen withdrawal hypothesis forms the basis for most of the assumptions made on this behalf. The role of other hormones as well as the importance of sex hormones in other primary headaches is far less studied. CONCLUSION The available literature mainly covers the role of sex hormones in migraine in women. Detailed studies especially in the elderly of both sexes and in cluster headache and tension-type headache are warranted to fully elucidate the role of these hormones in all primary headaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoë Delaruelle
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Ghent, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Sabrina Khan
- Danish Headache Center, Glostrup Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Andrea Negro
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Molecolare, Universita degli Studi di Roma La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaele Ornello
- Department of Neurology, University of La’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Bianca Raffaelli
- Departmentt of Neurology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alberto Terrin
- Department of Neurosciences, Headache Center, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Dimos D. Mitsikostas
- Neurology Department, Aeginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Uwe Reuter
- Charite Universitatsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - on behalf of the European Headache Federation School of Advanced Studies (EHF-SAS)
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Ghent, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
- Danish Headache Center, Glostrup Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Molecolare, Universita degli Studi di Roma La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
- Department of Neurology, University of La’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
- Departmentt of Neurology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Neurosciences, Headache Center, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- Neurology Department, Aeginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Charite Universitatsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Marucco E, Lisicki M, Magis D. Electrophysiological Characteristics of the Migraine Brain: Current Knowledge and Perspectives. Curr Med Chem 2018; 26:6222-6235. [PMID: 29956611 DOI: 10.2174/0929867325666180627130811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Revised: 02/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite pain being its most prominent feature, migraine is primarily a disorder of sensory processing. Electrophysiology-based research in the field has consistently developed over the last fifty years. OBJECTIVE To summarize the current knowledge on the electrophysiological characteristics of the migraine brain, and discuss perspectives. METHODS We critically reviewed the literature on the topic to present and discuss articles selected on the basis of their significance and/or novelty. RESULTS Physiologic fluctuations within time, between-subject differences, and methodological issues account as major limitations of electrophysiological research in migraine. Nonetheless, several abnormalities revealed through different approaches have been described in the literature. Altogether, these results are compatible with an abnormal state of sensory processing. PERSPECTIVES The greatest contribution of electrophysiological testing in the future will most probably be the characterization of sub-groups of migraine patients sharing specific electrophysiological traits. This should serve as strategy towards personalized migraine treatment. Incorporation of novel methods of analysis would be worthwhile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Marucco
- University of Liege - Headache Research Unit Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Marco Lisicki
- University of Liege - Headache Research Unit Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Delphine Magis
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Liege - Headache Research Unit Liege, Liege, Belgium
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Li W, Diao X, Chen C, Li C, Zhang Y, Li Y. Changes in hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in migraine patients. J Clin Neurosci 2018; 50:165-171. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2017.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Revised: 10/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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De Icco R, Martinelli D, Bitetto V, Fresia M, Liebler E, Sandrini G, Tassorelli C. Peripheral vagal nerve stimulation modulates the nociceptive withdrawal reflex in healthy subjects: A randomized, cross-over, sham-controlled study. Cephalalgia 2017; 38:1658-1664. [PMID: 29154689 DOI: 10.1177/0333102417742347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Introduction The mechanism of action of non-invasive vagal nerve stimulation in the treatment of migraine is elusive. We studied its effect in a human model of pain, the nociceptive withdrawal reflex. Methods We enrolled 10 healthy subjects who underwent active non-invasive vagal nerve stimulation and sham treatment in a randomized, cross-over, sham-controlled study. Non-invasive vagal nerve stimulation was delivered with gammaCore®. The assessment of the nociceptive withdrawal reflex was performed at baseline (T0) and at 5 (T5) and 30 (T30) minutes after stimulation. Results Non-invasive vagal nerve stimulation significantly increased the reflex threshold to single stimulus at both T5 and T30 and the temporal summation threshold at T30. Sham treatment did not modify any parameters. Discussion These findings are consistent with a modulation of central descending pathways for pain control. An altered spinal and supraspinal control of pain has been described in primary headache, so this effect may partially explain the therapeutic effect of non-invasive vagal nerve stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto De Icco
- 1 Headache Science Centre, C. Mondino National Neurological Institute, Pavia, Italy.,2 Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Daniele Martinelli
- 1 Headache Science Centre, C. Mondino National Neurological Institute, Pavia, Italy.,2 Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Vito Bitetto
- 1 Headache Science Centre, C. Mondino National Neurological Institute, Pavia, Italy
| | - Mauro Fresia
- 1 Headache Science Centre, C. Mondino National Neurological Institute, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Giorgio Sandrini
- 1 Headache Science Centre, C. Mondino National Neurological Institute, Pavia, Italy.,2 Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Cristina Tassorelli
- 1 Headache Science Centre, C. Mondino National Neurological Institute, Pavia, Italy.,2 Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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