The burden of headache is associated to pain interference, depression and headache duration in chronic tension type headache: a 1-year longitudinal study

Does Tension Headache Have a Central or Peripheral Origin? Current State of Affairs

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The aim of this narrative review is to analyze the evidence about a peripheral or central origin of a tension headache attack in order to provide a further clarification for an appropriate approach.

RECENT FINDINGS

Tension headache is a complex and multifactorial pathology, in which both peripheral and central factors could play an important role in the initiation of an attack. Although the exact origin of a tension headache attack has not been conclusively established, correlations have been identified between certain structural parameters of the craniomandibular region and craniocervical muscle activity. Future research should focus on improving our understanding of the pathology with the ultimate goal of improving diagnosis. The pathogenesis of tension-type headache involves both central and peripheral mechanisms, being the perpetuation over time of the headache attacks what would favor the evolution of an episodic tension-type headache to a chronic tension-type headache. The unresolved question is what factors would be involved in the initial activation in a tension headache attack. The evidence that favors a peripheral origin of the tension headache attacks, that is, the initial events occur outside the brain barrier, which suggests the action of vascular and musculoskeletal factors at the beginning of a tension headache attack, factors that would favor the sensitization of the peripheral nervous system as a result of sustained sensory input.

Are Morphometric Alterations of the Deep Neck Muscles Related to Primary Headache Disorders? A Systematic Review

This systematic review aims to summarise the evidence from studies that examined morphometric alterations of the deep neck muscles using diagnostic imaging (ultrasound imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography) in patients diagnosed with primary headache disorders (PHD). No previous reviews have focused on documenting morphometric changes in this population. We searched five databases (up to 12 November 2022) to identify the studies. The risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using the Quality in Prognostic Studies (QUIPS) tool and the overall quality of the evidence was assessed using The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system. A total of 1246 studies were screened and five were finally included; most were at high RoB, and the overall level of confidence in results was very low. Only two studies showed a significant association between morphometric alterations of the deep neck muscles and PHD (p < 0.001); nevertheless, their RoB was high. Contradictory and mixed results were obtained. The overall evidence did not show a clear association between morphometric alterations of the deep neck muscles in patients diagnosed with PHD. However, due to the limited number of studies and low confidence in the evidence, it is necessary to carry out more studies, with higher methodological quality to better answer our question.

Relationship Between Changes in Cranio-Cervical Extensor Muscles and Quality of Life: A Single-Center Study of 15 Patients with Chronic Tension-Type Headache

BACKGROUND This single-center study of 15 patients with chronic tension-type headache aimed to compare the cranio-cervical extensor muscles between patients with chronic tension-type headache and healthy individuals and to explore the relationship between changes in cranio-cervical extensor muscles and quality of life (QoL). MATERIAL AND METHODS We recruited 15 patients with chronic tension-type headache and 15 healthy individuals. Patients with chronic tension-type headache were diagnosed by 2 neurologists according to the diagnostic criteria in the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (ICHD-3). Morphological changes in the cranio-cervical extensor muscle were detected using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). QoL and the degree of neck dysfunction were assessed using the Headache Impact Test-6 (HIT-6) and Neck Disability Index (NDI), respectively. RESULTS The relative cross-sectional areas (rCSAs) of the rectus capitis posterior minor (RCPmin) were lower in patients with chronic tension-type headache than in healthy individuals. The HIT-6 scores (r=-0.93, P<0.001 and r=-0.85, P<0.001 for RCPmin right side and left side, respectively) and NDI scores (r=-0.75, P<0.001 and r=-0.70, P<0.001 for RCPmin right side and left side, respectively) were negatively associated with the rCSA of RCPmin in the chronic tension-type headache group. CONCLUSIONS Most patients with chronic tension-type headache experience RCPmin atrophy. The more evident the RCPmin atrophy, the worse the QoL of the patients with chronic tension-type headache.

A bibliometric analysis and visualization of tension-type headache

Background

Tension-type headache (TTH) is the most prevalent headache in the clinical practice, leading to impaired social activities, work-related disability, and heavy financial burdens. Previous studies have described possible inducement, potential pathophysiology, and clinical management of TTH; however, due to the lack of attention, literature involving bibliometric analysis is sporadic. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the current hotspots and future directions of the TTH field by bibliometric analysis.

Methods

By using CiteSpace and VOSviewer, literature regarding TTH between 2002 and 2021 from the Web of Science database was summarized and extracted. Annual publication trend, the most productive countries/regions and institutions, distribution of categories, co-citation of journals and references, and co-occurrence of keywords were analyzed.

Results

A total of 3,379 publications were included in the final visualization, indicating a stable trend in current research and a lack of breakthroughs over the past decades. These studies were mainly conducted in 120 countries/regions led by the United States and more than 600 institutions. Four eternal core themes were identified in TTH, including neurosciences, nursing, developmental psychology, and general/internal medicine. Cephalalgia ranked first, with the highest number of literature, and is the most influential journal in this area. Keyword analysis demonstrated that the similarities and differences between migraine and TTH, epidemiological studies, clinical double-blind trials, and potential populations have become key issues in the TTH field.

Conclusion

TTH has received less attention and breakthroughs in the past 20 years. To promote coordinated development between regions to fight headaches, cooperation and exchanges between countries and institutions are essential in the future. Relevant studies about headaches in children and adolescents, inducing factors such as emotional triggers and sleep disorders, concomitant diseases, possible pathogenesis, and headache treatments, are in the spotlight in recent years. This study offers a powerful roadmap for further research in this field.

Understanding the interaction between clinical, emotional and psychophysical outcomes underlying tension-type headache: a network analysis approach

OBJECTIVE

Evidence supports that tension-type headache (TTH) involves complex underlying mechanisms. The current study aimed to quantify potential multivariate relationships between headache-related, psychophysical, psychological and health-related variables in patients with TTH using network analysis.

METHODS

Demographic (age, height, weight), headache-related (intensity, frequency, duration, and headache-related disability), psychological and emotional (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), psycho-physical (pressure pain thresholds [PPTs] and myofascial trigger points) and health-related variables (SF-36 questionnaire) were collected in 169 TTH patients. Network connectivity analysis was unsupervised conducted to quantify the adjusted correlations between the modelled variables and to assess their centrality indices (i.e., the connectivity with other symptoms in the network and the importance in the modelled network).

RESULTS

The connectivity network showed local associations between psychophysical and headache-related variables. Multiple significant local positive correlations between PPTs were observed, being the strongest weight between PPTs over the cervical spine and temporalis area ([Formula: see text]: 0.41). The node with the highest strength, closeness and betweenness centrality was depressive levels. Other nodes with high centrality were vitality and headache intensity.

DISCUSSION

This is the first study applying a network analysis to understand the connections between headache-related, psychophysical, psychological and health-related variables in TTH. Current findings support a model on how the variables are connected, albeit in separate clusters. The role of emotional aspects, such as depression, is supported by the network. Clinical implications of the findings, such as developing TTH treatments strategies targeting these most important variables, are discussed.

Chiropractic student diagnosis and management of headache disorders: A survey examining self-perceived preparedness and clinical proficiency

OBJECTIVE

To explore the self-perceived preparedness and clinical proficiency in headache diagnosis and management of Australian chiropractic students in senior years of study.

METHODS

Australian chiropractic students in the 4th (n = 134) and 5th year (n = 122) of 2 chiropractic university programs were invited to participate in an online cross-sectional survey. Descriptive analyses were conducted for all variables. Post hoc analyses were performed using simple linear regression to evaluate the relationship between self-perceived preparedness and correctness of headache diagnosis and management scores.

RESULTS

Australian chiropractic students in senior years demonstrated moderate overall levels of self-perceived preparedness and proficiency in their ability to diagnose and manage headache disorders. Final-year students had a slightly higher self-perceived preparedness and proficiency in headache diagnosis and management compared to those students in the 4th year of study. There was no relationship between self-perceived preparedness and correctness of headache diagnosis and management for either 4th- or 5th-year chiropractic students.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that there may be gaps in graduate chiropractic student confidence and proficiency in headache diagnosis and management. These findings call for further research to explore graduate chiropractic student preparedness and proficiency in the diagnosis and management of headache disorders.

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

OBJECTIVE

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

DESIGN-METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

DISCUSSION

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

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

BACKGROUND-PURPOSE

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSIONS

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

Acupoints for Tension-Type Headache: A Literature Study Based on Data Mining Technology

Objectives

This study aimed to explore the characteristics and principles of acupoints, which were applied for treating tension-type headache (TTH).

Methods

Four databases were searched for the literature studies of treating TTH with acupuncture and moxibustion up to September 1, 2020. Titles, journals, authors, key words, interventions, main acupoints, and outcomes of the included literature studies were extracted and inputted into the self-established Data Excavation Platform of Acupoint Specificity for analysis.

Results

In total, 128 papers containing 137 prescriptions, 89 meridian acupoints, and 7 extraordinary acupoints of treating TTH with acupuncture and moxibustion were included. The total frequency of acupoints' application was 763 times. Fengchi (GB20), Baihui (GV20), Taiyang (EX-HN5), Hegu (LI4), and Taichong (LR3) were used most frequently. The acupoints in Yang meridians were utilized more than those in Yin meridians (66.1% vs. 17.8%), and the acupoints in the Gallbladder Meridian of Foot Shaoyang were applied most commonly. 59.9% (457/763) of the applied acupoints were on the head, face, and neck, and 31.7% (242/763) were on the four limbs. Additionally, the proportion of specific acupoints' application was 78.2% (597/763).

Conclusions

The prescription of Fengchi (GB20), Baihui (GV20), Taiyang (EX-HN5), Hegu (LI4), and Taichong (LR3) might be relatively reasonable in clinical practices of treating TTH with acupuncture, which should be verified in further studies.

Tension-type headache

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

Telerehabilitation for Headache Management

Headache is one of the most disabling conditions in the world. Despite plentiful evidence supporting rehabilitation strategies, headache is significantly underassessed and undertreated. Obstacles to headache care include lack of available expertise in headache management, few available resources for effective assessment and treatment, and cost and disability that preclude treatment seeking in patients with headache. Telerehabilitation can allow providers to access expert consultation and gives patients easier access to assessment and treatment. This article covers existing telerehabilitation options for headache management and explores the strength of evidence supporting these approaches. Risks of telerehabilitation and recommendations for future development are discussed.

Association Between Upper-Extremity Health Condition and Depressive Status in an Elderly General Population

Background: This study was designed to investigate whether psychological status is associated with upper-extremity health status in an elderly general population. Methods: Using Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand of the Japanese Society for Surgery of the Hand (QuickDASH-JSSH), we evaluated 200 Japanese elderly people (76 men, 124 women; mean age, 71.6 years, 60-98 years) to assess their upper-extremity-specific health status. Each had completed a self-administered questionnaire including gender and dominant hand items. As an indicator of hand muscle function, we measured their bilateral hand grip. Study participants were assessed for depressive symptoms using the Geriatric Depression Scale Short-Japanese Version (GDS-S-J). Statistical analyses were applied to clarify associations between self-assessed upper-extremity dysfunction and screening results for depressive symptoms in an elderly general population. Results: Those reporting no complaint of an upper extremity were 72 (36 men and 36 women) (36.0%). The GDS-J score was found to have significant positive correlation with age (r = 0.20, P= 0.0045) and the QuickDASH score (r = 0.25, P = 0.0004). The GDS-J score was found to have significant negative correlation with dominant grip (r = −0.15, P = 0.04) and non-dominant grip strength (r = −0.21, P = 0.004). For all participants, multiple regression analysis revealed the QuickDASH score as associated with the GDS-J score. Conclusion: Self-administered upper-extremity health condition as assessed using QuickDASH is correlated with depressive symptoms in elderly people. Objective pathophysiology and subjective illness behavior must be identified in daily clinical practice. A biopsychosocial approach must be used when advising and treating patients.

Current perspectives on sex differences in tension-type headache

INTRODUCTION

Clinical and experimental evidence supports the presence of several gender differences in the pain experience.

AREAS COVERED

The current paper discusses biological, psychological, emotional, and social differences according to gender and their relevance to TTH. Gender differences have also been observed in men and women with tension-type headache and they should be considered by clinicians managing this condition. It appears that multimodal treatment approaches lead to better outcomes in people with tension-type headache; however, management of tension-type headache should consider these potential gender differences. Different studies have observed the presence of complex interactions between tension-type headache, emotional stress, sleep, and burden and that these interactions are different between men and women.

EXPERT OPINION

Based on current results, the authors hypothesize that treatment of men with tension-type headache should focus on the improvement of sleep quality and the level of depression whereas treatment of women with TTH should focus on nociceptive mechanisms and emotional/stressful factors. Future trials should investigate the proposed hypotheses.

Gender differences in clinical and psychological variables associated with the burden of headache in tension-type headache

Our aim was to assess gender differences in variables associated with the emotional and physical burdens of tension-type headache (TTH). Participants with TTH diagnosed according to the ICHD-III were recruited from three university-based hospitals (in Spain, Italy, Denmark) between January 2015 and June 2017. The physical/emotional headache burden was assessed with the Headache Disability Inventory (HDI-P/HDI-E, respectively). Headache features were collected with a four-week diary. Sleep quality was assessed with Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale evaluated anxiety and depressive symptom levels. Trait and state anxiety levels were evaluated with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Two hundred and twelve (28% men) participants (aged 41-48 years old) participated. Multiple regression models revealed that sleep quality explained 36.7% of the variance of HDI-E and 31.1% of the variance of HDI-P in men, whereas headache intensity, depressive levels, and younger age explained 37.5% of the variance of HDI-E and 32.8% of the variance of HDI-P in women (all p < .001). This study observed gender differences in variables associated with headache burden in TTH. Management of men with TTH should focus on interventions targeting sleep quality, whereas the management of women with TTH should combine psychological approaches and interventions targeting pain mechanisms.

Variables associated with sleep quality in chronic tension-type headache: A cross-sectional and longitudinal design

OBJECTIVE

To investigate variables associated at baseline (cross-sectional design) and at one year (longitudinal design) with the quality of sleep in chronic tension-type headache (CTTH).

METHODS

One hundred and eighty (n = 180) and 135 individuals with CTTH participated in the cross-sectional and longitudinal design respectively. Clinical features were collected with a 4-weeks headache diary at baseline and one-year follow-up. Sleep quality was assessed at baseline and 1-year follow-up with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-HADS), burden of headache (Headache Disability Inventory-HDI), quality of life (SF-36 questionnaire), and pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) at trigeminal, extra-trigeminal and widespread area were assessed at baseline. Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to determine the associations between variables at baseline and 1-year follow-up with sleep quality.

RESULTS

At baseline positive correlations between sleep quality and headache intensity, headache frequency, headache duration, emotional and physical burden of headache and depression were observed. The regression analyses found that depression and emotional burden of headache explained 27.5% of the variance in sleep quality at baseline (r2 = .262; F = 23.72 P < .001). At one-year, sleep quality was significantly associated with baseline burden of headache, depression, widespread PPTs, vitality and mental health domains. Regression analyses revealed that vitality, PPT over the second metacarpal and PPT over the neck explained 30.0% of the variance of sleep quality at one-year (r2 = .269, F = 9.71, P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

It seems that sleep quality exhibits a complex interaction in individuals with CTTH since depression and the emotional burden were associated with sleep quality at baseline, but vitality and PPTs over extra-trigeminal areas were associated with the quality of sleep at one-year.