AIM: To establish seroprevalence and provide characteristics of Toxoplasma gondii(TG) infection in children with recurrent headaches. METHODS: The study was performed in 178 children aged 7-17 years admitted consecuti...AIM: To establish seroprevalence and provide characteristics of Toxoplasma gondii(TG) infection in children with recurrent headaches. METHODS: The study was performed in 178 children aged 7-17 years admitted consecutively to the Department of Pediatric Neurology from November 2009 to July 2011. The children were surveyed with a questionnaire with the help and assistance of their parents and blood samples taken on admission were studied for the presence of specific anti-TG Ig M, Ig G antibodies and Ig G avidity using enzyme immunoassay Platelia Toxo Ig M, Ig G. RESULTS: The study showed that 19 children(8 boys, 11 girls; 8-17 years old, mean age 14.36 years) hadhigh serum anti-TG Ig G antibody levels(range: 32.2 > 240 UI/m L, mean 120.18 UI/m L; positive value for Ig G was ≥ 9 UI/m L). The avidity index(AI) ranged from 0.202 to 0.925(scale: ≥ 0.5 high AI). The results for Ig M antibodies were all negative and the obtained results ranged from 0.113 to 0.25 U/m L(mean = 0.191 IU/m L) and all values below 0.8 IU/m L were considered negative. The most frequent complaints found in the seropositive patients were headaches that affected the frontal(13 children), occipital(4) and parietal areas(5). Headaches usually had a pulsating(in 7 patients) and squeezing(6) character and rarely were piercing, dull or expanding. Interestingly, 8 children did not feel discomfort during the headaches, probably because they did not have sufficiently increased intracranial pressure yet. The headaches usually appeared 1-2 times/mo, lasted for 2-6 h, and had a mean intensity of 5.5 points in a 10 point subjective scale. The comorbidities included epilepsy(5 patients), various infections in 3 children(chronic eustachitis, chronic rhinitis, chronic purulent tonsillitis, streptococcal pharyngitis, meningitis, allergic diseases), disturbances of behavior, deficits of attention, and ocular and motor concentration disorders in 1 child. The electroencephalographic and neuroimaging studies performed in our patients had a very limited value in establishing cerebral toxoplasmosis.CONCLUSION: Ten point six seven percent of the studied children had markedly increased serum anti-TG Ig G antibodies and high AI indicated chronic infestation. It is suggested that tests for TG infection should be introduced to routine diagnostics in patients with recurrent headaches.展开更多
Cosyntropin has been reported to be effective in the treatment of post-dural puncture headaches, but there is a lack of data on its effectiveness. We compared the efficacy of cosyntropin with that of caffeine in the t...Cosyntropin has been reported to be effective in the treatment of post-dural puncture headaches, but there is a lack of data on its effectiveness. We compared the efficacy of cosyntropin with that of caffeine in the treatment of post-dural puncture headaches. We performed an interim analysis of a prospective, double blinded, trial of adult patients presenting to the emergency department with a post-dural puncture headache. Patients were randomized to receive either intravenous caffeine or intravenous cosyntropin. Values on a 100-mm visual analog scale （VAS） were recorded at 0, 60, and 120 minutes to assess pain. Rescue therapy was documented on the study data forms. Its effectiveness was determined by the need for this therapy. Thirty-seven patients were included and four patients were excluded from the analysis because of protocol violations or incomplete data. Analysis was based on intention-to-treat. Caffeine was 80% （95% CI 60-100%） effective and cosyntropin was 56% （95% CI 33-79%） effective in treating post-dural puncture headaches. The group＇s VAS scores at 0, 60, and 120 minutes were 80 mm, 41 mm, 31 mm for caffeine and 80 mm, 40 mm, 33 mm for cosyntropin, respectively （P=0.66）. Caffeine was not more effective than cosyntropin in treating patients with postdural puncture headaches, and there was no difference in the degree of pain relief on VAS assessment.展开更多
Purpose: Chronic migraines and headaches are significant public health problems, and their symptomatologies have been positively linked to diet. We explored if individuals suffering from chronic migraines/ headaches w...Purpose: Chronic migraines and headaches are significant public health problems, and their symptomatologies have been positively linked to diet. We explored if individuals suffering from chronic migraines/ headaches who required medication treatment had improvement in symptomatology and subjective ratings of QoL when following an immune-reactive food exclusion diet based on the results of the ImmunoBloodprint test, an IgG-mediated food sensitivity assay. Methods: Thirty-seven subjects, aged 18 and over, took part in the study. Subjects had to eliminate all reactive foods from their diet for 90 days. Migraine intensity and frequency were measured using the MTAQ, and QoL was assessed with the SF-36 survey at base- line and 30-, 60-, and 90-day follow-up. Results: Sub- jects who eliminated IgG-mediated reactive foods from their diet had reductions in migraine symptomatology and had improvements in nearly all indicators of QoL, according to the SF-36, from baseline to 90-day follow-up. Conclusions: Subjects were able to improve their migraine symptoms and QoL in response to eliminating IgG reactive foods from the diet. This test may represent a strategy to help mediate chronic migraine symptomatology without the use of medication.展开更多
Objective: To address the degree and duration of pain relief from recurrent cervicogenic headaches and/or occipital neuralgia following retreatment with radiofrequency ablation of the C2 dorsal root ganglion and/or th...Objective: To address the degree and duration of pain relief from recurrent cervicogenic headaches and/or occipital neuralgia following retreatment with radiofrequency ablation of the C2 dorsal root ganglion and/or third occipital nerves;to review outcomes including duration and degree of pain relief;to evaluate procedure’s complication rate and patient’s willingness to repeat the procedure;to compare effectiveness of the most recent RF ablation to patient’s first RF ablation. Methods: This is a single-center retrospective observational study of 23 patients with recurrent cervicogenic headaches and/or occipital neuralgia treated with repeated RF ablation of the C2 dorsal root ganglion and/or third occipital nerves. All patients receiving treatment from January 2010 to July 2014 are included in this single site retrospective study. This is an IRB approved medical chart review study. Results: 22 of 23 patients underwent follow-up. An average of 86.5% of participants reported pain relief on average of 25.4 weeks at time of follow-up. 41% reported side effects including suboccipital hyperesthesia and/or ear discomfort, 95% reported willingness to repeat the procedure again if severe symptoms recurred, 59% of patients reported the most recent RF ablation had the same results as the first, 32% reported the most recent RF was the most effective, and 9% reported that the first RF was the most effective. Conclusion: Repeated RF ablation is a feasible option for recurrent cervicogenic headaches and/or occipital neuralgia. Effectiveness of repeat intervention is the same or better than the first ablation. Though there was a higher likelihood of side effects including suboccipital neuralgia and/or ear discomfort on repeat treatment, the side effects were generally well tolerated.展开更多
IntroductionThis clinical experience concerns 1000patients suffering from headache and treat-ed by acupuncture,moxibustion andChinese herbal therapy during the decade1980-1990.It is a polycentric work.Thetherapy was g...IntroductionThis clinical experience concerns 1000patients suffering from headache and treat-ed by acupuncture,moxibustion andChinese herbal therapy during the decade1980-1990.It is a polycentric work.Thetherapy was given in some out-patient de-partments belonging to different local cen-tres of Italian National Health Service:themost rapresentative were the展开更多
Objective:This observational cohort pilot study aimed to evaluate the effects of the acupuncture methods,Jiu Cang Zhen(JCZ)and Huang Guan(HG),on changes in headache intensity in an inpatient,multimodal Zurzach Headach...Objective:This observational cohort pilot study aimed to evaluate the effects of the acupuncture methods,Jiu Cang Zhen(JCZ)and Huang Guan(HG),on changes in headache intensity in an inpatient,multimodal Zurzach Headache Programme(ZHP).Methods:Study participants consisted of patients diagnosed with chronic headache disorder(headache ds,30 days per month)or daily persistent headache.All patients received conventional therapies with active and passive approaches.The patient group was treated with JCZ and HG acupuncture methods,receiving a total of six to eight acupuncture sessions of 50 to 60 minutes each,during a 3–4-week multimodal ZHP at the RehaClinic Bad Zurzach.Pain intensity was quantified using a Numerical Rating Scale(NRS)before and after each acupuncture therapy session.Results:Ten patients were recruited,six women and four men,with a mean age of 41.7(standard deviation,[SD]=13.9).A reduction in headache intensity was reported by all patients in each of the sessions.The average NRS for pain was 4.21(SD=1.44)before acupuncture and 1.24(SD=0.93)after acupuncture(means first by number of sessions,then per n=10 patients).This resulted in a mean difference of 2.97(SD=1.04),corresponding to a standardized response mean of 2.85(95%confidence interval:2.11–3.60,one-tailed P<0.001),meaning there was a large effect.Conclusions:This pilot study shows that JCZ and HG are suitable acupuncture methods for reducing headache intensity in the treatment of headaches.A comparison with the conventional classical acupuncture methods from the acupuncture textbook for traditional Chinese medicine students in China,exploration with a larger patient group,and prolonged monitoring of pain behavior could be foci of follow-up investigations.展开更多
Introduction: Headaches are a common symptom affecting individuals worldwide, including in the tropical zone, and have been extensively studied in Togo. Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, commonly prescribed for erectile...Introduction: Headaches are a common symptom affecting individuals worldwide, including in the tropical zone, and have been extensively studied in Togo. Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, commonly prescribed for erectile dysfunction, are known to induce headaches, yet there is a lack of research on this topic in sub-Saharan Africa and Togo. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted from February 1st to June 30th, 2023, including adult patients seeking erectile dysfunction treatment and prescribed PDE-5 inhibitors. Results: A total of 28 patients were included in the study, with an average age of 34.46 ± 7.5 years. The age group of 30 - 39 years was the most represented (53.57%). Among the participants, 67.86% had a history of chronic headaches. During the intake of PDE-5 inhibitors, 71.43% reported the onset of headaches. Among the 19 patients with chronic headaches, 68.42% developed headaches following PDE-5 inhibitor use (RR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.55 - 1.40, p = 0.484). The characteristics of the induced headaches were similar to the patients’ pre-existing headaches in 78.95% of cases. Additional symptoms included nasal congestion (36.84%) and an urge to have a bowel movement (26.32%). Sildenafil (75.00%) and Tadalafil (25.00%) were the primarily prescribed PDE-5 inhibitors. The incidence of headaches did not significantly differ between the two groups (RR = 1.33, 95% CI: 0.67 - 2.64, p = 0.306). Treatment for the induced headaches involved self-medication with paracetamol (65.00%) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (35.00%). Conclusion: Headaches induced by PDE-5 inhibitors are a well-established reality, emphasizing the need for caution and warning in patients with pre-existing headache conditions, while individualized approaches are necessary to address the potential interplay between migraine medications and erectile dysfunction treatments.展开更多
Introduction: N95 respirator masks are a cornerstone in the fight against the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. However, its use has side effects such as headaches. The primary aim of this study is to identify factors that m...Introduction: N95 respirator masks are a cornerstone in the fight against the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. However, its use has side effects such as headaches. The primary aim of this study is to identify factors that may contribute to higher occurrences of headaches with wearing N95 masks. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted across healthcare providers in operating theatres of a tertiary hospital based in Singapore involved in the care of COVID-19 patients. The study involved a self-administered online questionnaire completed by all participants. Results: 176 participants were included into the study, of which 65 (36.9%) reported headaches associated with wearing N95 masks. Out of the 65 participants who experienced headaches, 28 (43.1%) reported experiencing “mild” headache, 30 (46.2%) reported experiencing “moderate” headache, and 7 (10.7%) reported experiencing “severe” headache. 44 participants (67.7%) reported that the headache has affected their work, and 20 participants (30.8%) required analgesia to relieve the headaches. Other symptoms associated with N95 mask usage include skin damage (12.3%), breathlessness (15.4%), giddiness (6.2%), nausea (6.2%) and ear pain (3.1%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that participants younger than 32 years old (p = 0.001) and history of pre-existing headache disorders (p = 0.001) were associated with higher occurrences of headaches with wearing N95 masks. Conclusion: Our study showed that younger age and history of pre-existing headache disorders contribute to higher occurrences of headaches with N95 mask usage. These associations could be useful in identifying at-risk individuals so that precautions may be taken to reduce the occurrence of headaches when wearing N95 masks.展开更多
Introduction: Tension-type headaches are the most widespread of the primary headache disorders. Due to their high prevalence, tension-type headaches represent a major public health problem with an enormous socio-econo...Introduction: Tension-type headaches are the most widespread of the primary headache disorders. Due to their high prevalence, tension-type headaches represent a major public health problem with an enormous socio-economic burden. Determining their impact remains a challenge. Objective: To assess the impact of occupational tension-type headache in Brazzaville and identify associated factors. Population and Methods: This was an analytical case-control study conducted in public and private companies in the city of Brazzaville over a period of four (04) months. The case population consisted of cephalalgic employees;the control population was drawn from the same companies and was free of tension-type headaches. Study variables were divided into socio-professional, clinical and individual impact variables. Individual impact variables were represented by: the HIT-6 score, which incorporates a very broad conception of disability, covering several domains, namely: severity of pain during attacks and the restrictive and limiting nature of attacks. Results: Individual impact was severe in 18 (62.1%) men and 11 (37.9%) women. Mean age was 36.3 6.14 years for cases with severe impact. The mean duration of headache was 40.3 32.7 months for cases with severe impact. Tension headache evolved in attacks in 22 (75.9%) cases with severe impact, and continuously in seven (24.1%) cases. The average number of attacks per month was 2.52 1.04 for cases with severe impact. Cases with severe impact included 14 (48.3%) with chronic headache and 15 (51.7%) with episodic headache. Pain of severe intensity present in 48.3% of cases was associated with a severe impact of tension-type headache: OR = 151.66 [2.36 - 44245.95] and p-value = 0.037. At least one days absence from work per year was observed in 47.4% of our cases. The number of days off work per year due to tension-type headache had an interquartile range between 0 and 3 days and extremes from 0 to 14 days. It was the consequence of a severe impact on daily and/or professional activities. Conclusion: The high frequency of tension-type headaches in the workplace and its impact on the condition of workers in Brazzaville represent a real public health problem. It was found that the number of days absent from work per year due to tension headaches was the consequence of a severe impact on daily and/or professional activities. An awareness-raising program in this environment seems necessary, as well as an assessment of working conditions.展开更多
Yrou may recall the media reported at the beginning of this year a strange new global phenomenon-the pajama ban. It started in Cardiff, in Wales in the United Kingdom, in January. A Tesco supermarket in the St Mellon ...Yrou may recall the media reported at the beginning of this year a strange new global phenomenon-the pajama ban. It started in Cardiff, in Wales in the United Kingdom, in January. A Tesco supermarket in the St Mellon area of Cardiff escorted an indignant Elaine Carmody展开更多
Headache is one of the commonest complaints that doctors need to address in clinical settings.The genetic mechanisms of different types of headache are not well understood while it has been suggested that self-reporte...Headache is one of the commonest complaints that doctors need to address in clinical settings.The genetic mechanisms of different types of headache are not well understood while it has been suggested that self-reported headache and self-reported migraine were genetically correlated.In this study,we performed a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies(GWAS)on the self-reported headache phenotype from the UK Biobank and the self-reported migraine phenotype from the 23andMe using the Unified Score-based Association Test(metaUSAT)software for genetically correlated phenotypes(N=397,385).We identified 38 loci for headaches,of which 34 loci have been reported before and four loci were newly suggested.The LDL receptor related protein 1(LRP1)-Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 6(STAT6)-Short chain Dehydrogenase/Reductase family 9C member 7(SDR9C7)region in chromosome 12 was the most significantly associated locus with a leading p value of 1.24×10^(-62)of rs11172113.The One Cut homeobox 2(ONECUT2)gene locus in chromosome 18 was the strongest signal among the four new loci with a p value of 1.29×10^(-9)of rs673939.Our study demonstrated that the genetically correlated phenotypes of self-reported headache and self-reported migraine can be meta-analysed together in theory and in practice to boost study power to identify more variants for headaches.This study has paved way for a large GWAS meta-analysis involving cohorts of different while genetically correlated headache phenotypes.展开更多
Objective To analyze the prevalence and burden of headache disorders in China and its provinces from 1990 to 2021.Methods Using data from the Global Burden of Disease Study(GBD)2021,the number of prevalent cases,preva...Objective To analyze the prevalence and burden of headache disorders in China and its provinces from 1990 to 2021.Methods Using data from the Global Burden of Disease Study(GBD)2021,the number of prevalent cases,prevalence rate,disability-adjusted life years(DALYs),and age-standardized DALY rates were analyzed by sex,age group,and province for headache disorders and their subtypes(migraine and tension-type headache[TTH])between 1990 and 2021.Percentage changes during this period were also estimated.Results In 2021,approximately 426 million individuals in China were affected by headache disorders,with an age-standardized prevalence rate of 27,582.61/100,000.The age-standardized DALY rate for all headache disorders was 487.15/100,000.Between 1990 and 2021,the number of prevalent cases increased by 37.78%,while the prevalence of all headache disorders,migraine,and TTH increased by 6.92%,7.57%,and 7.86%,respectively.The highest prevalence was observed in the 30-34 age group(39,520.60/100,000).Migraine accounted for a larger proportion of DALYs attributable to headache disorders,whereas TTH has a greater impact on its prevalence.In 2021,the highest age-standardized DALY rates for headache disorders were observed in Heilongjiang(617.85/100,000)and Shanghai(542.86/100,000).Conclusion The prevalence of headache disorders is increasing in China.Effective health education,improve diagnosis and treatment are essential,particularly for middle-aged working populations and women of childbearing age.展开更多
BACKGROUND Restless legs syndrome(RLS)is characterized by an urge to move with an unpleasant sensation in the lower limbs.RLS typically affects the legs.However,it can also affect several other body regions,such as th...BACKGROUND Restless legs syndrome(RLS)is characterized by an urge to move with an unpleasant sensation in the lower limbs.RLS typically affects the legs.However,it can also affect several other body regions,such as the arms,abdomen,face,neck,head,and genital area.There are only a few reports of the RLS variant affecting the head.AIM To assess the epidemiological,clinical,and other aspects of the RLS variant affecting the head.METHODS We conducted a retrospective study of 17 adult patients(>18 years)who met the RLS criteria and simultaneously experienced RLS-like symptoms in the head.RESULTS The median age at which symptoms appeared was 41.6 years.Males and females were equally affected(1.1:1).All 17 patients had uncomfortable sensations in the lower legs.Insomnia or disturbed sleep was the most common comorbidity(n=16,88.2%).However,headache was the most common presenting or primary symptom(n=10,70.5%).Dizziness or an abnormal sensation in the head was the second most common presenting symptom(5 patients,29.4%).Other presenting features were leg pain,backache,and generalized body pain.All patients responded favorably to dopaminergic medications.CONCLUSION If RLS-related unpleasant sensations and pain are felt in the head,they may be misinterpreted as headache,dizziness,or psychosomatic symptoms.RLS and headaches in a subset of patients may be two phenotypic manifestations of the same disorder.展开更多
Background: Lumboperitoneal (LP) shunts have been used to manage benign intracranial hypertension (BIH) for an extended period. While they may swiftly and effectively alleviate symptoms, their application is accompani...Background: Lumboperitoneal (LP) shunts have been used to manage benign intracranial hypertension (BIH) for an extended period. While they may swiftly and effectively alleviate symptoms, their application is accompanied by potential complications. Objectives: This research aimed to retrospectively analyze the difficulties and complications related to LP shunt implantation. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of the records of 47 patients who had LP shunt placement for the treatment of BIH at our hospital throughout the research period. A thorough history and physical examination were conducted in every case. All patients were asked about age, gender, body mass index, neurological history, and oral contraceptive usage. Post-operative complications, clinical and ophthalmological follow-up occurred at 1, 3, and 6 months post-op. Results: Patients were mostly women (93.6%). The mean age of the patients was 35, and 80.9 percent had BMIs exceeding 25. Many female patients (40.9%) used oral contraceptives. Nearly all patients (93.6%) reported decreased vision, and 87.2% suffered headaches. The most common issue was shunt obstruction (51%), followed by low tension headaches (63.8%). The peritoneal side (10.6%) had higher shunt slippage than the thecal (2.1%). Superficial infections and radiculopathy affected 10.6% of patients, whereas CNS infections, arachnoiditis, and shunt failure affected just 2.1%. Five patients (10.6%) had Chiari malformation, and 60% had syringomyelia. Conclusion: Using LP shunts to treat BIH seems to be a method devoid of major risks despite the high revision rates. At the same time, more severe complications such as CNS infections, arachnoiditis, and shunt failure were less common.展开更多
The predominance of pituitary adenoma in the etiology of sellar masses often leads to the diagnostic fallacy of“availability bias”so that pituitary adenoma is almost always considered the most likely diagnosis of al...The predominance of pituitary adenoma in the etiology of sellar masses often leads to the diagnostic fallacy of“availability bias”so that pituitary adenoma is almost always considered the most likely diagnosis of all sellar masses,even when clinical evidence suggests otherwise.Primary sellar atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor(AT/RT)is the most aggressive sellar tumor.Most patients with sellar AT/RT are initially misdiagnosed with pituitary macroadenoma.Early diagnosis of sellar AT/RT is of paramount importance to counsel patients and family on the grave prognosis and to avoid futile surgical procedures.Since there are no discerning imaging features to differentiate AT/RT from other sellar tumors,the acuity of sellar compression symptoms characteristic of AT/RT is the only evidence indicative of the AT/RT diagnosis.Based on the biological and anatomical properties of the sella turcica and its surrounding structures,the nature,order of manifestation,and acuity of the sellar compression symptoms in response to sellar content expansion are mostly predictable.It is concluded that rapidly progressive headache and subsequent similarly rapidly progressive visual symptoms in a female with a large sellar mass are pathognomonic of sellar AT/RT(the“Yu rule”).展开更多
文摘AIM: To establish seroprevalence and provide characteristics of Toxoplasma gondii(TG) infection in children with recurrent headaches. METHODS: The study was performed in 178 children aged 7-17 years admitted consecutively to the Department of Pediatric Neurology from November 2009 to July 2011. The children were surveyed with a questionnaire with the help and assistance of their parents and blood samples taken on admission were studied for the presence of specific anti-TG Ig M, Ig G antibodies and Ig G avidity using enzyme immunoassay Platelia Toxo Ig M, Ig G. RESULTS: The study showed that 19 children(8 boys, 11 girls; 8-17 years old, mean age 14.36 years) hadhigh serum anti-TG Ig G antibody levels(range: 32.2 > 240 UI/m L, mean 120.18 UI/m L; positive value for Ig G was ≥ 9 UI/m L). The avidity index(AI) ranged from 0.202 to 0.925(scale: ≥ 0.5 high AI). The results for Ig M antibodies were all negative and the obtained results ranged from 0.113 to 0.25 U/m L(mean = 0.191 IU/m L) and all values below 0.8 IU/m L were considered negative. The most frequent complaints found in the seropositive patients were headaches that affected the frontal(13 children), occipital(4) and parietal areas(5). Headaches usually had a pulsating(in 7 patients) and squeezing(6) character and rarely were piercing, dull or expanding. Interestingly, 8 children did not feel discomfort during the headaches, probably because they did not have sufficiently increased intracranial pressure yet. The headaches usually appeared 1-2 times/mo, lasted for 2-6 h, and had a mean intensity of 5.5 points in a 10 point subjective scale. The comorbidities included epilepsy(5 patients), various infections in 3 children(chronic eustachitis, chronic rhinitis, chronic purulent tonsillitis, streptococcal pharyngitis, meningitis, allergic diseases), disturbances of behavior, deficits of attention, and ocular and motor concentration disorders in 1 child. The electroencephalographic and neuroimaging studies performed in our patients had a very limited value in establishing cerebral toxoplasmosis.CONCLUSION: Ten point six seven percent of the studied children had markedly increased serum anti-TG Ig G antibodies and high AI indicated chronic infestation. It is suggested that tests for TG infection should be introduced to routine diagnostics in patients with recurrent headaches.
文摘Cosyntropin has been reported to be effective in the treatment of post-dural puncture headaches, but there is a lack of data on its effectiveness. We compared the efficacy of cosyntropin with that of caffeine in the treatment of post-dural puncture headaches. We performed an interim analysis of a prospective, double blinded, trial of adult patients presenting to the emergency department with a post-dural puncture headache. Patients were randomized to receive either intravenous caffeine or intravenous cosyntropin. Values on a 100-mm visual analog scale （VAS） were recorded at 0, 60, and 120 minutes to assess pain. Rescue therapy was documented on the study data forms. Its effectiveness was determined by the need for this therapy. Thirty-seven patients were included and four patients were excluded from the analysis because of protocol violations or incomplete data. Analysis was based on intention-to-treat. Caffeine was 80% （95% CI 60-100%） effective and cosyntropin was 56% （95% CI 33-79%） effective in treating post-dural puncture headaches. The group＇s VAS scores at 0, 60, and 120 minutes were 80 mm, 41 mm, 31 mm for caffeine and 80 mm, 40 mm, 33 mm for cosyntropin, respectively （P=0.66）. Caffeine was not more effective than cosyntropin in treating patients with postdural puncture headaches, and there was no difference in the degree of pain relief on VAS assessment.
文摘Purpose: Chronic migraines and headaches are significant public health problems, and their symptomatologies have been positively linked to diet. We explored if individuals suffering from chronic migraines/ headaches who required medication treatment had improvement in symptomatology and subjective ratings of QoL when following an immune-reactive food exclusion diet based on the results of the ImmunoBloodprint test, an IgG-mediated food sensitivity assay. Methods: Thirty-seven subjects, aged 18 and over, took part in the study. Subjects had to eliminate all reactive foods from their diet for 90 days. Migraine intensity and frequency were measured using the MTAQ, and QoL was assessed with the SF-36 survey at base- line and 30-, 60-, and 90-day follow-up. Results: Sub- jects who eliminated IgG-mediated reactive foods from their diet had reductions in migraine symptomatology and had improvements in nearly all indicators of QoL, according to the SF-36, from baseline to 90-day follow-up. Conclusions: Subjects were able to improve their migraine symptoms and QoL in response to eliminating IgG reactive foods from the diet. This test may represent a strategy to help mediate chronic migraine symptomatology without the use of medication.
文摘Objective: To address the degree and duration of pain relief from recurrent cervicogenic headaches and/or occipital neuralgia following retreatment with radiofrequency ablation of the C2 dorsal root ganglion and/or third occipital nerves;to review outcomes including duration and degree of pain relief;to evaluate procedure’s complication rate and patient’s willingness to repeat the procedure;to compare effectiveness of the most recent RF ablation to patient’s first RF ablation. Methods: This is a single-center retrospective observational study of 23 patients with recurrent cervicogenic headaches and/or occipital neuralgia treated with repeated RF ablation of the C2 dorsal root ganglion and/or third occipital nerves. All patients receiving treatment from January 2010 to July 2014 are included in this single site retrospective study. This is an IRB approved medical chart review study. Results: 22 of 23 patients underwent follow-up. An average of 86.5% of participants reported pain relief on average of 25.4 weeks at time of follow-up. 41% reported side effects including suboccipital hyperesthesia and/or ear discomfort, 95% reported willingness to repeat the procedure again if severe symptoms recurred, 59% of patients reported the most recent RF ablation had the same results as the first, 32% reported the most recent RF was the most effective, and 9% reported that the first RF was the most effective. Conclusion: Repeated RF ablation is a feasible option for recurrent cervicogenic headaches and/or occipital neuralgia. Effectiveness of repeat intervention is the same or better than the first ablation. Though there was a higher likelihood of side effects including suboccipital neuralgia and/or ear discomfort on repeat treatment, the side effects were generally well tolerated.
文摘IntroductionThis clinical experience concerns 1000patients suffering from headache and treat-ed by acupuncture,moxibustion andChinese herbal therapy during the decade1980-1990.It is a polycentric work.Thetherapy was given in some out-patient de-partments belonging to different local cen-tres of Italian National Health Service:themost rapresentative were the
基金supported by Zurzach Rehabilitation Foundation SPA and Swiss Traditional Chinese Medicine Academy(STA)。
文摘Objective:This observational cohort pilot study aimed to evaluate the effects of the acupuncture methods,Jiu Cang Zhen(JCZ)and Huang Guan(HG),on changes in headache intensity in an inpatient,multimodal Zurzach Headache Programme(ZHP).Methods:Study participants consisted of patients diagnosed with chronic headache disorder(headache ds,30 days per month)or daily persistent headache.All patients received conventional therapies with active and passive approaches.The patient group was treated with JCZ and HG acupuncture methods,receiving a total of six to eight acupuncture sessions of 50 to 60 minutes each,during a 3–4-week multimodal ZHP at the RehaClinic Bad Zurzach.Pain intensity was quantified using a Numerical Rating Scale(NRS)before and after each acupuncture therapy session.Results:Ten patients were recruited,six women and four men,with a mean age of 41.7(standard deviation,[SD]=13.9).A reduction in headache intensity was reported by all patients in each of the sessions.The average NRS for pain was 4.21(SD=1.44)before acupuncture and 1.24(SD=0.93)after acupuncture(means first by number of sessions,then per n=10 patients).This resulted in a mean difference of 2.97(SD=1.04),corresponding to a standardized response mean of 2.85(95%confidence interval:2.11–3.60,one-tailed P<0.001),meaning there was a large effect.Conclusions:This pilot study shows that JCZ and HG are suitable acupuncture methods for reducing headache intensity in the treatment of headaches.A comparison with the conventional classical acupuncture methods from the acupuncture textbook for traditional Chinese medicine students in China,exploration with a larger patient group,and prolonged monitoring of pain behavior could be foci of follow-up investigations.
文摘Introduction: Headaches are a common symptom affecting individuals worldwide, including in the tropical zone, and have been extensively studied in Togo. Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, commonly prescribed for erectile dysfunction, are known to induce headaches, yet there is a lack of research on this topic in sub-Saharan Africa and Togo. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted from February 1st to June 30th, 2023, including adult patients seeking erectile dysfunction treatment and prescribed PDE-5 inhibitors. Results: A total of 28 patients were included in the study, with an average age of 34.46 ± 7.5 years. The age group of 30 - 39 years was the most represented (53.57%). Among the participants, 67.86% had a history of chronic headaches. During the intake of PDE-5 inhibitors, 71.43% reported the onset of headaches. Among the 19 patients with chronic headaches, 68.42% developed headaches following PDE-5 inhibitor use (RR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.55 - 1.40, p = 0.484). The characteristics of the induced headaches were similar to the patients’ pre-existing headaches in 78.95% of cases. Additional symptoms included nasal congestion (36.84%) and an urge to have a bowel movement (26.32%). Sildenafil (75.00%) and Tadalafil (25.00%) were the primarily prescribed PDE-5 inhibitors. The incidence of headaches did not significantly differ between the two groups (RR = 1.33, 95% CI: 0.67 - 2.64, p = 0.306). Treatment for the induced headaches involved self-medication with paracetamol (65.00%) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (35.00%). Conclusion: Headaches induced by PDE-5 inhibitors are a well-established reality, emphasizing the need for caution and warning in patients with pre-existing headache conditions, while individualized approaches are necessary to address the potential interplay between migraine medications and erectile dysfunction treatments.
文摘Introduction: N95 respirator masks are a cornerstone in the fight against the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. However, its use has side effects such as headaches. The primary aim of this study is to identify factors that may contribute to higher occurrences of headaches with wearing N95 masks. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted across healthcare providers in operating theatres of a tertiary hospital based in Singapore involved in the care of COVID-19 patients. The study involved a self-administered online questionnaire completed by all participants. Results: 176 participants were included into the study, of which 65 (36.9%) reported headaches associated with wearing N95 masks. Out of the 65 participants who experienced headaches, 28 (43.1%) reported experiencing “mild” headache, 30 (46.2%) reported experiencing “moderate” headache, and 7 (10.7%) reported experiencing “severe” headache. 44 participants (67.7%) reported that the headache has affected their work, and 20 participants (30.8%) required analgesia to relieve the headaches. Other symptoms associated with N95 mask usage include skin damage (12.3%), breathlessness (15.4%), giddiness (6.2%), nausea (6.2%) and ear pain (3.1%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that participants younger than 32 years old (p = 0.001) and history of pre-existing headache disorders (p = 0.001) were associated with higher occurrences of headaches with wearing N95 masks. Conclusion: Our study showed that younger age and history of pre-existing headache disorders contribute to higher occurrences of headaches with N95 mask usage. These associations could be useful in identifying at-risk individuals so that precautions may be taken to reduce the occurrence of headaches when wearing N95 masks.
文摘Introduction: Tension-type headaches are the most widespread of the primary headache disorders. Due to their high prevalence, tension-type headaches represent a major public health problem with an enormous socio-economic burden. Determining their impact remains a challenge. Objective: To assess the impact of occupational tension-type headache in Brazzaville and identify associated factors. Population and Methods: This was an analytical case-control study conducted in public and private companies in the city of Brazzaville over a period of four (04) months. The case population consisted of cephalalgic employees;the control population was drawn from the same companies and was free of tension-type headaches. Study variables were divided into socio-professional, clinical and individual impact variables. Individual impact variables were represented by: the HIT-6 score, which incorporates a very broad conception of disability, covering several domains, namely: severity of pain during attacks and the restrictive and limiting nature of attacks. Results: Individual impact was severe in 18 (62.1%) men and 11 (37.9%) women. Mean age was 36.3 6.14 years for cases with severe impact. The mean duration of headache was 40.3 32.7 months for cases with severe impact. Tension headache evolved in attacks in 22 (75.9%) cases with severe impact, and continuously in seven (24.1%) cases. The average number of attacks per month was 2.52 1.04 for cases with severe impact. Cases with severe impact included 14 (48.3%) with chronic headache and 15 (51.7%) with episodic headache. Pain of severe intensity present in 48.3% of cases was associated with a severe impact of tension-type headache: OR = 151.66 [2.36 - 44245.95] and p-value = 0.037. At least one days absence from work per year was observed in 47.4% of our cases. The number of days off work per year due to tension-type headache had an interquartile range between 0 and 3 days and extremes from 0 to 14 days. It was the consequence of a severe impact on daily and/or professional activities. Conclusion: The high frequency of tension-type headaches in the workplace and its impact on the condition of workers in Brazzaville represent a real public health problem. It was found that the number of days absent from work per year due to tension headaches was the consequence of a severe impact on daily and/or professional activities. An awareness-raising program in this environment seems necessary, as well as an assessment of working conditions.
文摘Yrou may recall the media reported at the beginning of this year a strange new global phenomenon-the pajama ban. It started in Cardiff, in Wales in the United Kingdom, in January. A Tesco supermarket in the St Mellon area of Cardiff escorted an indignant Elaine Carmody
基金Funding This study was mainly funded by the Wellcome Trust Strategic Award“Stratifying Resilience and Depression Longitudinally”(STRADL)with Reference Number 104036/Z/14/Z.
文摘Headache is one of the commonest complaints that doctors need to address in clinical settings.The genetic mechanisms of different types of headache are not well understood while it has been suggested that self-reported headache and self-reported migraine were genetically correlated.In this study,we performed a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies(GWAS)on the self-reported headache phenotype from the UK Biobank and the self-reported migraine phenotype from the 23andMe using the Unified Score-based Association Test(metaUSAT)software for genetically correlated phenotypes(N=397,385).We identified 38 loci for headaches,of which 34 loci have been reported before and four loci were newly suggested.The LDL receptor related protein 1(LRP1)-Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 6(STAT6)-Short chain Dehydrogenase/Reductase family 9C member 7(SDR9C7)region in chromosome 12 was the most significantly associated locus with a leading p value of 1.24×10^(-62)of rs11172113.The One Cut homeobox 2(ONECUT2)gene locus in chromosome 18 was the strongest signal among the four new loci with a p value of 1.29×10^(-9)of rs673939.Our study demonstrated that the genetically correlated phenotypes of self-reported headache and self-reported migraine can be meta-analysed together in theory and in practice to boost study power to identify more variants for headaches.This study has paved way for a large GWAS meta-analysis involving cohorts of different while genetically correlated headache phenotypes.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2018YFC1315301).
文摘Objective To analyze the prevalence and burden of headache disorders in China and its provinces from 1990 to 2021.Methods Using data from the Global Burden of Disease Study(GBD)2021,the number of prevalent cases,prevalence rate,disability-adjusted life years(DALYs),and age-standardized DALY rates were analyzed by sex,age group,and province for headache disorders and their subtypes(migraine and tension-type headache[TTH])between 1990 and 2021.Percentage changes during this period were also estimated.Results In 2021,approximately 426 million individuals in China were affected by headache disorders,with an age-standardized prevalence rate of 27,582.61/100,000.The age-standardized DALY rate for all headache disorders was 487.15/100,000.Between 1990 and 2021,the number of prevalent cases increased by 37.78%,while the prevalence of all headache disorders,migraine,and TTH increased by 6.92%,7.57%,and 7.86%,respectively.The highest prevalence was observed in the 30-34 age group(39,520.60/100,000).Migraine accounted for a larger proportion of DALYs attributable to headache disorders,whereas TTH has a greater impact on its prevalence.In 2021,the highest age-standardized DALY rates for headache disorders were observed in Heilongjiang(617.85/100,000)and Shanghai(542.86/100,000).Conclusion The prevalence of headache disorders is increasing in China.Effective health education,improve diagnosis and treatment are essential,particularly for middle-aged working populations and women of childbearing age.
文摘BACKGROUND Restless legs syndrome(RLS)is characterized by an urge to move with an unpleasant sensation in the lower limbs.RLS typically affects the legs.However,it can also affect several other body regions,such as the arms,abdomen,face,neck,head,and genital area.There are only a few reports of the RLS variant affecting the head.AIM To assess the epidemiological,clinical,and other aspects of the RLS variant affecting the head.METHODS We conducted a retrospective study of 17 adult patients(>18 years)who met the RLS criteria and simultaneously experienced RLS-like symptoms in the head.RESULTS The median age at which symptoms appeared was 41.6 years.Males and females were equally affected(1.1:1).All 17 patients had uncomfortable sensations in the lower legs.Insomnia or disturbed sleep was the most common comorbidity(n=16,88.2%).However,headache was the most common presenting or primary symptom(n=10,70.5%).Dizziness or an abnormal sensation in the head was the second most common presenting symptom(5 patients,29.4%).Other presenting features were leg pain,backache,and generalized body pain.All patients responded favorably to dopaminergic medications.CONCLUSION If RLS-related unpleasant sensations and pain are felt in the head,they may be misinterpreted as headache,dizziness,or psychosomatic symptoms.RLS and headaches in a subset of patients may be two phenotypic manifestations of the same disorder.
文摘Background: Lumboperitoneal (LP) shunts have been used to manage benign intracranial hypertension (BIH) for an extended period. While they may swiftly and effectively alleviate symptoms, their application is accompanied by potential complications. Objectives: This research aimed to retrospectively analyze the difficulties and complications related to LP shunt implantation. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of the records of 47 patients who had LP shunt placement for the treatment of BIH at our hospital throughout the research period. A thorough history and physical examination were conducted in every case. All patients were asked about age, gender, body mass index, neurological history, and oral contraceptive usage. Post-operative complications, clinical and ophthalmological follow-up occurred at 1, 3, and 6 months post-op. Results: Patients were mostly women (93.6%). The mean age of the patients was 35, and 80.9 percent had BMIs exceeding 25. Many female patients (40.9%) used oral contraceptives. Nearly all patients (93.6%) reported decreased vision, and 87.2% suffered headaches. The most common issue was shunt obstruction (51%), followed by low tension headaches (63.8%). The peritoneal side (10.6%) had higher shunt slippage than the thecal (2.1%). Superficial infections and radiculopathy affected 10.6% of patients, whereas CNS infections, arachnoiditis, and shunt failure affected just 2.1%. Five patients (10.6%) had Chiari malformation, and 60% had syringomyelia. Conclusion: Using LP shunts to treat BIH seems to be a method devoid of major risks despite the high revision rates. At the same time, more severe complications such as CNS infections, arachnoiditis, and shunt failure were less common.
文摘The predominance of pituitary adenoma in the etiology of sellar masses often leads to the diagnostic fallacy of“availability bias”so that pituitary adenoma is almost always considered the most likely diagnosis of all sellar masses,even when clinical evidence suggests otherwise.Primary sellar atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor(AT/RT)is the most aggressive sellar tumor.Most patients with sellar AT/RT are initially misdiagnosed with pituitary macroadenoma.Early diagnosis of sellar AT/RT is of paramount importance to counsel patients and family on the grave prognosis and to avoid futile surgical procedures.Since there are no discerning imaging features to differentiate AT/RT from other sellar tumors,the acuity of sellar compression symptoms characteristic of AT/RT is the only evidence indicative of the AT/RT diagnosis.Based on the biological and anatomical properties of the sella turcica and its surrounding structures,the nature,order of manifestation,and acuity of the sellar compression symptoms in response to sellar content expansion are mostly predictable.It is concluded that rapidly progressive headache and subsequent similarly rapidly progressive visual symptoms in a female with a large sellar mass are pathognomonic of sellar AT/RT(the“Yu rule”).
