Tics in TACs: A Step into an Avalanche? Systematic Literature Review and Conclusions

Neurophysiological investigations in a case of primary paroxysmal hemicrania-tic syndrome

BACKGROUND

The association between paroxysmal hemicrania (PH) and trigeminal neuralgia-the so-called PH-tic syndrome-has rarely been described. However, a correct diagnosis is crucial since both disorders require specific treatments. Little is known about pathophysiological mechanisms, and, to date, there are no electrophysiological studies in patients with PH-tic syndrome.

CASE

We describe the case of a 52-year-old man with a PH-tic syndrome successfully treated with an association of carbamazepine (1200 mg/day) and indomethacin (150 mg/die). Patient underwent trigeminal reflex testing, including blink and masseter inhibitory reflex, and laser-evoked potential (LEP) recording after supraorbital region stimulation in the affected and unaffected side. Both neurophysiological investigations resulted normal; LEPs failed to detect any latency asymmetry between both sides.

CONCLUSIONS

Neurophysiological findings demonstrate for the first time the integrity of somatosensory system in a primary PH-tic syndrome case. Central pathophysiological mechanisms and hypothalamic dysregulation may contribute to the development of this rare syndrome.

Epidemiology of diagnosed cluster headache in Norway

Background:

Cluster headache (CH) is one of the most painful conditions in humans and there is limited epidemiological data on this debilitating condition.

Objectives:

To describe the epidemiology of CH in Norway

Methods:

We conducted a nationwide study to investigate the prevalence, incidence, and comorbidity of CH in Norway between January 1 2008 and December 31 2016. Treatment and outcome data from the Norwegian patient registry and the Norwegian prescription database were linked on an individual basis.

Results:

Among 3,892,260 individuals ≥18 years old of age, we identified a total of 1891 patients with CH. The prevalence of CH was 48.6 per 100,000, and the male-to-female ratio was 1.47. The estimated incidence of CH was 3.0 per 100,000/year. Among patients with CH, increased age and sex adjusted odds ratios ([OR], all with p-values <0.0001, were observed for medication-induced headache (OR 50.7, 95% CI 36.7–69.9), migraine (OR 25.2, 95% CI 22.5–28.3), chronic posttraumatic headache (OR 22.2, 95% CI 12.8–38.45), history of cranial trauma (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.5–2.4), somatoform disorders (OR 4.2, 95% CI 3.0–5.8), suicide attempt (OR 3.9, 95% CI 2.6–5.8), personality disorder (OR 3.6, 95% CI 2.6–4.9), bipolar disorder (OR 3.6, 95% CI 2.8–4.8), peptic ulcer (OR 2.8, 95% CI 2.3–3.3), depression (OR 2.8, 95% CI 2.4–3.1), substance abuse (OR 2.6, 95% CI 2.0–3.3), and cerebrovascular disease (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.8–3.1). Use of opioid analgesics during the study period was more common among patients with CH compared to others (81% vs. 22%, sex and age adjusted OR 23.4, 95% CI 20.8–26.2, p < 0.0001).

Trigeminal Neuralgia With Extraoral Trigger Zone Successfully Treated With Intraoral Injections of Botulinum Toxin: A Case Report

Trigeminal neuralgia is a pain condition that is frequently misdiagnosed and challenging to manage. We present the case of a patient with trigeminal neuralgia with multiple misdiagnoses and poorly managed pain. Despite the presence of trigger zones both inside and outside her mouth, complete symptom resolution was ultimately achieved through onabotulinumtoxinA injections, delivered solely intraorally.

Secondary hemicrania continua-tic syndrome associated with fungal sphenoiditis: A case report

The coexistence of hemicrania-continua and trigeminal neuralgia is called HC-tic syndrome. We describe a case of an elderly man who suffered both types of headache related to fungal sphenoiditis. This is the first case to be reported, to the best of our knowledge.