Sensitization-Associated Symptoms and Neuropathic-like Features in Patients with Cervical Dystonia and Pain

Background: This exploratory study evaluated the presence of sensitization-associated and neuropathic-like symptoms and identified their association with pressure sensitivity, pain, and disability in patients with cervical dystonia (CD). Methods: Thirty-one patients with CD (74.2% women, age: 61.2 years, SD 10.1) participated. Data collected included clinical variables, the Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale (TWSTRS), the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI), the Self-administered Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (S-LANSS), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), as well as widespread pressure pain thresholds (PPTs). Results: Patients with CD with pain (n = 20, 64.5%) showed higher scores on the TWSTRS disability subscale and the CSI (p < 0.001), and lower PPTs (p < 0.05). Fifteen patients (15/31, 48%) showed sensitization-associated symptoms (CSI ≥ 40), whereas five of the patients with pain (5/20, 25%) exhibited neuropathic-like symptoms (S-LANSS ≥ 12). The CSI and S-LANSS were positively associated with the TWSTRS, HADS-A and HADS-D, and negatively associated with PPTs. HADS-D and S-LANSS explained 72.5% of the variance of the CSI (r2: 0.725), whereas CSI explained 42.3% of the variance of the S-LANSS (r2: 0.423). Conclusions: Pain is an important source of disability in CD, and may be a consequence of different mechanisms, including sensitization.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide in migraine: from pathophysiology to treatment

INTRODUCTION

It has been observed in recent years that levels of such molecules as calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and, to a lesser extent, the pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide are elevated during migraine attacks and in chronic migraine, both in the cerebrospinal fluid and in the serum. Pharmacological reduction of these proteins is clinically significant, with an improvement in patients' migraines. It therefore seems logical that one of the main lines of migraine research should be based on the role of CGRP in the pathophysiology of this entity.

DEVELOPMENT

The Spanish Society of Neurology's Headache Study Group decided to draft this document in order to address the evidence on such important issues as the role of CGRP in the pathophysiology of migraine and the mechanism of action of monoclonal antibodies and gepants; and to critically analyse the results of different studies and the profile of patients eligible for treatment with monoclonal antibodies, and the impact in terms of pharmacoeconomics.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical development of gepants, which are CGRP antagonists, for the acute treatment of migraine attacks, and CGRP ligand and receptor monoclonal antibodies offer promising results for these patients.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide in migraine: from pathophysiology to treatment

INTRODUCTION

It has been observed in recent years that levels of such molecules as calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and, to a lesser extent, the pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide are elevated during migraine attacks and in chronic migraine, both in the cerebrospinal fluid and in the serum. Pharmacological reduction of these proteins is clinically significant, with an improvement in patients' migraines. It therefore seems logical that one of the main lines of migraine research should be based on the role of CGRP in the pathophysiology of this entity.

DEVELOPMENT

The Spanish Society of Neurology's Headache Study Group decided to draft this document in order to address the evidence on such important issues as the role of CGRP in the pathophysiology of migraine and the mechanism of action of monoclonal antibodies and gepants; and to critically analyse the results of different studies and the profile of patients eligible for treatment with monoclonal antibodies, and the impact in terms of pharmacoeconomics.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical development of gepants, which are CGRP antagonists, for the acute treatment of migraine attacks, and CGRP ligand and receptor monoclonal antibodies offer promising results for these patients.

Prevalence of post-COVID-19 symptoms in hospitalized and non-hospitalized COVID-19 survivors: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Single studies support the presence of several post-COVID-19 symptoms; however, no meta-analysis differentiating hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients has been published to date. This meta-analysis analyses the prevalence of post-COVID-19 symptoms in hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients recovered from COVID-19 .

METHODS

MEDLINE, CINAHL, PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases, as well as medRxiv and bioRxiv preprint servers were searched up to March 15, 2021. Peer-reviewed studies or preprints reporting data on post-COVID-19 symptoms collected by personal, telephonic or electronic interview were included. Methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. We used a random-effects models for meta-analytical pooled prevalence of each post-COVID-19 symptom, and I² statistics for heterogeneity. Data synthesis was categorized at 30, 60, and ≥90 days after .

RESULTS

From 15,577 studies identified, 29 peer-reviewed studies and 4 preprints met inclusion criteria. The sample included 15,244 hospitalized and 9011 non-hospitalized patients. The methodological quality of most studies was fair. The results showed that 63.2, 71.9 and 45.9% of the sample exhibited ≥one post-COVID-19 symptom at 30, 60, or ≥90days after onset/hospitalization. Fatigue and dyspnea were the most prevalent symptoms with a pooled prevalence ranging from 35 to 60% depending on the follow-up. Other post-COVID-19 symptoms included cough (20-25%), anosmia (10-20%), ageusia (15-20%) or joint pain (15-20%). Time trend analysis revealed a decreased prevalence 30days after with an increase after 60days .

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis shows that post-COVID-19 symptoms are present in more than 60% of patients infected by SARS-CoV‑2. Fatigue and dyspnea were the most prevalent post-COVID-19 symptoms, particularly 60 and ≥90 days after.

Fatigue and Dyspnoea as Main Persistent Post-COVID-19 Symptoms in Previously Hospitalized Patients: Related Functional Limitations and Disability

Background

Multicentre studies focussing on specific long-term post-COVID-19 symptoms are scarce.

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the levels of fatigue and dyspnoea, repercussions on daily life activities, and risk factors associated with fatigue or dyspnoea in COVID-19 survivors at long term after hospital discharge.

Methods

Age, gender, height, weight, symptoms at hospitalization, pre-existing medical comorbidity, intensive care unit admission, and the presence of cardio-respiratory symptoms developed after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection were collected from patients who recovered from COVID-19 at 4 hospitals in Madrid (Spain) from March 1 to May 31, 2020 (first COVID-19 wave). The Functional Impairment Checklist was used for evaluating fatigue/dyspnoea levels and functional limitations.

Results

A total of 1,142 patients (48% women, age: 61, standard deviation [SD]: 17 years) were assessed 7.0 months (SD 0.6) after hospitalization. Fatigue was present in 61% patients, dyspnoea with activity in 55%, and dyspnoea at rest in 23.5%. Only 355 (31.1%) patients did not exhibit fatigue and/or dyspnoea 7 months after hospitalization. Forty-five per cent reported functional limitations with daily living activities. Risk factors associated with fatigue and dyspnoea included female gender, number of pre-existing comorbidities, and number of symptoms at hospitalization. The number of days at hospital was a risk factor just for dyspnoea.

Conclusions

Fatigue and/or dyspnoea were present in 70% of hospitalized COVID-19 survivors 7 months after discharge. In addition, 45% patients exhibited limitations on daily living activities. Being female, higher number of pre-existing medical comorbidities and number of symptoms at hospitalization were risk factors associated to fatigue/dyspnoea in COVID-19 survivors 7 months after hospitalization.

Headache as an acute and post-COVID-19 symptom in COVID-19 survivors: A meta-analysis of the current literature

Background

Headache is identified as a common post‐COVID sequela experienced by COVID‐19 survivors. The aim of this pooled analysis was to synthesize the prevalence of post‐COVID headache in hospitalized and non‐hospitalized patients recovering from SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.

Methods

MEDLINE, CINAHL, PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases, as well as medRxiv and bioRxiv preprint servers, were searched up to 31 May 2021. Studies or preprints providing data on post‐COVID headache were included. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale. Random effects models were used for meta‐analytical pooled prevalence of post‐COVID headache. Data synthesis was categorized at hospital admission/symptoms' onset, and at 30, 60, 90, and ≥180 days afterwards.

Results

From 9573 studies identified, 28 peer‐reviewed studies and 7 preprints were included. The sample was 28,438 COVID‐19 survivors (12,307 females; mean age: 46.6, SD: 17.45 years). The methodological quality was high in 45% of the studies. The overall prevalence of post‐COVID headache was 47.1% (95% CI 35.8–58.6) at onset or hospital admission, 10.2% (95% CI 5.4–18.5) at 30 days, 16.5% (95% CI 5.6–39.7) at 60 days, 10.6% (95% CI 4.7–22.3) at 90 days, and 8.4% (95% CI 4.6–14.8) at ≥180 days after onset/hospital discharge. Headache as a symptom at the acute phase was more prevalent in non‐hospitalized (57.97%) than in hospitalized (31.11%) patients. Time trend analysis showed a decreased prevalence from the acute symptoms’ onset to all post‐COVID follow‐up periods which was maintained afterwards.

Conclusion

This meta‐analysis found that the prevalence of post‐COVID headache ranged from 8% to 15% during the first 6 months after SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.

Proposed integrative model for post-COVID symptoms

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

To propose an integrative model for post-COVID symptoms by considering the absence/presence of previous symptomatology.

METHODS

We searched different databases for original articles and reviews on post-COVID symptoms.

RESULTS

The first consideration is to define which symptoms are of "new-onset" (symptoms never experienced by a patient before COVID-19 and experienced the first time after) and which symptoms are "exacerbated" (symptoms experienced by a patient prior to COVID-19 but aggravated later) after infection. The second consideration includes defining "persistent" (symptoms experienced at the acute phase and continuing after without remission period) and "delayed-onset" (symptoms not experienced at the acute phase of the infection but appearing after a "latency period"). This model integrates predisposing individual factors, biological factors associated to the severity of disease, hospitalization/treatment factors, and outbreak surrounding factors which may promote post-COVID.

CONCLUSION

Since current literature on post-COVID is heterogeneous, this integrative model could help to a better characterization of long-COVID.

Previous History of Migraine Is Associated With Fatigue, but Not Headache, as Long-Term Post-COVID Symptom After Severe Acute Respiratory SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Case-Control Study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association of pre-existing migraine in patients hospitalised and who recovered from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection with the presence of post-coronavirus disease (COVID) symptoms.

BACKGROUND

No study has investigated the role of migraine as a risk factor for development of post-COVID symptoms.

METHODS

A case-control study including individuals hospitalised during the first wave of the pandemic (from February 20 to May 31, 2020) was conducted. Patients with confirmed previous diagnosis of migraine were considered cases. Two age- and sex-matched individuals without a history of headache per case were also recruited as controls. Hospitalisation/clinical data were collected from hospital medical records. Patients were scheduled for a telephone interview. A list of post-COVID symptoms was systematically evaluated, but participants were invited to freely report any symptom. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were used to assess anxiety/depressive symptoms and sleep quality. Multivariable conditional logistic regression models were constructed.

RESULTS

Overall, 57 patients with confirmed diagnosis of migraine and 144 non-migraine controls who had recovered from COVID-19 were assessed at 7.3 months (SD 0.6) after hospital discharge. The number of post-COVID symptoms in the migraine group was significantly greater (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.29-2.25, P < 0.001) than in the non-migraine group. Fatigue was significantly more prevalent (OR 2.89, 95% CI 1.32-6.32, P = 0.008) in the migraine group. However, no between-groups difference in the prevalence of headache as a post-COVID symptom was detected.

CONCLUSION

Patients with a history of migraine who recovered from COVID-19 exhibited more long-term fatigue as post-COVID sequelae than those without migraine. Some of the pathophysiological changes associated with migraine could predispose to the occurrence of post-COVID symptoms.

The presence of headache at onset in SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with long-term post-COVID headache and fatigue: A case-control study

Objective

To investigate the association of headache during the acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection with long-term post-COVID headache and other post-COVID symptoms in hospitalised survivors.

Methods

A case-control study including patients hospitalised during the first wave of the pandemic in Spain was conducted. Patients reporting headache as a symptom during the acute phase and age- and sex-matched patients without headache during the acute phase participated. Hospitalisation and clinical data were collected from medical records. Patients were scheduled for a telephone interview 7 months after hospital discharge. Participants were asked about a list of post-COVID symptoms and were also invited to report any additional symptom they might have. Anxiety/depressive symptoms and sleep quality were assessed with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index.

Results

Overall, 205 patients reporting headache and 410 patients without headache at hospitalisation were assessed 7.3 months (Standard Deviation 0.6) after hospital discharge. Patients with headache at onset presented a higher number of post-COVID symptoms (Incident Rate Ratio: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.03–1.30). Headache at onset was associated with a previous history of migraine (Odd Ratio: 2.90, 95% Confidence Interval: 1.41–5.98) and with the development of persistent tension-type like headache as a new post-COVID symptom (Odd Ratio: 2.65, 95% CI: 1.66–4.24). Fatigue as a long-term symptom was also more prevalent in patients with headache at onset (Odd Ratio: 1.55, 95% CI: 1.07–2.24). No between-group differences in the prevalence of anxiety/depressive symptoms or sleep quality were seen.

Conclusion

Headache in the acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with higher prevalence of headache and fatigue as long-term post-COVID symptoms. Monitoring headache during the acute phase could help to identify patients at risk of developing long-term post-COVID symptoms, including post-COVID headache.

Association of dynamic and widespread mechanical sensitivity in cluster headache

We investigated if dynamic pressure pain sensitivity in the symptomatic area is associated with pressure sensitivity in local and distant pain-free areas in cluster headache (CH). A pressure algometry set consisting of 8 rollers with fixed pressure levels ranging from 500 to 5300 g was used to assess dynamic pressure pain sensitivity in men with episodic CH. Each roller was moved from an anterior-to-posterior direction over the temporalis muscle. The load level of the first painful roller was considered the dynamic pain threshold (DPT). Further, pain elicited during DPT (roller evoked pain) was also assessed. We used a pressure algometer to determine pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) over the temporalis muscle, C5/C6 joint, second metacarpal, and tibialis anterior. Patients were assessed in an asymptomatic (remission) phase, at least 6 months after their last cluster period and without taking pharmacological treatment. Forty men with episodic CH (mean age 42 years) were included. Both outcomes, DPTs (r = 0.781, P < 0.001) and roller-evoked pain (r = 0.586; P < 0.001) were bilaterally correlated. Further, DPT, but not roller-evoked pain, was moderately associated with PPTs measured at the symptomatic (temporalis: r = 0.665, P < 0.001) and distant pain-free (C5-C6 joint: r = 0.389, P = 0.013; second metacarpal: r = 0.551, P < 0.001; and, tibialis anterior: r = 0.308, P = 0.035) points. Dynamic pressure sensitivity in the trigeminal area was correlated to pressure pain sensitivity at both symptomatic and distant pain-free areas in men with CH supporting the use of roller pressure algometry. Dynamic pressure algometry may be a new tool for assessing the status of sensitization in primary headaches.

Transcutaneous Supraorbital Stimulation as a Preventive Treatment for Chronic Migraine: A Prospective, Open-Label Study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Successful preventive treatment in chronic migraine (CM) remains an unmet need in some cases, and new therapeutic strategies are emerging. We aimed to test the effect of noninvasive, transcutaneous supraorbital nerve stimulation (tSNS) in a group of patients with CM.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was an open label, quasi-experimental design. Twenty-five CM patients were recruited from two hospital headache clinics. After a one-month baseline period, monthly visits were scheduled during three months. Headache occurrence, its intensity, and symptomatic medication intake were recorded through a diary kept by each patient. Both a per-protocol analysis and an intention-to-treat analysis were performed for the main outcome measures.

RESULTS

Twenty-one and 24 patients were included in the per-protocol and the intention-to-treat analyses, respectively. In the per-protocol analysis, a significant four-day decrease in the mean monthly days with moderate or severe headache was observed from baseline to the end of the study (t test, P = 0.0163), and there was a nonsignificant reduction of 2.95 in the mean monthly total headache days. In the intention-to-treat analysis, a nonsignificant 3.37 reduction in the mean monthly days with moderate or severe headache was observed for the same period, and there was a significant 2.75 reduction in the mean monthly days with any headache (t test, P = 0.016).

CONCLUSIONS

tSNS could hold preventive properties in the treatment of CM, but the effect may be either mild or controversial. Double blind, sham-controlled studies are essential to confirm these findings and to outline their clinical relevance in the CM therapeutic scenario.

Validation of the Spanish-language version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment as a screening test for cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis

INTRODUCTION

The neuropsychological batteries traditionally used for the assessment of cognitive impairment (CI) in patients with multiple sclerosis are complex tests requiring a long time to administer. Simpler tests are needed to detect cognitive impairment in daily clinical practice.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic validity and reliability of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test as a screening tool for CI in patients with multiple sclerosis, as compared against the Brief Neuropsychological Battery.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We recruited 52 patients with multiple sclerosis (61.5% women; mean age [standard deviation]: 41.7 [11.5] years). We analysed the reliability (internal consistency, interobserver reliability, and test-retest reliability), construct validity (factor analysis, Pearson correlation coefficient, and coefficient of determination), and criterion validity (ROC curve, sensitivity, specificity, total agreement, positive and negative predictive values, positive and negative likelihood ratios, and Fagan nomogram) of the MoCA test in this population.

RESULTS

The prevalence of CI was 21.2% according to findings from the Brief Neuropsychological Battery, and 25% according to the MoCA test. The MoCA test showed good internal consistency (Cronbach alpha, 0.822) and interobserver and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.80 and 0.96, respectively). The correlation coefficient between total Brief Neuropsychological Battery and MoCA test scores was 0.82. The optimal cut-off point on the ROC curve was 25-26, yielding 91% sensitivity and 93% specificity.

CONCLUSION

The MoCA test is a valid and reliable tool for screening for CI in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Spatial Distribution of Temporalis Pressure Pain Sensitivity in Men with Episodic Cluster Headache

(1) Background: Spatial changes in pressure sensitivity have been described in migraine and tension-type headaches. Our aim was to determine differences in the spatial distribution of pressure pain sensitivity of the temporalis muscle between cluster headache (CH) patients and headache-free controls; (2) Methods: Pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) were determined over nine points covering the temporalis muscle in 40 men with episodic CH and 40 matched headache-free controls in a blinded fashion. Topographical pressure pain sensitivity maps were constructed based on interpolation of the PPTs. Patients were evaluated in a pain-free period (remission phase), at least 3 months from the last attack and without medication; (3) Results: The analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) found significant difference between points (F = 21.887; P < 0.001) and groups (F = 24.416; P = 0.602), but not between sides (F = 0.440; P = 0.508). No effect of depression (F = 0.014; P = 0.907) or anxiety (F = 0.696; F = 0.407) was observed. A post-hoc analysis revealed: 1) lower PPTs at all points in patients than in controls, 2) an anterior-to-posterior gradient in patients but not in controls, with lower PPTs located in the anterior column. Large between-groups effects were shown in all points (standardized mean difference, SMD > 0.8); (4) Conclusions: Bilateral pressure pain hypersensitivity to pressure pain in the temporalis muscle and an anterior-to-posterior gradient to pressure pain was observed in men with episodic CH.

Widespread Hypersensitivity to Pressure Pain in Men With Cluster Headache During Prolonged Remission Is Not Related to the Levels of Depression and Anxiety

BACKGROUND

Diminished pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) have been found in patients with cluster headache (CH), suggesting the presence of central sensitization. However, it is not known whether sensitization persists over time during the asymptomatic periods.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate if men with episodic CH in a long-lasting remission phase exhibit widespread pressure pain hypersensitivity.

METHODS

Forty men with episodic CH and 40 matched controls were enrolled. PPTs were assessed bilaterally over 1 trigeminal (temporalis muscle) and 3 extra-trigeminal points (C5/C6 zygapophyseal joint, second metacarpal, tibialis anterior muscle) by a blinded assessor. Patients were assessed in a prolonged remission phase, at least 6 months after their last CH attack and without taking any medication. Depression and anxiety levels were assessed with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). For each point, differences in PPTs were evaluated with a multivariate mixed-model analysis of covariance test, with side and group as main factors and depression and anxiety levels as covariates.

RESULTS

PPTs were significantly decreased bilaterally over the temporalis muscle (mean difference: 85 to 100 kPa), C5/C6 zygapophyseal joint (mean difference: 65 to 80 kPa), second metacarpal (mean difference: 65 to 90 kPa), and tibialis anterior muscle (mean difference: 135 to 155 kPa) in patients with CH when compared to headache-free subjects (all, P < 0.001). No effect of anxiety or depression levels was found.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with CH exhibited bilateral widespread hypersensitivity to pressure pain during long-lasting remission periods, which was not associated with depression or anxiety. These results support the persistence of central sensitization in episodic CH, even in remote asymptomatic phases.

Epicrania fugax combining forward and backward paroxysms in the same patient: the first four cases

Background

The first description of epicrania fugax (EF) reported brief painful paroxysms that start in posterior regions of the scalp and move forward to reach the ipsilateral forehead, eye, or nose. A backward variation, wherein pain stems from frontal areas and radiates to the posterior scalp, has also been acknowledged. We report four patients with features reminiscent of EF and the coexistence of forward and backward pain paroxysms.

Methods

We considered all patients attending the headache outpatient office at two tertiary hospitals from March 2008 to March 2016. We enrolled four patients with paroxysms fulfilling criteria for EF and a combination of forward and backward radiations.

Results

In all cases, pain paroxysms moved both in forward and backward directions with either a zigzag (n=2) or linear (n=2) trajectory. Three patients presented two stemming points, in the occipital scalp and forehead (n=2) or in the parietal area and eye (n=1), whereas the fourth patient only had a stemming point located in the parietal region. Pain quality was mainly stabbing, and its intensity was moderate (n=1) or severe (n=3). The duration of the paroxysms was highly variable (3–30 seconds), and two patients reported autonomic symptoms.

Conclusion

The clinical picture presented by our patients does not fit with other types of known headache or neuralgia syndromes; we propose it corresponds to a bidirectional variant of EF.

Physical therapy for headaches

Background Headache is the medical problem most commonly observed by neurologists. Non-pharmacological treatments are commonly demanded by individuals with headaches, but their evidence of effectiveness is conflicting. Aim The current review provides an updated discussion on what is supported by current scientific evidence about physical therapies for tension-type headache (TTH), migraine, and cervicogenic headache (CeH), and which gaps there still may be in our understanding of the interventions. Methods PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED, CINAHL, EBSCO, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Collaboration Trials Register, PEDro, and SCOPUS were searched from their inception through March 2015. Results/Discussion Several physical therapies including spinal joint manipulation/mobilization, soft tissue interventions, therapeutic exercises and needling therapies are proposed to be effective for the management of headaches. Current evidence has shown that the effectiveness of these interventions will depend on proper clinical reasoning since not all interventions are equally effective for all headache pain conditions. For instance, evidence of physical therapy in migraine is more controversial than in TTH, since migraine pathogenesis involves activation of sub-cortical structures and the trigemino-vascular system, whereas pathogenesis of TTH is more associated with musculoskeletal disorders, e.g. muscle pain. It seems that multimodal approaches including different interventions are more effective for patients with TTH, migraine and CeH.

Myofascial Trigger Points, Neck Mobility and Forward Head Posture in Unilateral Migraine

This paper describes the differences in the presence of myofascial trigger points (TrPs) in the upper trapezius, sternocleidomastoid, temporalis and suboccipital muscles between unilateral migraine subjects and healthy controls, and the differences in the presence of TrPs between the symptomatic side and the nonsymptomatic side in migraine subjects. In addition, we assess the differences in the presence of both forward head posture (FHP) and active neck mobility between migraine subjects and healthy controls and the relationship between FHP and neck mobility. Twenty subjects with unilateral migraine without side-shift and 20 matched controls participated. TrPs were identified when there was a hypersensible tender spot in a palpable taut band, local twitch response elicited by the snapping palpation of the taut band and reproduction of the referred pain typical of each TrP. Side-view pictures were taken in both sitting and standing positions to measure the cranio-vertebral angle. A cervical goniometer was employed to measure neck mobility. Migraine subjects showed a significantly greater number of active TrPs ( P < 0.001), but not latent TrPs, than healthy controls. Active TrPs were mostly located ipsilateral to migraine headaches ( P < 0.01). Migraine subjects showed a smaller cranio-vertebral angle than controls ( P < 0.001), thus presenting a greater FHP. Neck mobility in migraine subjects was less than in controls only for extension ( P = 0.02) and the total range of motion in flexion/extension ( P = 0.01). However, there was a positive correlation between the cranio-vertebral angle and neck mobility. Nociceptive inputs from TrPs in head and neck muscles may produce continuous afferent bombardment of the trigeminal nerve nucleus caudalis and, thence, activation of the trigeminovascular system. Active TrPs located ipsilateral to migraine headaches might be a contributing factor in the initiation or perpetuation of migraine.

Pericranial Tenderness is Not Related to Nummular Headache

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether nummular headache (NH) patients show increased pericranial tenderness in relation to healthy subjects, and to compare pericranial tenderness between both NH and chronic tension-type headache (CTTH) patients. Three tenderness (total, cephalic and neck) scores were objectively and blinded assessed in 10 NH patients, 10 CTTH subjects and 10 healthy matched controls. No significant differences were found in any tenderness score between the symptomatic and non-symptomatic sides in NH, or between right and left sides in either CTTH or control groups. All tenderness scores were significantly greater in CTTH patients compared with both NH patients and controls ( P < 0.001), but not significantly different between NH patients and controls. Therefore, NH patients had lower tenderness than patients with CTTH and did not show increased tenderness when compared with healthy subjects. In addition, tenderness in NH patients was quite symmetrical between both the symptomatic and the non-symptomatic sides. The absence of increased pericranial tenderness could be clinically useful in distinguishing NH from CTTH. Current findings expand the evidence supporting the notion that NH is a non-generalized and rather limited disorder, marking the presence of a well-delimited painful zone.

Neck Mobility and Forward Head Posture are not Related to Headache Parameters in Chronic Tension-Type Headache

The relationship between the changes in forward head posture (FHP), neck mobility and headache parameters was analysed in 25 patients with chronic tension-type headache (CTTH) undergoing a physical therapy programme. Side-view pictures were taken to measure the cranio-vertebral angle in the sitting and standing positions. A cervical goniometer was employed to measure the range of all cervical motions. A headache diary was kept to assess headache intensity, frequency and duration. All patients received six sessions of physical therapy over 3 weeks. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, after treatment and 1 month later. Neck mobility and headache parameters showed a significant improvement after the intervention, whereas posture changes did not reach statistical significance. No correlations were found between FHP, neck mobility and headache parameters at any stage. Changes in these outcomes throughout the study were not correlated either. FHP and neck mobility appear not to be related to headache intensity, duration or frequency in patients suffering from CTTH. Although patients showed a reduction in the range of motion in the neck, it is uncertain whether this is consistent with TTH.

Short-term effects of greater occipital nerve blocks in chronic migraine: A double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Background Greater occipital nerve (GON) blocks are widely used for the treatment of headaches, but quality evidence regarding their efficacy is scarce. Objective The objective of this article is to assess the short-term clinical efficacy of GON anaesthetic blocks in chronic migraine (CM) and to analyse their effect on pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) in different territories. Participants and methods The study was designed as a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Thirty-six women with CM were treated either with bilateral GON block with bupivacaine 0.5% ( n = 18) or a sham procedure with normal saline ( n = 18). Headache frequency was recorded a week after and before the procedure. PPT was measured in cephalic points (supraorbital, infraorbital and mental nerves) and extracephalic points (hand, leg) just before the injection (T0), one hour later (T1) and one week later (T2). Results Anaesthetic block was superior to placebo in reducing the number of days per week with moderate-or-severe headache (MANOVA; p = 0.027), or any headache ( p = 0.04). Overall, PPTs increased after anaesthetic block and decreased after placebo; after the intervention, PPT differences between baseline and T1/T2 among groups were statistically significant for the supraorbital (T0-T1, p = 0.022; T0-T2, p = 0.031) and infraorbital sites (T0-T1, p = 0.013; T0-T2, p = 0.005). Conclusions GON anaesthetic blocks appear to be effective in the short term in CM, as measured by a reduction in the number of days with moderate-to-severe headache or any headache during the week following injection. GON block is followed by an increase in PPTs in the trigeminal area, suggesting an effect on central sensitisation at the trigeminal nucleus caudalis. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02188394).

Greater occipital nerve block for the acute treatment of prolonged or persistent migraine aura

Background

Presently, there is no evidence to guide the acute treatment of migraine aura. We aimed to describe the effect of greater occipital nerve (GON) anaesthetic block as a symptomatic treatment for long-lasting (prolonged or persistent) migraine aura.

Methods

Patients who presented with migraine aura lasting > 2 hours were consecutively recruited during one year at the Headache Unit and the Emergency Department of a tertiary hospital. All patients underwent a bilateral GON block with bupivacaine 0.5%. Patients were followed up for 24 hours.

Results

A total of 22 auras were treated in 18 patients. Auras consisted of visual ( n = 13), visual and sensory ( n = 4) or sensory symptoms alone ( n = 5). Eleven episodes met diagnostic criteria for persistent aura (>1 week) without infarction. The response was complete without early recurrence in 11 cases (50%), complete with recurrence in < 24 hours in two cases (9.1%), and partial with ≥ 50% improvement in six cases (27.3%). Complete responses without recurrence were more common in cases with prolonged auras lasting < 1 week than in those with persistent auras (72.7% vs. 27.3%; p = 0.033).

Conclusions

GON block could be an effective symptomatic treatment for prolonged or persistent migraine aura. Randomised controlled trials are still required to confirm these results.

Pain Paroxysms With Coronal Radiation: Case Series and Proposal of a New Variant of Epicrania Fugax

OBJECTIVE

We aim to report 4 patients with brief pain paroxysms whose clinical features remind of typical epicrania fugax (EF), except for the direction along a transverse trajectory.

BACKGROUND

EF has been defined as a brief paroxysmal head pain, with stabbing quality, describing a linear or zig-zag trajectory across the surface of one hemicranium.

METHODS

We considered all patients attending the headache outpatient office at 3 tertiary hospitals from March 2008 to December 2015. We identified a total of 4 cases with dynamic pain paroxysms moving in coronal direction.

RESULTS

The mean age at onset was 49 years (range 34-75). All the patients suffered a dynamic pain from parietal or temporal areas to the contralateral ones, crossing the midline in a linear or zig zag trajectory, the entire sequence lasting 2-3 seconds. No triggers were identified. One patient noticed mild interictal tenderness at the stemming point. The frequency of the attacks varied from 2 per week to 1 every 2 months. No underlying disorders were identified by physical and neurological exams and neuroimaging and laboratory tests.

CONCLUSIONS

Our patients presented with a paroxysmal head pain that might correspond to a transverse variant of EF. These observations may not only expand the EF phenotype but also reinforce the distinction between EF and pericranial neuralgias.

Personality traits in patients with cluster headache: a comparison with migraine patients

Background

Cluster headache (CH) has been associated with certain personality traits and lifestyle features, but there are few studies assessing personality profiles in CH. We aimed to analyze personality traits in patients with CH, and to compare them with those found in migraine.

Methods

We included all consecutive patients with CH attending 5 outpatient offices between January and December 2013. Personality traits were evaluated using the Salamanca screening test, a validated inventory assessing 11 personality traits grouped in 3 clusters. We analyzed the test results in this population, and compared them with those of a migraine population previously assessed with the same test.

Results

Eighty patients with CH (75 men, 5 women; mean age, 43.2 ± 9.9 years) were recruited. The reference population consisted of 164 migraine patients (30 men, 134 women; mean age 36.4 ± 12.7 years). In CH patients, the most frequent personality traits were anancastic (52.5 %), anxious (47.5 %), histrionic (45 %), schizoid (42.5 %), impulsive (32.5 %) and paranoid (30 %). When compared to migraine patients, paranoid (p < 0.001; χ2 test), and schizoid traits (p = 0.007; χ2 test) were significantly more prevalent in CH patients. In logistic regression analysis the paranoid trait was significantly associated with CH (p = 0.001; OR: 3.27, 95 % CI [1.66–6.43]).

Conclusion

According to the Salamanca screening test, personality traits included in cluster A (odd or eccentric disorders) are more prevalent in CH patients than in a population of migraineurs. Larger studies are needed to determine whether certain personality traits are related to CH.

Auriculotemporal Neuralgia: Eight New Cases Report

BACKGROUND

Auriculotemporal neuralgia (ATN) is an infrequent syndrome consisting in strictly unilateral pain in the temporal region associated with nerve tenderness, which can be successfully treated with anesthetic blockade. We analysed clinical characteristics and treatment response in a series of eight patients.

METHODS

Series of consecutive patients diagnosed with ATN at Headache Clinics of two university hospitals in Spain. Data on demographic and pain characteristics, as well as response to treatment are presented.

RESULTS

Eight patients (seven women). Mean age at onset was 52.8 ± 14.3 years. Pain was strictly unilateral (left-sided in five cases, right-sided in three), and triggered by pressing the preauricular area. Four patients presented background pain, mostly dull in quality, with an intensity of 5.75 ± 1.2 on the verbal analogical scale (VAS). In six, burning exacerbations occurred, ranging from 2 seconds to 30 minutes, with intensity 7.3 ± 1.5 on VAS. Complete relief was achieved with gabapentin in three cases, anaesthetic blockade in three and spontaneously in two.

CONCLUSION

ATN is uncommon in headache units. Gabapentin is a good alternative therapeutic option to anesthetic blockade.

Idiopathic Ophthalmodynia and Idiopathic Rhinalgia: A Prospective Series of 16 New Cases

BACKGROUND

Idiopathic ophthalmodynia and idiopathic rhinalgia were described a few years ago. These conditions seem specific pain syndromes with a distinctive location in the eye or in the nose. We aimed to present a new prospective series in order to verify the consistency of these syndromes.

METHODS

We performed a descriptive study of all patients referred to our regional neurologic clinics from 2010 to 2014 because of facial pain exclusively felt in the eye or in the nose fulfilling the proposed diagnostic criteria for idiopathic ophthalmodynia and idiopathic rhinalgia.

RESULTS

There were 9 patients with idiopathic ophthalmodynia and 7 patients with idiopathic rhinalgia, with a clear female preponderance, and a mean age at onset in the fifth decade. The pain was usually moderate and the temporal pattern was generally chronic. Only one patient reported accompaniments (hypersensitivity to the light and to the flow of air in the symptomatic eye). Preventive treatment with amitriptyline, pregabalin, or gabapentin was partially or totally effective.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical features of this new series parallels those of the original description, thus indicating that both idiopathic ophthalmodynia and idiopathic rhinalgia have clear-cut clinical pictures with excellent consistency both inter- and intra-individually.

Infratrochlear neuralgia

INTRODUCTION

The infratrochlear nerve supplies the medial aspect of the upper eyelid, the superolateral aspect of the nose and the lacrimal caruncle. This nerve may contribute to the pain stemming from the trochlea, but infratrochlear neuralgia has not been identified as a specific cause of pain.

METHODS

Over a 10-year period we have been recruiting patients with pain in the internal angle of the orbit that did not show features of trochlear pain.

RESULTS

Seven patients (six female, one male; mean age, 46.1 ± 18.9) presented with pain in the territory of the infratrochlear nerve. The pain appeared in the internal angle of the orbit and upper eyelid (n = 3), the superolateral aspect of the nose (n = 3), or the lacrimal caruncle (n = 1). All patients had a paroxysmal pain, with the attacks lasting five to 30 seconds. Pain attacks were mostly spontaneous, but two patients had triggers. Between attacks, all patients had local allodynia. Pain did not increase with vertical eye movements. Six patients were treated with gabapentin with complete response, and one patient experienced long-lasting relief with an anesthetic blockade of the infratrochlear nerve.

CONCLUSION

Infratrochlear neuralgia should be considered as a possible cause of pain in the internal angle of the orbit.

Prevalence of migraine in patients with restless legs syndrome: a case-control study

OBJECTIVES

To assess and compare the prevalence of migraine in patients with restless legs syndrome (RLS) and matched controls.

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have suggested an association between migraine and RLS. Our work is the first case-control study on this subject performed in an RLS population.

METHODS

A case-control study was conducted in 47 RLS patients (27 women and 20 men aged between 18 and 65 years) and 47 age- and sex-matched controls. Validated questionnaires were used to investigate the presence of migraine, anxiety, and depression (Zung Self-Rating Anxiety and Depression scales), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), and RLS severity (International RLS scale).

RESULTS

RLS patients had higher lifetime prevalence of migraine than non-RLS controls (53.2% vs. 25.5%, P = .005; matched-OR 1.3 [P = .019]; adjusted odds ratio (OR) 3.8 [P = .03]). No significant associations were found between RLS and active migraine with aura or inactive migraine (no episodes in the previous year). However, active migraine without aura was significantly more prevalent in patients with RLS than in controls (40.4% vs. 12.8%, P = .001; matched OR 1.5 [P = .001]; adjusted OR 2.7 [P = .04]). Within the RLS group, patients with migraine had poorer sleep quality than those without migraine (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index >5:100 vs. 80.9%, P = .038) but did not differ in terms of RLS severity, anxiety and depression, use of dopaminergic agonists, and body mass index.

CONCLUSION

There appears to be a relationship between RLS and migraine, in particular for active migraine without aura.

Therapeutic options for cervicogenic headache

The term cervicogenic headache (CeH) describes a syndrome originating from the cervical spine. There are a variety of therapeutic approaches used for the management of CeH, but scientific evidence of their effectiveness is scarce. No medication drug has proven to be effective. The evidence for greater occipital nerve blocks, cervical nerve blockades, facet joint injections and surgical procedures is limited. Several physical therapy interventions are proposed for CeH, with spinal manipulation and soft tissue interventions being the most commonly used. However, the lack of solid evidence of positive effects and risks of serious complications for spinal manipulation should be considered in favor of other physical therapy interventions associated with less risk. The inconsistent results in the literature can be related to the fact that maybe not all therapeutic interventions are appropriate for all patients with CeH or maybe not all patients with CeH will benefit from particular interventions.

Increase in body temperature during migraine attacks

INTRODUCTION

Intermittent fever has been occasionally related to migraine, either as a migraine equivalent or as a migraine accompaniment. We present a case of recurrent increase in body temperature consistently associated with migraine headaches.

METHODS

A 15-year-old girl reported a 3-year lasting history of migraine without aura, with a feeling of warmth occurring in each episode. Ancillary tests did not show any evidence of secondary headaches or any systemic disease. A 2-month headache diary was obtained, with daily records of headache intensity (0, no headache; 1, mild pain; 2, moderate pain; 3, severe pain) and simultaneous measurements of axillary temperature. Both parameters were registered in the evening, at 6:00 pm every day. The distribution of headache intensity and body temperature as well as the relationship between both variables over time were analyzed with nonparametric tests.

RESULTS

The number of days without pain was 28 (45.2%); a mild headache was present on 13 days (21%), a moderate headache on 15 days (24.2%), and a severe headache on 6 days (9.7%). Headache days were associated with higher body temperature than headache-free days (median values: 37.3°C vs 36.6°C; Mann-Whitney U-test, P < 0.001). Moreover, a positive correlation was found between headache intensity and body temperature (Spearman's rho coefficient: 0.83, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Recurrent increase in body temperature may be another manifestation of the complex clinical spectrum of migraine. This symptom is probably related to hypothalamic involvement.

Nummular headache and epicrania fugax: possible association of epicranias in eight patients

OBJECTIVES

Epicrania fugax (EF) is a novel syndrome presenting with brief pain paroxysms that always start in a particular area of the head to spread immediately either forward or backward. Paroxysms stem from a focal area, in which a well-shaped continuous pain reminiscent of the symptomatic area described in nummular headache (NH) can be present. We aimed to analyze the association of these two epicranial headaches in eight patients.

METHODS

We prospectively assessed all patients with EF attending an outpatient headache office from March 2008, when EF was first described, to June 2012. Among them, we selected those patients with a well-circumscribed continuous pain at the stemming point fulfilling the research diagnostic criteria for NH of the International Classification of Headache Disorders II Edition (ICHD-II) appendix. We considered the demographic and clinical features of the selected patients.

RESULTS

Eight patients (five females, three males) were diagnosed with both EF and NH. Mean age of onset was 44.2 ± 12 (range: 23-60). Regarding NH, the diameter of the painful area was 4.4 ± 1 centimeters (range: 3-6) and pain intensity was 4.2 ± 0.7 (range: 3-5) on a 10-point verbal analogical scale (VAS). As for the EF, the radiating paroxysms always started in the NH painful area and lasted 6.6 ± 4.5 seconds (range: 2-15), with a pain intensity of 7.9 ± 1.6 (range 5-10) on the VAS. Five cases had forward radiation, while three cases had backward EF. Four cases had ipsilateral autonomic accompaniments. Six patients required a preventive, and lamotrigine achieved complete response in three of them.

CONCLUSION

Although the etiology of NH and EF remains uncertain, both syndromes seem to share a peripheral source. Their association in a number of patients is probably reflecting a pathophysiological connection. Lamotrigine might be a good therapeutic option for those patients presenting with both disorders.

Migraine-triggered hemifacial spasm: three new cases

BACKGROUND

The occurrence of hemifacial spasm (HFS) during an episode of migraine has been seldom reported. Here we describe three new cases presenting with HFS in association with migraine attacks.

CASE RESULTS

Three patients (one woman and two men, aged 31-36 years) developed HFS in close temporal relationship with migraine headaches. All of them started having the muscle spasms after pain onset. Two of them had electromyographic evidence of facial nerve damage, and continued having HFS once the pain abated.

CONCLUSIONS

Migraine attacks may be associated with HFS. The appearance of HFS could be related to migraine activity. A mechanism of central hyperexcitability in connection with nociceptive inputs on the trigeminal nucleus caudalis and/or a dilation of vessels compressing the facial nerve at the root exit zone could lead to the development of HFS in predisposed patients. 'Migraine-triggered hemifacial spasm' could possibly be regarded as a complication of migraine.

[SOD1-N196 mutation in a family with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis]

INTRODUCTION

N19S mutation is produced by substitution in the 139 position of SOD1 and was described by Mayeux in a patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). He suggested that it did not have a causal effect as it was found in asymptomatic and sporadic cases. Other authors in later articles did not agree.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We describe a family with 4 members with ALS patients and attempt to find the carrier of the N19S mutation of the propositus. Molecular studies were performed on 15 members of the family of a different order.

RESULTS

The ALS cases were found in the maternal line of the propositus. The presence of the mutation was detected in 3 people, the other two were asymptomatic. One of patients with ALS in the family, who died previously, did not have the mutation. Two of the sons of this case and another of the other case did not show it. On the other hand, N19S mutation was only present in paternal branch of the propositus, where there were no cases.

CONCLUSION

The described family supports the hypothesis by Mayeux and against that mutation N19S has pathological consequences, since mutation is only in the family line where there are no cases with ALS. In consequence, although the described case is included as a familiar form, it cannot be attributed to the mutation, and its relationship with N19S should be considered as casual.

Pressure pain sensitivity of the scalp in patients with nummular headache: a cartographic study

Nummular headache (NH) is characterized by focal pain fixed within a small round or elliptical area of the head surface. Sensory dysfunction is apparently restricted to the symptomatic area, but a thorough analysis of cranial pain sensitivity has not been performed. Pressure pain sensitivity maps were constructed for 21 patients with NH and 21 matched healthy controls. In each subject pressure pain thresholds (PPT) were measured on 21 points distributed over the scalp. In each patient PPT were also measured in the symptomatic area and at a non-symptomatic symmetrical point. In both groups an anterior to posterior gradient was found on each side, with no significant differences of PPT measurements between sides or groups. In patients with NH, only the symptomatic area showed a local decrease of PPT (significant in comparison with the non-symptomatic symmetrical point, P < 0.001). These findings further support that NH is a non-generalized disorder with a peripheral source.

Neuro-otological symptoms in patients with migraine

INTRODUCTION

Neurootological symptoms are common in patients with migraine, and have been reported to be associated with diverse conditions.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 70 patients with a diagnosis of episodic migraine, with or without aura, attending our Migraine Unit were selected. The specific variables studied were the diagnosis of instability, psycho-physiological dizziness, presyncopal symptoms, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), migraine associated recurrent vertigo (MARV), and Meniere's disease.

RESULTS

A total of 44.3% of cases had orthostatism or syncope, 15.7% with instability (possibly due to bilateral vestibular hypofunction), 14.2% with MARV and 8.6% with BPPV. The presence of BPPV was observed in older patients (40 years), whilst MARV was a condition seen in younger ones (35 years). These findings are of interest and remind us that benign paroxysmal vertigo is a childhood condition and age is a risk for BPPV.

CONCLUSIONS

Migraine patients often present with neuro-otological symptoms that can be classified as inter-episodic and episodic symptoms, and specific and non-specific migraine symptoms. This approach is of obvious pathophysiological interest, given that MARV and the possible vestibular hypofunction of migraine patients are symptoms that share physiological aspects with migraine, while the orthostatism symptoms and BPPV are non-specific and are seen to be associated with other conditions.

Hypothermia during migraine attacks

Episodic spontaneous hypothermia is an infrequent disorder. Here, the case of a patient with migraine who experienced hypothermia during her migraine attacks is presented. The authors propose that larger clinical series should be studied to evaluate the occurrence of hypothermia in migraine, as well as the possible influence of some preventive regimens in this setting.

Idiopathic ophthalmodynia and idiopathic rhinalgia: two topographic facial pain syndromes

OBJECTIVE

To describe 2 topographic facial pain conditions with the pain clearly localized in the eye (idiopathic ophthalmodynia) or in the nose (idiopathic rhinalgia), and to propose their distinction from persistent idiopathic facial pain.

BACKGROUND

Persistent idiopathic facial pain, burning mouth syndrome, atypical odontalgia, and facial arthromyalgia are idiopathic facial pain syndromes that have been separated according to topographical criteria. Still, some other facial pain syndromes might have been veiled under the broad term of persistent idiopathic facial pain.

METHODS

Through a 10-year period we have studied all patients referred to our neurological clinic because of facial pain of unknown etiology that might deviate from all well-characterized facial pain syndromes.

RESULTS

In a group of patients we have identified 2 consistent clinical pictures with pain precisely located either in the eye (n=11) or in the nose (n=7). Clinical features resembled those of other localized idiopathic facial syndromes, the key differences relying on the topographic distribution of the pain.

CONCLUSIONS

Both idiopathic ophthalmodynia and idiopathic rhinalgia seem specific pain syndromes with a distinctive location, and may deserve a nosologic status just as other focal pain syndromes of the face. Whether all such focal syndromes are topographic variants of persistent idiopathic facial pain or independent disorders remains a controversial issue.

Epicrania fugax: ten new cases and therapeutic results

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to report 10 new cases of epicrania fugax (EF), showing their clinical features and therapeutic responses.

BACKGROUND

Epicrania fugax has been recently described as a paroxysmal head pain starting in a focal area located at a posterior cranial region and rapidly spreading forward to the ipsilateral eye or nose along a linear or zigzag trajectory. In some patients the pain is followed by ocular or nasal autonomic features. In the prior series, 1 patient got pain relief with anesthetic blockades, while another patient improved with carbamazepine.

METHODS

Since the first description of EF, we have assessed 10 patients with the same clinical picture (8 women and 2 men) at the Neurology outpatient offices of our 2 centers.

RESULTS

The mean age at onset was 48.5 years (SD: 19.8, range: 23-83). All the patients complained of strictly unilateral pain paroxysms starting at parietal (n = 5), occipital (n = 4), or parieto-occipital locations (n = 1), and immediately spreading forward through a linear pathway toward the ipsilateral forehead (n = 3) or the ipsilateral eye (n = 7), the complete sequence lasting 1-10 seconds. No trigger was identified in any of our patients, while 5 of them suffered mild pain in the stemming area between the paroxysms. Three patients had ipsilateral lacrimation, and 2 had conjunctival injection at the end of the attacks. The frequency ranged from 1 attack per week to multiple attacks per day. Neuroimaging and laboratory tests were consistently normal. Interictal pain was responsive to acetaminophen. In 3 cases a preventive was considered in order to avoid the paroxysms. Gabapentin led to significant improvement in 2 cases. The third patient did not obtain any benefit from gabapentin or amitriptyline, but improved slightly with lamotrigine.

CONCLUSIONS

This description reinforces the proposal of EF as a new headache variant or a new headache syndrome. Anesthetic blockades, carbamazepine, gabapentin, and lamotrigine have been apparently effective in individual patients. Further observations and therapeutic trials are needed.