Clinic-Based Characterization of Adolescents and Young Adults With Migraine: Psychological Functioning, Headache Days, and Disability

Background and Objectives

This cross-sectional observational study retrospectively examined clinical data collected from adolescents and young adults (AYAs) seeking care in a specialty headache clinic. We characterized participants' headache characteristics and psychological functioning and examined the association between self-reported anxiety and depressive symptoms and headache frequency, severity, and disability.

Methods

During their clinic visit, AYAs (M age = 18.36; range = 14-32, 79.5% female) completed an intake questionnaire and reported about their headache characteristics (i.e., frequency, severity, and duration of symptoms in months), mental health history (i.e., previous diagnosis of an anxiety or depressive disorder), and utilization of emergency department (ED) services for migraine. AYAs also completed psychometrically validated screening tools for anxiety and depressive symptoms (i.e., the GAD-7 and PHQ-9). We computed descriptive statistics and examined associations among scores on psychological measures and headache characteristics, including migraine-related disability. We also tested whether individuals with clinically elevated GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores had higher levels of disability relative to those with fewer/subclinical levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms.

Results

Participants (N = 283) reported more than 19 headache days per month on average, with more than 90% describing their average headache intensity as moderate or severe. Nearly half of AYAs reported severe headache-related disability. Approximately one-quarter of AYAs reported a previous diagnosis anxiety or depressive disorder diagnosis, and more than one-third scored above clinical cutoffs on the PHQ-9 and GAD-7. Higher scores on both psychological screening instruments were associated with greater headache frequency. More than 10% of patients endorsed current suicidal ideation; this was not related to headache-related disability. Participants reported a high degree of ED utilization for headache; these rates were unrelated to endorsement of psychological comorbidities.

Discussion

In this sample of AYAs, headache characteristics were generally unrelated to scores on measures on psychological functioning. However, the observed rates of clinically elevated anxiety/depressive symptoms and suicidality in this sample of AYAs underscore the importance of screening for psychological comorbidities in neurology clinics that serve this age group, irrespective of self-reported disability. Results also emphasize the need to expand access to behavioral health services for AYAs with headache disorders and the importance of incorporating a biopsychosocial perspective to the transition of health care from pediatrics to adult neurology practice.

Melatonin for migraine prevention in children and adolescents: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial after single-blind placebo lead-in

BACKGROUND

Melatonin is effective for migraine prevention in adults. We hypothesized that melatonin would also be effective for migraine prevention in children and adolescents.

METHODS

This was a randomized, double-blind trial of melatonin (3 mg or 6 mg) versus placebo for migraine prevention in 10-17 year-olds with 4-28/28 headache days at baseline. Participants were recruited from the UCSF Child & Adolescent Headache Program, UCSF child neurology clinic, and social media advertisements. Migraine diagnosis was confirmed by a headache specialist. Participants completed an 8-week single-blind placebo run-in. Those meeting randomization criteria (≥4 headache days and ≥23/28 electronic diary entries during weeks 5-8) were randomized 1:1:1 to placebo:melatonin 3 mg:melatonin 6 mg nightly for 8 weeks. The primary outcome measure was migraine days in weeks 5-8 of randomized treatment between melatonin (combined 6 mg + 3 mg) versus placebo. We aimed to enroll n = 210.

RESULTS

The study closed early due to slow enrollment (n = 72). Two participants were in the single-blind phase when the study closed, therefore the meaningful n = 70. Sixteen percent (11/70) were lost to follow-up during the single-blind phase. An additional 21% (15/70) did not meet randomization criteria (<4 headache days: n = 5, <23/28 diary days: n = 7, both: n = 3). Sixty-three percent (44/70) were eligible to randomize, of whom 42 randomized (n = 14 per arm). Taking another preventive at enrollment (OR 8.3, 95% CI 1.01 to 68.9) was the only variable associated with meeting randomization criteria. Of those randomized, 91% (38/42) provided diary data in the final 4-weeks. However, given the amount of missing data, only those with ≥21/28 diary days were analyzed-7/14 (50%) in the placebo group, and 20/28 (71%) in the melatonin groups combined. Median (IQR) migraine/migrainous days in weeks 5-8 of double-blind treatment was 2 (1-7) in the placebo group versus 2 (1-12) in the melatonin groups combined; the difference in medians (95% CI for the difference) was 0 days (-9 to 3). There were no differences in adverse events between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

When compared to recall at enrollment, headache days decreased across the single-blind placebo phase and the double-blind phase. There was no suggestion of superiority of melatonin; however, given the substantial portion of missing data, numerically higher in the placebo arm, and underpowering, this should not be interpreted as proof of inefficacy. Melatonin was generally well tolerated with no serious adverse events. Future migraine preventive trials in this age group may find this trial helpful for anticipating enrollment needs if using a single-blind placebo run-in. Enriching for those already on a migraine preventive may improve randomization rates in future trials, though would change the generalizability of results.

Characterization of Migraine in Children and Adolescents With Generalized Joint Hypermobility: A Case-Control Study

Background and Objectives

The prevalence of generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) is 5-65% in children and adolescents. The hypothesis of this study was to see whether there is an association between headache characteristics and GJH in children and adolescents with migraine.

Methods

We performed a primary retrospective case-control analysis of an established database of patients with headache aged 5-17 years.

Results

We included 5435 participants. Approximately 31.6% of participants (1,719/5,435) were diagnosed with GJH (Beighton score ≥ 6). Nausea (73.1% vs 67.5%, χ2 with 1 degree of freedom = 17.0, p < 0.0001), phonophobia (87.3% vs 78.8%, χ2 with 1 degree of freedom = 18.0, p < 0.0001), and the PedMIDAS score (48.2 ± 52.5, 95% CI 45.7-50.6 vs 41.6 ± 51.2, 95% CI 40.0-43.3, effect size = 0.13, p < 0.0001) were noted to be more severe in participants with GJH than those without GJH.

Discussion

Youths with GJH and migraine were noted to have more severe migraine characteristics.

Biopsychosocial treatment response among youth with continuous headache: A retrospective, clinic-based study

BACKGROUND

Youth with continuous (always present) headache are vastly understudied; much remains to be understood regarding treatment response in this population.

OBJECTIVE

To describe and explore biopsychosocial factors related to initial clinical outcomes among treatment-seeking youth with continuous headache.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study extracted data of 782 pediatric patients (i.e., aged <18 years) with continuous headache from a large clinical repository. Youth in this study had experienced continuous headache for ≥1 month before presenting to a multidisciplinary headache specialty clinic appointment. Extracted data from this appointment included patients' headache history, clinical diagnoses, and headache-related disability, as well as information about biopsychosocial factors implicated in headache management and/or maintenance (e.g., healthy lifestyle habits, history of feeling anxious or depressed). Additional data regarding patient headache characteristics, disability, and lifestyle habits were extracted from a subset of 529 youth who returned to clinic 4-16 weeks after their initial follow-up visit. After characterizing initial treatment response, exploratory analyses compared youth with the best and worst treatment outcomes on several potentially influential factors.

RESULTS

Approximately half of youth (280/526; 53.2%) continued to have continuous headache at follow-up, ~20% of youth (51/526) reported a significant (≥50%) reduction in headache frequency. Improvements in average headache severity (e.g., percentage with severe headaches at initial visit: 45.3% [354/771]; percentage with severe headaches at follow-up visit: 29.8% [156/524]) and headache-related disability were also observed (e.g., percentage severe disability at initial visit: 62.9% [490/779]; percentage severe disability at initial follow-up visit: 34.2% [181/529]). Individuals with the worst headache frequency and disability had a longer history of continuous headache (mean difference estimate = 5.76, p = 0.013) and worse initial disability than the best responders (χ² [3, 264] = 23.49, p < 0.001). They were also more likely to have new daily persistent headache (χ² [2, 264] = 12.61, p = 0.002), and were more likely to endorse feeling depressed (χ² [1, 260] = 11.46, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

A notable percentage of youth with continuous headache show initial improvements in headache status. Prospective, longitudinal research is needed to rigorously examine factors associated with continuous headache treatment response.

Bridging the gap between preclinical scientists, clinical researchers, and clinicians: From animal research to clinical practice

BACKGROUND

Collaborations amongst researchers and clinicians with complementary areas of expertise enhance knowledge for everyone and can lead to new discoveries. To facilitate these interactions, shared language and a general understanding of how colleagues in different subfields of headache and headache research approach their work are needed.

METHODS

This narrative review focuses on research methods applied in animal studies, human studies including clinical trials, and provides an overview of clinical practice.

RESULTS

For animal studies, we describe concepts needed to evaluate the quality and relevance of preclinical studies. For human research, fundamental concepts of neuroimaging, quantitative sensory testing, genetic and epidemiological research methods, and clinical research methodology that are commonly used in headache research are summarized. In addition, we provide an understanding of what guides headache clinicians, and summarize the practical approach to migraine management in adults and children.

CONCLUSIONS

It is hoped that this review facilitates further dialogue between clinicians and researchers that will help guide future research efforts and implementation of research findings into clinical practice.

Management of Chronic Migraine in Children and Adolescents: Where are We in 2022?

Migraine is a neurological disorder that affects millions of children and adolescents worldwide. Chronic migraine is a subtype of migraine in which patients experience headaches for more days than not each month, with accompanying symptoms of phonophobia, photophobia, nausea or vomiting for most of these headaches. The burden and impact of chronic migraine in the daily lives of children and adolescents is substantial, requiring a holistic, multidisciplinary, and biopsychosocial approach to conceptualization and treatment. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive “2022” overview of acute and preventive treatments for the management of chronic migraine in youth. We first describe diagnostic criteria for chronic migraine and highlight the state of evidence for acute and preventive treatment in children and adolescents. We then discuss emerging treatments currently receiving rigorous clinical research effort, special considerations for the treatment of chronic migraine in children and adolescents, and avenues for improving existing treatments and expanding access to evidence-based care.

New insight into the neural mechanisms of migraine in adolescents: Relationships with sleep

OBJECTIVE

This case-control study examines if measures of subjective and objective (actigraphic) sleep difficulties mediate alterations in amygdalar connectivity in adolescents with migraine compared to healthy adolescents.

BACKGROUND

Adolescents with migraine have different functional connectivity of the amygdala compared to individuals without migraine. Sleep is often disturbed in adolescents with migraine, and could contribute to the alterations in functional connectivity.

METHODS

Twenty adolescents with migraine and 20 healthy controls were recruited from Cincinnati Children's Hospital. Participants completed surveys about their headaches and overall sleep quality, sleep hygiene, and perceived sleep difficulties (Insomnia Severity Scale [ISI]); completed wrist-worn actigraphy; and underwent a magnetic resonance imaging scan.

RESULTS

Adolescents with migraine differed from healthy controls only in perceived difficulty in sleep initiation and maintenance (ISI: 8.5 ± 4.7 and 4.5 ± 3.7 [mean ± standard deviation], -4.00 [95% confidence: -6.7 to -1.3], p = 0.005) and had greater functional connectivity between the amygdala and the posterior cingulate cortex, precuneus, dorsolateral prefrontal, sensorimotor, and the occipital cortexes. The differences in functional connectivity of the amygdala were not mediated by the subjective/objective sleep measures (ISI/wake minutes after sleep onset).

CONCLUSIONS

Adolescents with migraine have greater connectivity between the amygdala and areas involved in sensory, affective, and cognitive aspects of pain. These alterations may not be due to higher levels of sleep difficulties in adolescents with migraine, suggesting that both amygdala and sleep alterations may play an independent role in migraine pathophysiology. This advances the understanding of the mechanisms underlying pediatric migraine and can potentially advance migraine management.

Psychological Interventions for Pediatric Headache Disorders: A 2021 Update on Research Progress and Needs

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review summarizes key findings from recent investigations of psychological interventions for pediatric headache disorders and discusses important avenues for future research.

RECENT FINDINGS

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is effective in reducing headache days among youth with chronic headache. There is mixed evidence for the benefit of CBT on reducing disability associated with migraine, suggesting that there is room to optimize CBT by leveraging complementary or alternative psychological interventions, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and mindfulness-based approaches. Tailoring CBT may be especially important for youth with more impairing or complex clinical presentations, such as those with continuous headache. Using eHealth and novel study designs to expand access to and dissemination of psychological interventions is promising. Although CBT is the gold standard psychological treatment for youth with migraine, we are only beginning to understand how and why it is effective. Other promising psychological treatments are available, and studies are beginning to examine how CBT can be optimized to fit the unique needs of each patient. Improving access and equitability of care for youth with migraine will require tailoring psychological treatments for patients with varying headache presentations and youth from a variety of cultural, racial, ethnic, and linguistic backgrounds.

Structural lung disease in preschool children with cystic fibrosis: An 18 month natural history study

BACKGROUND

This study was performed to describe the natural history of CF lung disease in young children over an 18 month period to assess the use of CT scanning as an outcome measure for intervention trials.

METHODS

Chest CT scans were obtained at baseline and after 18 months in 42 two- to six-year-old children with CF. CT scans were scored by 2 experienced radiologists for the presence and severity of bronchiectasis, mucous plugging, and air trapping.

RESULTS

Mean age at baseline 3.5 (1.3) (mean, sd) years. One or more findings of CF lung disease was seen on the first CT in 27 (64%) and at 18 months in 30 (75%). From baseline to 18 months bronchiectasis, mucous plugging, and air trapping increased from 50% to 53%, 14% to 28%, and 48% to 58% respectively. There was marked variability in the rate of progression, with subjects commonly showing improvement in lung disease. Bronchiectasis worsened in 14 (33%) and improved in 13 (31%). Single subjects with F508del/class III and F508del/class V demonstrated greater worsening and improvement respectively than F508del homozygous and class I genotypes.

CONCLUSIONS

The natural history of CF lung disease over 18 months varies widely between subjects. Factors including genotype may affect natural history as well as the effectiveness of mediators and could be an important confounder if not recognized. These findings suggest that the use of CT scanning as an outcome surrogate for CF lung disease in young children may be more challenging than has been previously recognized.

Multimodal Assessment of Medication Adherence Among Youth With Migraine: An Ancillary Study of the CHAMP Trial

OBJECTIVE

Examine preventive medication adherence among youth with migraine.

METHODS

Adherence (self-report, pill count, and blood serum drug levels) was assessed as an ancillary study that utilized data from 328 CHAMP Study participants (ages 8-17). CHAMP was a multisite trial of preventive medications. Participants completed a prospective headache diary during a six-month active treatment period during which youth took amitriptyline, topiramate, or placebo pill twice daily. Self-reported medication adherence was collected via daily diary. At monthly study visits, pill count measures were captured. At trial month 3 (trial midpoint) and 6 (end of active trial), blood serum drug levels were obtained. Self-report and pill count adherence percentages were calculated for the active trial period, at each monthly study visit, and in the days prior to participants' mid-trial blood draw. Percentages of nonzero drug levels were calculated to assess blood serum drug level data. Adherence measures were compared and assessed in context of several sociodemographic factors. Multiple regression analyses investigated medication adherence as a predictor of headache outcomes.

RESULTS

Self-report and pill count adherence rates were high (over 90%) and sustained over the course of the trial period. Serum drug level adherence rates were somewhat lower and decreased significantly (from 84% to 76%) across the trial period [t (198) = 3.23, p = .001]. Adherence measures did not predict headache days at trial end; trial midpoint serum drug levels predicted headache-related disability.

CONCLUSIONS

Youth with migraine can demonstrate and sustain relatively high levels of medication adherence over the course of a clinical trial.

Trajectory of treatment response in the child and adolescent migraine prevention (CHAMP) study: A randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

Identify preventive medication treatment response trajectories among youth participating in the Childhood and Adolescent Migraine Prevention study.

METHODS

Data were evaluated from 328 youth (ages 8-17). Childhood and Adolescent Migraine Prevention study participants completed headache diaries during a 28-day baseline period and a 168-day active treatment period during which youth took amitriptyline, topiramate, or placebo. Daily headache occurrence trajectories were established across baseline and active treatment periods using longitudinal hierarchical linear modeling. We tested potential treatment group differences. We also compared final models to trajectory findings from a clinical trial of cognitive behavioral therapy plus amitriptyline for youth with chronic migraine to test for reproducibility.

RESULTS

Daily headache occurrence showed stability across baseline. Active treatment models revealed decreases in headache frequency that were most notable early in the trial period. Baseline and active treatment models did not differ by treatment group and replicated trajectory cognitive behavioral therapy plus amitriptyline trial findings.

CONCLUSIONS

Replicating headache frequency trajectories across clinical trials provides strong evidence that youth can improve quickly. Given no effect for medication, we need to better understand what drives this clinically meaningful improvement. Results also suggest an expected trajectory of treatment response for use in designing and determining endpoints for future clinical trials.Trial Registration. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01581281.

Prevalence of Headache Days and Disability 3 Years After Participation in the Childhood and Adolescent Migraine Prevention Medication Trial

IMPORTANCE

Migraine is a common neurological disease that often begins in childhood and continues into adulthood; approximately 6 million children and adolescents in the United States cope with migraine, and many frequently experience significant disability and multiple headache days per week. Although pharmacological preventive treatments have been shown to offer some benefit to youth with migraine, additional research is needed to understand whether and how these benefits are sustained.

OBJECTIVE

To survey clinical status of youth with migraine who participated in the 24-week Childhood and Adolescent Migraine Prevention (CHAMP) trial over a 3-year follow-up period.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This survey study used internet-based surveys collected from youth ages 8 to 17 years at 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 36 months after completion of the CHAMP trial, which randomized participants to amitriptyline, topiramate, or placebo. At the end of the trial, the study drug was stopped, and participants received clinical care of their choice thereafter. The CHAMP trial was conducted between May 2012 and November 2015, and survey follow-up was conducted June 2013 to June 2018. Participants in this survey study were representative of those randomized in the trial. Data were analyzed from March 2020 to April 2021.

EXPOSURES

Survey completion.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Headache days, disability (assessed using the Pediatric Migraine Disability Scale [PedMIDAS]), and self-report of ongoing use of prescription preventive medication.

RESULTS

A total of 205 youth (mean [SD] age, 14.2 [2.3] years; 139 [68%] girls; mean [SD] history of migraine, 5.7 [3.1] years) participated in the survey. Retention of participants was 189 participants (92%) at month 6, 182 participants (88%) at month 12, 163 participants (80%) at month 18, 165 participants (80%) at month 24, and 155 participants (76%) at month 36. Over the course of the 3-year follow-up, participants consistently maintained meaningful reductions in headache days (mean [SD] headache days per 28 days: CHAMP baseline, 11.1 [6.0] days; CHAMP completion, 5.0 [5.7] days; 3-year follow-up, 6.1 [6.1] days) and disability (mean [SD] score: CHAMP baseline, 40.9 [26.4]; CHAMP completion, 17.9 [22.1]; 3-year follow-up, 12.3 [20.0]). At 3 years after completion of the CHAMP trial, headache days were approximately 1.5 per week (changed from about 3 per week at trial baseline) and disability had improved from the moderate range to the low mild range on the PedMIDAS. Longitudinal analyses showed that amitriptyline and topiramate did not explain intercept random effects for either mean rate of headache days per week (amitriptyline: estimate [SE], 0.07 [0.05]; P = .16; topiramate: estimate [SE], 0.04 [0.05]; P = .50) or headache disability PedMIDAS total score (amitriptyline: estimate [SE], 0.25 [0.38]; P = .52; topiramate: estimate [SE], -0.09 [0.39]; P = .82) changes over time. Of 153 participants who reported on prescription drug use at 3 years, only 1 participant (1%) reported using prevention medication, and most participants reported no medication use at most time points.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

These findings suggest that children and adolescents with longer than 5 years history of migraine who participated in the CHAMP trial may sustain positive clinical outcomes over time, even after discontinuing preventive pill-based treatment. This survey study could inform use and discontinuation timing of pharmacological preventive therapies for migraine in youth ages 8 to 17 years. Research is needed to examine mechanisms of treatment improvement and maintenance for preventive therapies, as well as placebo, in the pediatric population.

Learning the full impact of migraine through patient voices: A qualitative study

OBJECTIVE

To better characterize the ways that migraine affects multiple domains of life.

BACKGROUND

Further understanding of migraine burden is needed.

METHODS

Adults with migraine randomized to mindfulness-based stress reduction or headache education arms (n = 81) in two separate randomized clinical trials participated in semistructured in-person qualitative interviews conducted after the interventions. Interviews queried participants on migraine impact on life and were audio-recorded, transcribed, and summarized into a framework matrix. A master codebook was created until meaning saturation was reached and magnitude coding established code frequency. Themes and subthemes were identified using a constructivist grounded theory approach.

RESULTS

Despite most participants being treated with acute and/or prophylactic medications, 90% (73/81) reported migraine had a negative impact on overall life, with 68% (55/81) endorsing specific domains of life impacted and 52% (42/81) describing impact on emotional health. Six main themes of migraine impact emerged: (1) global negative impact on overall life; (2) impact on emotional health; (3) impact on cognitive function; (4) impact on specific domains of life (work/career, family, social); (5) fear and avoidance (pain catastrophizing and anticipatory anxiety); and (6) internalized and externalized stigma. Participants reported how migraine (a) controls life, (b) makes life difficult, and (c) causes disability during attacks, with participants (d) experiencing a lack of control and/or (e) attempting to push through despite migraine. Emotional health was affected through (a) isolation, (b) anxiety, (c) frustration/anger, (d) guilt, (e) mood changes/irritability, and (f) depression/hopelessness. Cognitive function was affected through concentration and communication difficulties.

CONCLUSIONS

Migraine has a global negative impact on overall life, cognitive and emotional health, work, family, and social life. Migraine contributes to isolation, frustration, guilt, fear, avoidance behavior, and stigma. A greater understanding of the deep burden of this chronic neurological disease is needed to effectively target and treat what is most important to those living with migraine.

Introduction of a smartphone based behavioral intervention for migraine in the emergency department

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether a smartphone application (app) with an electronic headache diary and a progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) intervention is feasible and acceptable to people presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) with migraine.

METHODS

This single arm prospective study assessed feasibility by actual use of the app and acceptability by satisfaction with the app. We report preliminary data on change in migraine disability and headache days.

RESULTS

The 51 participants completed PMR sessions on a mean of 13 ± 19 (0,82) days for the 90-day study period, lasting a median of 11 min (IQR 6.5, 17) each. Median number of days of diary use was 34 (IQR 10, 77). Diaries were completed at least twice a week in half of study weeks (337/663). Participants were likely (≥4/5 on a 5-point Likert scale) to recommend both the app (85%) and PMR (91%). MIDAS scores significantly decreased by a mean of 38 points/participant (p < 0.0001). More frequent PMR use was associated with a higher odds of headache free days (p = 0.0148).

CONCLUSION

Smartphone-based PMR introduced to patients who present to the ED for migraine is feasible and acceptable. More frequent users have more headache free days. Future work should focus on intervention engagement.

The Association Between Glycemic Variability and Macronutrients in Young Children with T1D

OBJECTIVE

There is limited information regarding the potential effect macronutrients have on postprandial glycemic variability in young children with type 1 diabetes (T1D). To date, studies examining nutrition and glycemic outcomes either assess these factors at a single timepoint, or aggregate large datasets for group level analyses. This study examined how inter- and intraindividual fluctuations in carbohydrate, fat, and protein intake impact glycemic variability in the postprandial period for young children with T1D.

METHODS

Thirty-nine young children, aged 2-6 years, wore a continuous glucose monitor for 72 hr, while their parents completed detailed diet records of all food intake. The analyses tested three multilevel models to examine intra- and interindividual differences between food intake and postprandial glycemic variability.

RESULTS

The results suggest carbohydrate intake, relates to greater postprandial glycemic variability. In contrast, the results reveal the inverse effect for protein, suggesting a tendency for young children who ate more protein at some meals to have lower postprandial glycemic variability, with the exception of lunch. There was no effect for fat on postprandial glycemic variability.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest protein consumption may be an important consideration when aiming for optimal glycemic levels for some meals. When counseling parents of young children with T1D on common behaviors underlying glycemic excursion, pediatric psychologists may consider discussing the nutritional make up of children's meals. Further, the results demonstrate retaining longitudinal data at the person level, versus aggregating individual data for group level analyses, may offer new information regarding macronutrient intake and glycemic outcomes.

Identification of neural and psychophysical predictors of headache reduction after cognitive behavioral therapy in adolescents with migraine

ABSTRACT

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a psychological intervention that involves development of coping strategies to reduce the experience of pain. Although CBT is a promising intervention to reduce headache days in patients with migraine, it may not be effective for all patients. Thus, there is a need to identify markers that could predict which patients will respond to CBT. We aimed to determine whether baseline brain function and amygdalar connectivity, assessed by functional magnetic resonance imaging, or pain modulation capacities, assessed by the conditioned pain modulation (CPM) response, can predict a reduction in headache days after CBT in adolescents with migraine. Patients with migraine (n = 20; age range 10-17 years) completed 8 weekly CBT sessions. The CPM response was examined in the trapezius and the leg. Headache days significantly decreased after CBT (P < 0.001). Greater functional connectivity before CBT between the right amygdala and frontal gyrus, anterior cingulate cortex, and precentral gyrus was related to greater headache reduction after CBT. Greater reduction in headache days after CBT was related with less efficient CPM response before CBT at the trapezius (r = -0.492, P = 0.028) but not at the leg. This study found that headache reduction after CBT was related to right amygdala connectivity with frontal and sensorimotor regions at baseline as well as baseline pain modulation capacities. These findings suggest that individual differences in brain function and pain modulation can be associated with clinical improvements and help with determination of CBT responsiveness.

Spatial aspects of pain modulation are not disrupted in adolescents with migraine

OBJECTIVE

To compare spatial pain modulation capabilities between adolescents with and without migraine.

BACKGROUND

Conditioned pain modulation (CPM) responses at the leg are similar in adolescents with versus without migraine. However, the anatomical region of testing may affect spatial pain modulation capabilities as differences in nociceptive processing between patients with migraine and healthy controls are found in local areas that are near the site of clinical pain but not in nonlocal areas. This study aimed to examine spatial pain modulation capabilities tested by the CPM paradigm using test stimulus applied to a local body area.

METHODS

Nineteen adolescents with migraine (age 14.9 ± 2.3, mean ± SD; 16 female) and 20 healthy adolescents (age 13.8 ± 2.5, mean ± SD; 16 female) completed this case-control study at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. Pressure pain thresholds (PPT) were assessed at the trapezius before and during immersion of the foot in a cold water bath (8°C).

RESULTS

In the migraine group (146.0 ± 79.1, mean ± SD), compared to healthy controls (248.0 ± 145.5, mean ± SD), significantly lower PPT (kilopascal) values were found (estimate = 124.28, 95% CI: 58.98, 189.59, p < 0.001; effect size: d = 1.40). No differences between the groups were found for pain intensity and unpleasantness ratings of cold-water immersion nor the CPM response.

CONCLUSIONS

This study found altered ascending nociceptive processing of mechanical stimuli at the neck in adolescents with migraine. However, endogenous pain modulatory mechanisms were functional and not altered. In light of other studies, impairments in inhibitory control may not be involved in migraine pathophysiology in pediatric patients regardless of stimulus location.

Focus group findings on the migraine patient experience during research studies and ideas for future investigations

OBJECTIVES

We conducted focus groups in people who had participated in mobile health (mHealth) studies of behavioral interventions for migraine to better understand: (a) Participant experience in the recruitment/enrollment process; (b) participant experience during the studies themselves; (c) ideas for improving participant experience for future studies.

METHODS

We conducted four focus groups in people who had agreed to participate in one of three studies involving mHealth and behavioral therapy for migraine. Inclusion criteria were being age 18-80, owning a smartphone, and having four or more headache days per month. All participants met the International Classification of Headache Disorders third edition beta version criteria for migraine. Exclusion criteria were not speaking English and having had behavioral therapy for migraine in the past year. Focus groups were audio recorded, fully transcribed and coded using general thematic analysis.

RESULTS

The 12 focus group participants had a mean age of 45 ± 15, a mean age of headache onset of 21 ± 13 and mean MIDAS disability score was 39 ± 56. Participants were women (100%), white (50%), Asian (33.3%) or members of other racial groups (16.7%). Certain themes emerged from each topic area. With regard to recruitment/enrollment (a), key themes were: (i) Participants joined their study out of an interest in research and/or a desire to try a new migraine treatment modality (behavioral therapy). (ii) Enrollment should be simple and study requirements should be carefully explained prior to enrollment. When asked about their experiences during the studies (b), the following themes emerged: (i) It is difficult to participate in study follow-up and compliance phone calls; (ii) participants prefer to choose from among various options for contact with the study team; (iii) there are barriers that limit app use related to migraine itself, as well as other barriers; (iv) completing diaries on a daily basis is challenging; (v) technical difficulties and uncertainties about app features limit use; (vi) being part of a research study promoted daily behavioral therapy use; (vii) progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) is enjoyable, and has a positive impact on life; (viii) behavioral therapy was a preferred treatment to reduce migraine pain. Ideas for improving study design or patient experience (c) included: (i) Increased opportunity to interact with other people with migraine would be beneficial; (ii) navigating the app and data entry should be easier; (iii) more varied methods for viewing the data and measures of adherence are needed; (iv) more information on and more varied behavioral treatment modalities would be preferred.

CONCLUSION

Though people with migraine are motivated to participate in mHealth and behavioral treatment studies, better communication up front about interventions as well as greater flexibility in interventions and follow-up methods are desired.

Clinic-based characterization of continuous headache in children and adolescents: Comparing youth with chronic migraine to those with new daily persistent headache

OBJECTIVE

To describe the headache characteristics and functional disability of a large sample of treatment-seeking youth with continuous headache and compare these factors across diagnostic subgroups of chronic migraine and new daily persistent headache.

METHODS

This retrospective study utilized clinical information (e.g. diagnosis, headache features, medication overuse, functional disability) from a large data repository of patients initially presenting to a multidisciplinary headache center with continuous headache. Patient inclusion in subgroup analyses for chronic migraine and new daily persistent headache was based on clinician diagnosis using International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD) criteria.

RESULTS

The current sample included 1170 youth (mean age = 13.95 years, 78.8% female) with continuous headache. The overwhelming majority of these youth had headaches with migrainous features, regardless of their clinical diagnosis. Youth with chronic migraine reported a longer history of continuous headache symptoms and earlier age of headache onset than youth with new daily persistent headache and were more likely to have medication overuse. Most youth with continuous headache experienced severe migraine-related functional disability, regardless of diagnostic subgroup.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, youth with continuous chronic migraine and new daily persistent headache did not have clinically meaningful differences in headache features and associated disability. Findings suggest that chronic migraine and new daily persistent headache may be variants of the same underlying disease.

User Design and Experience Preferences in a Novel Smartphone Application for Migraine Management: A Think Aloud Study of the RELAXaHEAD Application

OBJECTIVE

Scalable nonpharmacologic treatment options are needed for chronic pain conditions. Migraine is an ideal condition to test smartphone-based mind-body interventions (MBIs) because it is a very prevalent, costly, disabling condition. Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) is a standardized, evidence-based MBI previously adapted for smartphone applications for other conditions. We sought to examine the usability of the RELAXaHEAD application (app), which has a headache diary and PMR capability.

METHODS

Using the "Think Aloud" approach, we iteratively beta-tested RELAXaHEAD in people with migraine. Individual interviews were conducted, audio-recorded, and transcribed. Using Grounded Theory, we conducted thematic analysis. Participants also were asked Likert scale questions about satisfaction with the app and the PMR.

RESULTS

Twelve subjects participated in the study. The mean duration of the interviews (SD, range) was 36 (11, 19-53) minutes. From the interviews, four main themes emerged. People were most interested in app utility/practicality, user interface, app functionality, and the potential utility of the PMR. Participants reported that the daily diary was easy to use (75%), was relevant for tracking headaches (75%), maintained their interest and attention (75%), and was easy to understand (83%). Ninety-two percent of the participants would be happy to use the app again. Participants reported that PMR maintained their interest and attention (75%) and improved their stress and low mood (75%).

CONCLUSIONS

The RELAXaHEAD app may be acceptable and useful to migraine participants. Future studies will examine the use of the RELAXaHEAD app to deliver PMR to people with migraine in a low-cost, scalable manner.

Practice guideline update summary: Pharmacologic treatment for pediatric migraine prevention: Report of the Guideline Development, Dissemination, and Implementation Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology and the American Headache Society

OBJECTIVE

To provide updated evidence-based recommendations for migraine prevention using pharmacologic treatment with or without cognitive behavioral therapy in the pediatric population.

METHODS

The authors systematically reviewed literature from January 2003 to August 2017 and developed practice recommendations using the American Academy of Neurology 2011 process, as amended.

RESULTS

Fifteen Class I-III studies on migraine prevention in children and adolescents met inclusion criteria. There is insufficient evidence to determine if children and adolescents receiving divalproex, onabotulinumtoxinA, amitriptyline, nimodipine, or flunarizine are more or less likely than those receiving placebo to have a reduction in headache frequency. Children with migraine receiving propranolol are possibly more likely than those receiving placebo to have an at least 50% reduction in headache frequency. Children and adolescents receiving topiramate and cinnarizine are probably more likely than those receiving placebo to have a decrease in headache frequency. Children with migraine receiving amitriptyline plus cognitive behavioral therapy are more likely than those receiving amitriptyline plus headache education to have a reduction in headache frequency.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The majority of randomized controlled trials studying the efficacy of preventive medications for pediatric migraine fail to demonstrate superiority to placebo. Recommendations for the prevention of migraine in children include counseling on lifestyle and behavioral factors that influence headache frequency and assessment and management of comorbid disorders associated with headache persistence. Clinicians should engage in shared decision-making with patients and caregivers regarding the use of preventive treatments for migraine, including discussion of the limitations in the evidence to support pharmacologic treatments.

Screening Family and Psychosocial Risk in Pediatric Migraine and Tension-Type Headache: Validation of the Psychosocial Assessment Tool (PAT)

OBJECTIVE

To present data on psychometric properties of the Psychosocial Assessment Tool 2.0_General (PAT), a brief screener for psychosocial risk in families of youth with medical conditions, in youth with headache.

BACKGROUND

Emotional and behavioral disturbances, parent distress, and poor family functioning are common among youth with recurrent migraine and tension-type headache; however, tools to comprehensively screen family and psychosocial risk in youth with headache are not currently available. The PAT could address an important gap by facilitating identification of psychosocial treatment needs among youth with headache.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Youth with recurrent migraine (with and without aura; chronic migraine) or tension-type headache (episodic and chronic) completed the PAT and validated measures of adolescent emotional and behavioral functioning, parent emotional functioning, and family functioning at baseline (n = 239; 157 from neurology clinic, 82 from the community) and 6-month follow-up (n = 221; 146 from neurology clinic, 75 from the community).

RESULTS

Internal consistency for the PAT Total score was strong (α = .88). At baseline, the PAT Total score was significantly associated in the expected direction with established measures of child emotional and behavioral functioning (r = .62), parent anxiety and depressive symptoms (r = .49; r = .53, respectively), and family functioning (r = .21). Predictive validity was demonstrated by a significant association between PAT Total scores at baseline with child emotional and behavioral functioning (r = .64), parent anxiety (r = .37), parent depression (r = .42), and family functioning (r = .26) at 6-month follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The PAT is a promising tool for screening psychosocial risk that could facilitate identification of psychosocial treatment needs among youth with recurrent headache at risk for poor outcomes.

Special considerations in conducting clinical trials of chronic pain management interventions in children and adolescents and their families

INTRODUCTION

Disabling chronic pain is a common experience for children and adolescents. However, the evidence base for chronic pain interventions for youth is extremely limited, which has hindered the development of evidence-based practice guidelines for most pediatric chronic pain conditions.

OBJECTIVES

To review and provide recommendations on clinical trial design and evaluation in children and adolescents with chronic pain.

METHODS

In this article, we summarize key issues and provide recommendations for addressing them in clinical trials of chronic pain interventions in children and adolescents and their families.

RESULTS

To stimulate high-quality trials of pediatric chronic pain management interventions, attention to key issues including sample characterization, trial design and treatment administration, outcome measurement, and the ethics of intervening with children and adolescents, as opposed to adults with chronic pain, is needed.

CONCLUSION

Future research to develop interventions to reduce or prevent childhood chronic pain is an important priority area, and requires special considerations in implementation and evaluation in clinical trials.

Long-term outcomes of adolescents with juvenile-onset fibromyalgia into adulthood and impact of depressive symptoms on functioning over time

Juvenile-onset fibromyalgia (JFM) is typically diagnosed in adolescence and characterized by widespread pain and marked functional impairment. The long-term impact of JFM into adulthood is poorly understood. The objectives of this study were to describe physical and psychosocial outcomes of youth diagnosed with JFM in early adulthood (∼8-year follow-up), examine longitudinal trajectories of pain and depressive symptoms from adolescence to young adulthood, and examine the impact of pain and depressive symptoms on physical functioning over time. Participants were 97 youth with JFM enrolled in a prospective longitudinal study in which pain symptoms, and physical and psychosocial functioning were assessed at 4 time points over approximately 8 years. At the time 4 follow-up (Mage = 24.2 years), the majority continued to suffer from pain and impairment in physical, social, and psychological domains. However, trajectories of pain and emotional symptoms showed varying patterns. Longitudinal analysis using growth mixture modeling revealed 2 pain trajectories (Steady Improvement and Rapid Rebounding Improvement), whereas depressive symptoms followed 3 distinct trajectories (Low-Stable, Improving, and Worsening). Membership in the Worsening Depressive symptoms group was associated with poorer physical functioning over time (P < 0.001) compared with the Low-Stable and Improving groups. This study offers evidence that although JFM symptoms persist for most individuals, pain severity tends to decrease over time. However, depressive symptoms follow distinct trajectories that indicate subgroups of JFM. In particular, JFM patients with worsening depressive symptoms showed decreasing physical functioning and may require more intensive and consistent intervention to prevent long-term disability.

Predictors of Short-Term Prognosis While in Pediatric Headache Care: An Observational Study

OBJECTIVES

To characterize the short-term prognosis of a clinical population of pediatric and young adult patients with migraine and explore predictors of clinical worsening while in care.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of all migraine patients seen at the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Headache Center from 09/01/2006 to 12/31/2017, who had at least 1 follow-up visit within 1-3 months of the index visit analyzed. Included data were: age, sex, race, primary ICHD diagnosis, chronic migraine, medication overuse, history of status migrainosus, BMI percentile, headache frequency, headache severity, PedMIDAS score, allodynia, preventive treatment type, lifestyle habits, disease duration, depressive and anxiety symptoms. Clinical worsening was defined as an increase in 4 or more headache days per month between the index visit and the follow-up visit.

RESULTS

Data for 13,160 visit pairs (index and follow-up), from 5316 patients, were analyzed. Clinical worsening occurred in only 14.5% (1908/13,160), whereas a reduction in headache frequency was observed in 56.8% of visit intervals (7475/13,160), with 34.8% of the intervals (4580/13,160) showing a reduction of 50% or greater. The change in headache frequency was minimal (increase in 0-3 headaches/month) in 28.7% of intervals (3737/13,160). In the multivariable model, the odds of worsening were significantly higher with increasing age, female sex, chronic migraine, status migrainosus, depressive symptoms, higher PedMIDAS scores, and use of nutraceuticals, whereas the odds of worsening were lower for summer visits, caffeine drinkers, higher headache frequencies, and use of pharmaceuticals.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of pediatric patients who receive multimodal interdisciplinary care for migraine improve over time. Our findings highlight a set of clinical features that may help in identifying specific factors that may contribute to an unfavorable short-term prognosis.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Pediatric Headache and Migraine: Why to Prescribe and What New Research Is Critical for Advancing Integrated Biobehavioral Care

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To highlight current evidence supporting the prescription of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as part of first-line preventive treatment for children and adolescents with headache and discuss a research strategy aimed at: (1) understanding how and why CBT works, and (2) developing effective and efficient approaches for integrating CBT into headache specialty, neurology, and primary care settings.

RECENT FINDINGS

Although preventive medications for pediatric headache and migraine are commonly prescribed, recent meta-analyses and an NIH-funded, multi-center clinical trial suggests that the effect of pill-taking therapies may be mostly due to a placebo effect. These findings have led to greater consideration of prescription of non-pharmacological therapies as first-line interventions (either alone or in combination with pill-based therapy). A literature that extends back to the 1980s and includes recent clinical trials and meta-analyses demonstrates that CBT decreases headache frequency and related disability in youth with headache and migraine and has a favorable benefit to risk profile with almost no negative side effects.

SUMMARY

CBT has been repeatedly demonstrated as effective in treating pediatric headache and migraine. As such, it should be considered as part of first-line preventive treatment for pediatric headache (either alone or in combination with a pill-based therapy). We need to better understand how this therapy works and what makes it distinct (if anything) from the placebo effect. What we need to achieve is empirical support for efficient access to this evidence-based treatment and clarity on how to match the intensity of non-pharmacological intervention to the needs of our patients at the time they present for care.

A pilot investigation of a mobile phone application and progressive reminder system to improve adherence to daily prevention treatment in adolescents and young adults with migraine

BACKGROUND

Effective management of migraine requires adherence to treatment recommendations; however, adolescents with migraine take their daily medications only 75% of the time. Low-cost adherence-focused interventions using technology may improve adherence, but have not been investigated.

METHODS

Thirty-five adolescents and young adults (13-21 years) with migraine participated in an AB-design pilot study to assess the use of a mobile phone adherence-promotion application ("app") and progressive reminder system. Adherence was calculated using electronic monitoring during the baseline period and medication adherence intervention.

RESULTS

Relative to baseline, adherence significantly improved during the first month of the intervention. Specifically, improvements existed for older participants with lower baseline adherence. Self-reported app-based adherence rates were significantly lower than electronically monitored adherence rates. Participants rated the intervention as acceptable and easy to use.

CONCLUSIONS

"Apps" have the potential to improve medication adherence and are a promising intervention for adolescents and young adults with low adherence. Involving parents in the intervention is also helpful. Providers should assess barriers to adherence and use of technology-based interventions, encourage parents to incorporate behavioral incentives, and provide referrals for more intensive interventions to improve long-term outcomes. Further, tracking adherence in an app may result in an underestimation of adherence. Future full-scale studies should be conducted to examine adherence promotion app interventions.

CBT for Pediatric Migraine: A Qualitative Study of Patient and Parent Experience

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to determine which cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT-HA) treatment components pediatric headache patient stakeholders would report to be most helpful and essential to reducing headache frequency and related disability to develop a streamlined, less burdensome treatment package that would be more accessible to patients and families.

BACKGROUND

Pediatric migraine is a prevalent and disabling condition. CBT-HA has been shown to reduce headache frequency and related disability, but may not be readily available or accepted by many migraine sufferers due to treatment burden entailed. Research is needed to determine systematic ways of reducing barriers to CBT-HA.

METHODS

Qualitative interviews were conducted with 10 patients and 9 of their parents who had undergone CBT-HA. Interviews were analyzed using an inductive thematic analysis approach based upon modified grounded theory. Patients were 13-17.5 years of age (M = 15.4, SD = 1.63) and had undergone CBT-HA ∼1-2 years prior to participating in the study.

RESULTS

Overall, patients and their parents reported that CBT-HA was helpful in reducing headache frequency and related disability. Although patients provided mixed reports on the effectiveness of different CBT-HA skills, the majority of patients indicated that the mind and body relaxation skills of CBT-HA (deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and activity pacing in particular) were the most helpful and most frequently used skills. Patients and parents also generally reported that treatment was easy to learn, and noted at least some aspect of treatment was enjoyable.

CONCLUSIONS

Results from these qualitative interviews indicate that mind and body CBT-HA relaxation skills emerged as popular and effective based on patient and parent report. Future research examining the effectiveness of streamlined pediatric migraine nonpharmacological interventions should include these patient-preferred skills.

Similarities and Differences Between Migraine in Children and Adults: Presentation, Disability, and Response to Treatment

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review presents findings from investigations of migraine in children and adults. Similarities and differences in the presentation, related consequences, and treatments between children and adults are reviewed.

RECENT FINDINGS

Significant similarities exist in the presentation, disability, and treatments for migraine between children and adults. Despite such similarities, many adult migraine treatments adapted for use in children are not rigorously tested prior to becoming a part of routine care in youth. Existing research suggests that not all approaches are equally effective across age groups. Specifically, psychological treatments are shown to be somewhat less effective in adults than in children. Pharmacological interventions found to be statistically significant relative to placebo in adults may not be as effective in children and have the potential to present more risk than benefit when used in youth. The placebo effect in both children and adults is robust and is need of further study. Better understanding of treatment mechanisms for all interventions across the age spectrum is needed. Although migraine treatments determined to be effective for adults are frequently adapted for use in children with little evaluation prior to implementation, existing research suggests that this approach may not be the best practice. Adaptation of adult pharmacological treatment for use in youth may present a particular risk in comparison to benefits gained. Because of the known efficacy of psychological treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, more universal use of these interventions should be considered, either as first-line treatment or in combination with pill-based therapies.

Treatment Adherence in Child and Adolescent Chronic Migraine Patients: Results From the Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Amitriptyline Trial

OBJECTIVES

To examine treatment adherence among children and adolescents with chronic migraine who volunteered to be in a clinical trial using 3 measures: treatment session attendance, therapy homework completion, and preventive medication use by daily diary.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Analyses are secondary from a trial of 135 youth aged 10 to 17 years diagnosed with chronic migraine and with a Pediatric Migraine Disability Score over 20. Participants were randomly assigned to cognitive-behavioral therapy plus amitriptyline (CBT+A, N=64) or headache education plus amitriptyline (HE+A, N=71). Therapists recorded session attendance. Completion of homework/practice between sessions was reported to therapists by patients. Patients reported preventive medication adherence using a daily headache diary.

RESULTS

Mean session attendance adherence out of 10 treatment sessions was 95% for CBT+A and 99% for HE+A. CBT+A participants reported completing a mean of 90% of home practice of CBT skills between the 10 sessions. Participants reported taking amitriptyline daily at a mean level of 90% when missing diaries were excluded and 79% when missing diaries were considered as missed doses of medication.

DISCUSSION

Our findings demonstrate that youth with chronic migraine who agree to be a part of a clinical trial do quite well at attending therapy sessions, and report that they are adherent to completing home/practice between sessions and taking medication. These results lend further support to consideration of CBT+A as a first-line treatment for youth with chronic migraine and suggest that measurement of adherence when this treatment is provided in practice will be important.

Ovarian hormones, age and pubertal development and their association with days of headache onset in girls with migraine: An observational cohort study

Background

Fifty-three percent of adolescent girls report headaches at the onset of menses, suggesting fluctuations of ovarian hormones trigger migraine during puberty.

Aims

To determine if urinary metabolites of estrogen and progesterone are associated with days of headache onset (HO) or severity in girls with migraine.

Methods

This was a pilot study and included 34 girls with migraine balanced across three age strata (pre-pubertal (8–11), pubertal (12–15), and post-pubertal (16–17) years of age). They collected daily urine samples and recorded the occurrence and severity of headache in a daily diary. Urine samples were assayed for estrone glucuronide (E1G) and pregnandiol glucuronide (PdG) and the daily change was calculated (ΔE1G, ΔPdG). Pubertal development was assessed by age, pubertal development score (PDS), and menstrual cycle variance. The primary outcome measures were HO days and headache severity. Generalized linear mixed models were used, and included the hormonal variables and three different representations of pubertal development as covariates.

Results

Models of HO days demonstrate a significant age*PdG interaction (OR 0.85 [95% CI 0.75, 0.97]) for a 1 standard deviation increase in PdG and three-year increase in age. A separate model showed a significant PDS*PdG interaction (OR −0.85 [95% CI; 0.76, 0.95]). ΔPDG was associated with headache severity in unadjusted models ( p < 0.017).

Conclusion

Age and pubertal development could moderate the effect of ovarian hormones on days of headache onset in girls with migraine.