Common diagnoses and factors associated with abnormal neuroimaging in headache patients in the emergency department.

OBJECTIVES: To determine causes of headaches in patients who presented to the emergency department (ED) and underwent neuroimaging, and to determine the clinical features associated with abnormal neuroimaging. METHODS: Patients were retrospectively selected from a database between June, 2015 and May, 2019. Patients were included if they had neuroimaging requested from the ED mainly for headache. Associations between clinical characteristics and abnormal neuroimaging were assessed. RESULTS: We included 329 patients (33.4% men, 66.6% women). The mean (SD) age was 39.7 (18.4) years. Neurological signs were reported in 43.8% of the patients, head-computed tomography was requested in 79.6%, magnetic resonance imaging in 77.5%, and both in 57.1%. Abnormal neuroimaging was reported in 31.9%. The most common reported diagnoses were secondary headache disorders (48.9%), followed by primary headache disorders (16.4%). The remainder were nonspecific-headaches (35%). Variables associated with abnormal neuroimaging were headache onset ≤1 month (OR 3.37, CI 1.47-7.70, p=0.004), and presence of an abnormal neurological sign (OR 3.60, CI 1.89-6.83, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Secondary headache disorders are common in patients who undergo neuroimaging in the ED. Those who have a neurological sign and recent onset of headache are more likely to have abnormal neuroimaging.

Photophobia: When Light Hurts, a Review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To provide an updated overview of Photophobia with a particular focus on photophobia related to migraine. RECENT FINDINGS: Melanopsin-containing photoreceptors called intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) have been identified in the retina and explain the rational for photophobia in individuals who are blind. Photophobia, a sensory disturbance provoked by light, is a common neurological and ophthalmological symptom. Migraine, a common neurological condition, is pathognomonic of photophobia; however, other primary headache conditions, traumatic brain injury, and impairment of the optic pathway can cause photophobia. In addition, anterior and posterior segment ocular pathology, medications, and psychiatric conditions can result in photophobia. At least 2 (possibly three) distinct neural pathways are involved in photophobia. Some of the basic science regarding these pathways is discussed in this review including the role of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide. Management of photophobia includes treatment of the underlying etiology and conservative strategies such as wearing sunglasses.