Metaphorical use of "headache" and "migraine" in media: A longitudinal study of 1.3 million articles in major publications.

BACKGROUND: Stigmatization and trivialization of headache confront individuals with headache disorders, but the degree to which media may contribute is incompletely understood. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to quantify the frequency of disparaging metaphorical use of the words "headache" and "migraine" in articles and summaries of major publications. METHODS: This longitudinal study analyzed a dataset of 1.3 million articles and summaries written by authors and editors of 38 major publications. Data cover written publications from 1998 up to 2017. The use of the words "headache" or "migraine" in articles and summaries by major publications was rated by two authors (P.Z. and A.V.) as either "metaphorical" or "medical" based on their contextual application. Pearson's chi-squared test was applied to assess differences in the frequency of metaphorical use of "headache" in comparison to "migraine." Secondary outcomes were the source of publication and time of publication. RESULTS: A total of 6195 and 740 articles included the words "headache" or "migraine," respectively; 7100 sentences contained the word "headache" and 1652 sentences contained the word "migraine." Among a random sample of 1000 sentences with the word "headache," there was a metaphorical use in 492 (49.2% [95% CI, 46.1-52.3]) sentences. Among a random sample of 1000 sentences with the word "migraine," there was a metaphorical use in 45 (4.5% [95% CI, 3.2-5.8]) sentences. The five most prevalent sources were CNN, Fox News, The New York Times, The Guardian, and The Washington Post. There was an overall increase in the number of articles containing the words "headache" or "migraine" from database inception until analysis (1998 up to 2017). The database included no articles containing either "headache" or "migraine" in 1998; in 2016, this number was 1480 articles. CONCLUSIONS: In this longitudinal study, major publications applied a metaphorical use of "headache" about half of the time. The metaphorical use of "headache" is 11-fold greater than the metaphorical use of "migraine" in the same media sample. These depictions may contribute to the trivialization of headache and the stigmatization of individuals with headache disorders. Studies with individuals affected by headache disorders are needed to clarify potential influences.

Cranial nerve involvement, visual complications and headache syndromes in Lyme disease.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To provide a summary of the visual manifestations and cranial neuropathies seen in Lyme disease. RECENT FINDINGS: Lyme facial palsy remains the most common manifestation of Lyme neuroborreliosis. Recent investigations show likely evidence of vagal involvement in Lyme disease. SUMMARY: The literature on Lyme neuroborreliosis continues to evolve. Lyme disease can affect nearly any cranial nerve in addition to causing various headache syndromes. The most common manifestation is Lyme disease facial palsy, occurring in up to 5-10% of patients with documented Lyme disease. Headache syndromes are common in the context of facial palsy but can occur in isolation, and more specific headache syndromes including trigeminal and geniculate neuralgias can occur rarely. Signs and symptoms indicative of vestibulocochlear nerve involvement are relatively common, although it could be that these represent other vestibular involvement rather than a specific cranial neuropathy. Optic neuritis is a controversial entity within Lyme disease and is likely overdiagnosed, but convincing cases do exist. Physicians who see any cranial neuropathy, including optic neuritis, in an endemic area can consider Lyme disease as a possible cause.

What Are the Predictors for and Psychosocial Correlates of Chronic Headache After Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury?

OBJECTIVE: Although headache (HA) is a common sequela of traumatic brain injury (TBI), early predictors of chronic HA after moderate to severe TBI are not well established, and the relationship chronic HA has with psychosocial functioning is understudied. Thus, we sought to (1) determine demographic and injury predictors of chronic HA 1 or more years after moderate to severe TBI and (2) examine associations between chronic HA and psychosocial outcomes. SETTING: Community. PARTICIPANTS: Participants in the TBI Model System (TBIMS) with moderate to severe TBI who consented for additional chronic pain questionnaires at the time of TBIMS follow-up. DESIGN: Multisite, observational cohort study using LASSO (least absolute shrinkage and selection operator) regression for prediction modeling and independent t tests for psychosocial associations. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Chronic HA after TBI at year 1 or 2 postinjury and more remotely (5 or more years). RESULTS: The LASSO model for chronic HA at 1 to 2 years achieved acceptable predictability (cross-validated area under the curve [AUC] = 0.70). At 5 or more years, predictability was nearly acceptable (cross-validated AUC = 0.68), but much more complex, with more than twice as many variables contributing. Injury characteristics had stronger predictive value at postinjury years 1 to 2 versus 5 or more years, especially sustained intracranial pressure elevation (odds ratio [OR] = 3.8) and skull fragments on head computed tomography (CT) (OR = 2.5). Additional TBI(s) was a risk factor at both time frames, as were multiple socioeconomic characteristics, including lower education level, younger age, female gender, and Black race. Lower education level was a particularly strong predictor at 5 or more years (OR up to 3.5). Emotional and participation outcomes were broadly poorer among persons with chronic HA after moderate to severe TBI. CONCLUSIONS: Among people with moderate to severe TBI, chronic HA is associated with significant psychosocial burden. The identified risk factors will enable targeted clinical screening and monitoring strategies to enhance clinical care pathways that could lead to better outcomes. They may also be useful as stratification or covariates in future clinical trial research on treatments.

Association between iron deficiency anemia and chronic daily headache: A case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine the association between iron deficiency anemia and chronic daily headache. METHODS: This case-control study was conducted in a tertiary care center in Dehradun, India. One hundred patients with chronic daily headache were randomly selected for the study with an equal number of controls. Subsets of chronic daily headache were diagnosed as per the 3rd edition of the International Classification of Headache Disorders. The study participants were assessed for iron deficiency anemia. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 51.1 ± 22.1 years. Male: female ratio was 1:1.08. Chronic migraine was present in 62 (62%), tension-type headache in 23 (23%), and new daily persistent headache in 15 (15%) patients. The majority (96%) of patients had chronic daily headache of mild to moderate severity. Chronic daily headache was of long duration in all patients. Sixty-four (64%) patients had anemia of which 51 (51%) patients had iron deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency anemia showed a significant association with chronic daily headache (p < 0.001), but not with its type, subtype, and duration. Severe iron deficiency anemia had a significant association with the severity of chronic daily headache (p = 0.021). Serum iron, ferritin, total iron-binding capacity, and transferrin saturation also had a significant association with chronic daily headache (p < 0.05 for each), but not with its type, subtype, duration, and severity. Logistic regression analysis showed that iron deficiency anemia, total iron-binding capacity, and transferrin saturation had an independent association with chronic daily headache (p < 0.05 for each). CONCLUSIONS: Iron deficiency anemia had an independent association with chronic daily headache. Severe iron deficiency anemia was related to the severity of chronic daily headache.

Orofacial pain for clinicians: A review of constant and attack-like facial pain syndromes.

BACKGROUND: Primary headache syndromes such as migraine are among the most common neurological syndromes. Chronic facial pain syndromes of non-odontogenic cause are less well known to neurologists despite being highly disabling. Given the pain localization, these patients often consult dentists first who may conduct unnecessary dental interventions even if a dental cause is not identified. Once it becomes clear that dental modalities have no effect on the pain, patients may be referred to another dentist or orofacial pain specialist, and later to a neurologist. Unfortunately, neurologists are also often not familiar with chronic orofacial pain syndromes although they share the neural system, i.e., trigeminal nerve and central processing areas for headache disorders. CONCLUSION: In essence, three broad groups of orofacial pain patients are important for clinicians: (i) Attack-like orofacial pain conditions, which encompass neuralgias of the cranial nerves and less well-known facial variants of primary headache syndromes; (ii) persistent orofacial pain disorders, including neuropathic pain and persistent idiopathic facial/dentoalveolar pain; and (iii) other differential diagnostically relevant orofacial pain conditions encountered by clinicians such as painful temporomandibular disorders, bruxism, sinus pain, dental pain, and others which may interfere (trigger) and overlap with headache. It is rewarding to know and recognize the clinical picture of these facial pain syndromes, given that, just like for headache, an internationally accepted classification system has been published and many of these syndromes can be treated with medications generally used by neurologists for other pain syndromes.

Proposed general diagnostic criteria for secondary headaches.

BACKGROUND: The distinction between a pre-existing primary headache and a secondary headache at the onset of a disorder is important and has not been taken into account in the International Classification of Headache Disorders-3. This study aimed to improve the general diagnostic criteria for secondary headaches using results of our previous studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed characteristics of headaches including their changes in intensity, duration, frequency, localization and side, development of new accompanying symptoms, and therapeutic response at the onset of transient ischemic attacks (TIA) (n = 120, mean age 56.1, 55% females) and ischemic stroke (n = 550, mean age 63.1, 56% females) compared to the control group (n = 192, mean age 58.7, 64% females). RESULTS: Headache of a new type occurred in 8.4% of ischemic stroke patients and 5% of TIA patients on the day of admission but did not occur at all in the control group. Pre-existing headache with a change of at least one characteristic occurred significantly more often in stroke (5.4%) and TIA (7.5%) than in the control group (1%) (p = 0.01 and p = 0.003 respectively). CONCLUSION: The presence of a new type of headache and a pre-existing headache with altered characteristics in close temporal relation to a disorder indicates causality. Based on these data we propose revised general diagnostic criteria for secondary headaches.

Management and outcomes of persistent headache after accidental dural puncture in the obstetric population: A 9-year prospective audit.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness and safety of a novel management pathway in the obstetric population presenting to a pain medicine clinic with persistent headache after accidental dural puncture (PHADP). BACKGROUND: Accidental dural puncture (ADP) can result in headaches that persist for months to years. These headaches can be a therapeutic challenge, often cause severe disability, and management pathway remains obscure. METHODS: Obstetric patients with PHADP referred to a pain medicine physician were prospectively followed up in a longitudinal audit of a novel management pathway. ADP reports dated from 2008 until 2019. Initial management included brain imaging and pharmacological agents. Patients who failed to respond were offered greater occipital nerve (GON) block with depot methylprednisolone followed by pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) treatment. A headache diary was completed for 4 weeks prior to commencing treatment and maintained for 24 weeks following an intervention. Data collected included use of epidural blood patch to manage postdural puncture headache, past history of headache, severity of headache, duration of persistent headache, low back pain, and employment status. RESULTS: Over the 9-year period, a cohort of 54 obstetric patients with PHADP with a 16-gauge Tuohy needle were reviewed in the pain clinic. Forty patients presented with chronic daily headache (40/54, 74%). Brain imaging did not reveal any sign of intracranial hypotension in 50 patients (50/54, 93%). Mean follow-up period was 5.7 years. Two patients were lost to follow-up (2/54, 4%). Pharmacological management was effective in 17 patients (17/52, 33%). Medical management failed to improve symptoms in 35 patients (35/52, 67%), and they were offered GON block. Fourteen (14/35, 40%) patients refused the intervention. Nerve block was performed in 21 patients and produced durable benefit lasting 24 weeks in 18 patients (18/21, 86%). Three patients underwent PRF treatment to GONs and all three (100%) reported durable benefit. At final follow-up, mean monthly headache frequency was 5.9 for the medical management group, 8.6 for the refused nerve block group, and 4.1 in patients who received GON treatment (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: ADP can cause chronic headaches that persist beyond 3 years. Interventions targeting the GONs appear to have a role in the management of PHADP.

Prevalence of headache disorders in patients living with epilepsy in rural region in western part of India.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Headache disorders cause significant distress in patients living with epilepsy (PWE) and are underreported. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of various forms of headache in PWE. METHODOLOGY: Two hundred and three PWE were evaluated for the presence and type of headache as per the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD)-3 classification criteria. The severity was graded using the Headache Under Response to Treatment (HURT)-3. A subgroup analysis of headache and epilepsy was done. The World Health Organization-5 (WHO-5) questionnaire was used to assess mental well-being. The Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) questionnaire was used to study the psychiatric comorbidities, which were classified according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)-IV classification. RESULTS: The prevalence of headaches in PWE was 45% [60% females]. Female gender and younger age were significantly associated with migraine (p values of 0.03 and 0.05, respectively). Migraine was the most common type of headache (71%), followed by tension-type headache (TTH) (23%) in PWE. The headache was inter-ictal in 80% of PWE. In PWE with migraine, both juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) and frontal lobe epilepsy (FLE) had a 28% prevalence. In PWE with TTH, FLE was more common (43%). The prevalence of migralepsy in PWE was 4% [n = 4; 2 each of occipital lobe epilepsy (OLE) and idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE)]. A psychiatric illness was more than two times more likely in PWE with headache (n = 34; 37%) as compared to PWE without headache (n = 19; 17%). Patients living with epilepsy with headaches and psychiatric comorbidities had significantly lower mental well-being (p = 0.001). Forty five percent of PWE with headaches required acute management, and 35% required prophylactic management for their headache. CONCLUSION: Headache is frequently ignored in PWE. It can affect their mental health and quality of life. Evaluation and management of headache in PWE is very important.

Post-stroke Headache.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Stroke is a major health concern and a leading cause of long-term disability. Persistent post-stroke headache (PPSH) is a common complication of stroke yet little is known about its specific characteristics or optimal management. The purpose of this review is to discuss the epidemiology, presentation, and hypothesized pathophysiology of PPSH. Acute and preventive treatment options, as well as specific concerns regarding triptans and the newer CGRP antagonists, will be discussed in detail as well. RECENT FINDINGS: The 2018 International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (ICHD-3) was the first headache diagnostic manual to include criteria for PPSH and defines this disorder as an acute headache that develops in close temporal relation to stroke and persists beyond 3 months. Recent literature estimates the prevalence of PPSH to be somewhere between 1 and 23% of patients post-stroke. Presentation is variable, but most often mimics tension-type headache. There are no evidence-based guidelines on the optimal treatment of PPSH. PPSH is a common but poorly understood complication of stroke. Given the significant disability burden that PPSH carries, the epidemiology and pathophysiology of PPSH, as well as the efficacy and safety of potential treatment options, warrant further investigation.

Headaches during pregnancy and the risk of subsequent stroke.

BACKGROUND: Primary headache disorder is a known risk factor for stroke in women and usually improves during the first trimester of pregnancy. However, despite this, some women develop headaches during pregnancy (G-HA), and the effect of this headache on subsequent stroke is unknown. In this study, we evaluated the association between G-HA and stroke after delivery in women. METHODS: Based on the Korean National Health Insurance Service database, we included women hospitalized for delivery between 2012 and 2013. G-HA was defined as a headache diagnosed during pregnancy. Primary outcome was any stroke that occurred during the observational periods from delivery to December 31, 2020. All diseases were identified based on data registered in the database using the International Classification of Disease-10th Revision-Clinical Modification codes. RESULTS: Of 906,187 pregnant women, G-HA was found in 56,813 (6.3%). During the observational periods, the G-HA ( +) group had a significantly higher risk of any stroke [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 1.59, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.30-1.95], ischemic stroke (aHR = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.12-2.01), hemorrhagic stroke (aHR = 1.63, 95% CI: 1.23-2.15), and intracerebral hemorrhage (aHR = 1.63, 95% CI: 1.19-2.23) than the G-HA (-) group. When analyzed considering the interaction with history of headache disorder, G-HA showed a significant association with hemorrhagic stroke, but lost its effect on ischemic stroke. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that G-HA was associated with subsequent stroke occurrence after delivery. However, the relationship between G-HA and ischemic stroke is mitigated by a history of pre-pregnancy headache disorder.

Debate: differences and similarities between tension-type headache and migraine.

Tension-type headache (TTH) and migraine are two common primary headaches distinguished by clinical characteristics according to the 3rd edition of the International Classification of Headache Disorders. Migraine is identified by specific features such as being more prevalent in females, being aggravated by physical activity, certain genetic factors, having photophobia, phonophobia, nausea, vomiting, or aura, and responding to specific drugs. Nonetheless, TTH and migraine share some common characteristics, such as onset occurring in the 20 s, and being triggered by psychological factors like stress, moderate pain severity, and mild nausea in chronic TTH. Both conditions involve the trigeminovascular system in their pathophysiology. However, distinguishing between TTH and migraine in clinical practice, research, and epidemiological studies can be challenging, as there is a lack of specific diagnostic tests and biomarkers. Moreover, both conditions may coexist, further complicating the diagnostic process. This review aims to explore the similarities and differences in the pathophysiology, epidemiology, burden and disability, comorbidities, and responses to pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments of TTH and migraine. The review also discusses future research directions to address the diagnostic challenges and improve the understanding and management of these conditions.

A multicenter, longitudinal survey of headaches and concussions among youth athletes in the United States from 2009 to 2019.

OBJECTIVE/ BACKGROUND: Chronic headaches and sports-related concussions are among the most common neurological morbidities in adolescents and young adults. Given that the two can overlap in presentation, studying the effects of one on another has proven difficult. In this longitudinal study, we sought to assess the relationship between chronic headaches and concussions, analyzing the role of historic concussions on chronic headaches, as well as that of premorbid headaches on future concussion incidence, severity, and recovery. METHODS: This multi-center, longitudinal cohort study followed 7,453 youth athletes who were administered demographic and clinical surveys as well as a total of 25,815 Immediate Post-concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) assessments between 2009 and 2019. ImPACT was administered at baseline. Throughout the season concussions were examined by physicians and athletic trainers, followed by re-administration of ImPACT post-injury (PI), and at follow-up (FU), a median of 7 days post-concussion. Concussion incidence was calculated as the total number of concussions per patient years. Concussion severity and recovery were calculated as standardized deviations from baseline to PI and then FU in Symptom Score and the four neurocognitive composite ImPACT scores: Verbal Memory, Visual Memory, Processing Speed, and Reaction Time. Data were collected prospectively in a well-organized electronic format supervised by a national research-oriented organization with rigorous quality assurance. Analysis was preformed retrospectively. RESULTS: Of the eligible athletes, 1,147 reported chronic headaches (CH) at the start of the season and 6,306 reported no such history (NH). Median age of the cohort was 15.4 ± 1.6 years, and students were followed for an average of 1.3 ± 0.6 years. A history of concussions (OR 2.31, P < 0.0001) was associated with CH. Specifically, a greater number of past concussions (r2 = 0.95) as well as concussions characterized by a loss of consciousness (P < 0.0001) were associated with more severe headache burden. The CH cohort had a greater future incidence of concussion than the NH cohort (55.6 vs. 43.0 per 100 patient-years, P < 0.0001). However, multivariate analysis controlling for demographic, clinical, academic, and sports-related variables yielded no such effect (OR 0.99, P = 0.85). On multivariable analysis the CH cohort did have greater deviations from baseline to PI and FU in Symptom Score (PI OR per point 1.05, P = 0.01, FU OR per point 1.11, P = 0.04) and Processing Speed (OR per point 1.08, P = 0.04), suggesting greater concussion severity and impaired symptomatic recovery as compared to the NH cohort. CONCLUSION: A history of concussions was a significant contributor to headache burden among American adolescents and young adults. However, those with chronic headaches were not more likely to be diagnosed with a concussion, despite presenting with more severe concussions that had protracted recovery. Our findings not only suggest the need for conservative management among youth athletes with chronic headaches, they also indicate a potential health care gap in this population, in that those with chronic headaches may be referred for concussion diagnosis and management at lower rates than those with no such comorbidity.

Computed tomography-guided radiofrequency ablation of cervical intervertebral discs for the treatment of refractory cervicogenic headache: A retrospective chart review.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of computed tomography (CT)-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of cervical intervertebral discs for the treatment of discogenic cervicogenic headache (CEH). BACKGROUND: Some patients with CEH experience no obvious therapeutic effect after conventional therapy, particularly patients with refractory CEH originating from abnormal cervical intervertebral discs. Treatment for this type of CEH remains poorly characterized. METHODS: Using a single intervention arm, pretest/posttest design, we retrospectively analyzed the data of patients who underwent CT-guided RFA of cervical intervertebral discs for CEH at the Pain Medicine Center of Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital from January 2017 to April 2021. If conservative treatment failed in patients with discogenic CEH, we classified the patients as having refractory CEH and performed RFA of cervical intervertebral discs. We used a numeric rating scale (NRS) to assess pain intensity for 6 months. We also compared therapeutic outcome of patients with different characteristics. RESULTS: A total of 44 patients who underwent CT-guided RFA of cervical intervertebral discs were enrolled and 41 of them were analyzed in the present study. The preoperative median (25th, 75th) NRS score was 4 (4, 5), and it was significantly reduced to 1 (0, 4) 6 months after RFA (p < 0.001). The number of patients with ≥50% of their pain relieved after 6 months was 28 of 41 (68%). No serious treatment-related complications occurred in this study. Compared with single-level RFA, multi-level RFA shows greater effects on pain intensity reduction (p = 0.032) and pain relief rate (p = 0.047) of patients. CONCLUSION: In patients who have discogenic CEH, CT-guided RFA of the cervical intervertebral discs appears to be a promising treatment with no serious complications.

Oculo-vestibular signs in experimentally induced migraine attacks: an exploratory analysis.

Vestibular symptoms accompanying headache are quite common in migraine patients. Based on the association of vertigo with migraine, vestibular migraine was included in the appendix of the 3rd edition of the International Classification of Headache Disorders as a possible migraine subtype worthy of further investigation. In this post hoc, exploratory analysis, we investigated the occurrence of oculo-vestibular signs (OVSs) during experimentally induced migraine attacks in 24 episodic migraine patients and 19 healthy controls exposed to sublingual nitroglycerin (NTG - 0.9 mg). A comprehensive clinical examination was performed at baseline, at the onset of the migraine-like attack, and immediately before hospital discharge (180 minutes after NTG administration). Three of the 13 migraine patients who developed a spontaneous-like migraine attack during the hospital observation period (23.1%) also developed OVSs during the induction test. Noteworthy, none of the patients with a negative induction test developed OVSs and no OVSs were reported in healthy subjects at any time point. The exploratory nature of our study does not allow to draw definite conclusions on the possible implications of a vestibular dysfunction in migraine pathophysiology. Our results however suggest that NTG administration may lend itself to investigate vestibular dysfunction in migraine, at least in a subset of patients. The present findings represent a starting point for designing future ad hoc and well-powered studies.

Do catastrophizing and autonomic-reduced flexibility mediate pain outcomes in chronic headache?

OBJECTIVES: Maladaptive cognitive strategies and reduced autonomic flexibility have been reported in chronic pain conditions. No study to date addressed the effects of maladaptive coping and reduced autonomic flexibility, as indexed by heart rate variability (HRV), in chronic headaches. The present study aimed to assess the mediating role of pain catastrophizing and HRV on pain outcomes in patients with chronic headache. METHODS: Thirty-two chronic headache patients and 28 healthy controls were recruited. Self-reported pain severity, pain interference on daily activity, and pain catastrophizing were assessed through the Multidimensional Pain Inventory and the Pain-Related Self Statements Scale. HRV was recorded at rest. Correlations and mediation analysis between self-report, HRV, and pain outcomes were run. RESULTS: Patients with chronic headache reported significantly higher pain severity (p < .001; d = - 1.98), pain interference on daily activity (p < .001; d = - 1.81), and pain catastrophizing (p < .001; d = - 0.96) compared to controls. They also presented significantly lower HRV (p < .05; d = 0.57). Both pain catastrophizing and HRV were associated with pain interference on daily activity. However, from mediation analysis, pain catastrophizing only emerged as the mediator for pain severity (p < .001; b = 0.30) and pain interference (p < .001; b = 0.14). CONCLUSION: Present results showed that chronic headache patients are characterized by high catastrophizing and lower physiological adaptability. Pain catastrophizing emerged as the only mediator of pain outcomes, suggesting that cognitive factors might have a major influence on the severity of pain and its interference on daily activities. Further studies are needed to evaluate these autonomic-cognitive interactions in chronic pain.

A pilot analysis of headache disorders in breast cancer patients.

INTRODUCTION: The interaction between breast cancer and migraine is complex and not fully elucidated. Large epidemiological studies point towards a beneficial effect of migraines on breast cancer (BC). We aimed to investigate the BC-migraine relationship, with strict data checks and clinical evaluations of both BC and common headache forms. METHODS: Consecutive BC patients were evaluated with the International Classification of Headache Disorders. Clinical data on the BC subtypes and treatments were collected. Parametric and nonparametric statistics were used according to data distributions. RESULTS: Fifty patients were recruited. The mean age was 53.5 ± 12.5 years; 42% were postmenopausal, 52% were premenopausal, and 6% were peri-menopausal. Eleven patients were diagnosed as luminal A, nine as luminal B, 24 as HER2-positive (HER2 +), six as triple-negative BC. Thirty-eight (76%) patients had hormone receptor-positive disease. Ninety-two percent received chemotherapy, 66% received endocrine therapy, and 52% received radiotherapy. Nine out of 50 reported a worsening of headache after systemic treatment. Migraine was diagnosed in 29 patients (18 with menstrual migraine), tension-type headache (TTH) in nine, and no headache in 12. Patients with migraine were younger (48.4 ± 10.7 vs. 60.5 ± 12; p < 0.01). Patients with migraine and TTH had a higher chance of having a HER2 + BC (p < 0.05). Active migraine was associated with a higher expression of estrogen receptors (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with active migraine had higher estrogen receptor expression, while migraine and TTH patients mainly had HER2 + BC. This association was not known earlier and could be helpful to understand deeper the relationship between BC and headache.

Managing Headache Disorders Associated with Tuberous Sclerosis and Neurofibromatosis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) and neurofibromatosis (NF) are neurocutaneous disorders often encountered by neurologists in clinical practice. This article aims to familiarize adult and pediatric neurologists with common features of these disorders and headache specific evaluation and management. RECENT FINDINGS: Non-malignant intracranial tumors in TSC include cortical tubers (glioneuronal hamartomas), subependymal nodules or subependymal giant-cell astrocytomas (SEGA). Headache disorders in TSC are largely secondary and can cause headaches due to increased intracranial pressure, mass effect, obstructive hydrocephalus, or hemorrhage. Neurosurgical intervention is typically required for management of large SEGAs; however, in patients with increased surgical risk, newer treatment modalities may be offered such as neoadjuvant therapy with an mTOR inhibitor (mTORi). Newer studies indicate headache disorders are more prevalent in neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Primary headache disorders can include migraine and tension-type headache, while secondary headache disorders can be due to associated neoplasms such as optic pathway gliomas or brainstem gliomas, or less commonly vasculopathies such as moyamoya syndrome. Selumetinib is an oral, small molecule mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK) agent with antineoplastic activity which is in ongoing trials for treatment of NF1-associated pediatric low-grade gliomas. NF1 stands out as having a higher association with primary headache disorders such as migraine. This association may be related to effects of mutation of the neurofibromin gene on pathways involved in pain and migraine genesis, however, warrants future study. Care should be taken when formulating a headache treatment plan to address comorbidities and avoid medications that may be contraindicated.

Headache related to personal protective equipment in healthcare workers during COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico: baseline and 6-month follow-up.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Headaches related to the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) could affect performance at work in healthcare personnel. Our aim was to describe the prevalence and risk factors for headaches related to PPE, in the personnel of a specialized coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) tertiary hospital. METHODS: In this cross-sectional survey study, we invited healthcare workers from COVID-19 referral center in Mexico (May 22-June 19, 2020) to answer a standardized structure questionnaire on characteristics of new-onset PPE-related headache or exacerbation of primary headache disorder. Participants were invited regardless of whether they had a current headache to avoid selection bias. This is the primary analysis of these data. RESULTS: Two hundred and sixty-eight subjects were analyzed, 181/268 (67.5%) women, 177/268 (66%) nurses, mean age 28 years. The prevalence of PPE-related headache was 210/268 (78.4%). Independent risk factors were occupation other than physician (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.20-2.10), age > 30 years (OR 2.54, 95% CI 1.25-5.14), and female sex (OR 3.58, 95% CI 1.86-6.87). In the 6-month follow-up, 13.1% of subjects evolve to chronic headache, with stress as predictive risk factor. CONCLUSION: The frequency of PPE-associated headache is high, and a subgroup could evolve to chronic headache. More studies are necessary to improve the knowledge about this condition.

Frequency of primary headache disorders and association with body mass index; an ambispective study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the association of body mass index with various primary headache disorders. METHODS: The ambispective study was conducted at the Department of Medicine, Shalamar Institute of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan, from January 2020 to March 2021, and comprised data of patients who presented to outpatient departments of Neurology and Medicine with complaint of recurrent or persistent headaches. Body mass index of each subject at the time of latest headache visit was recorded. A control group of 200 individuals was also raised and the body mass index of its subjects was measured. Headache disorders were classified as per International Classification of Headache Disorders-3 beta criteria. Correlation of frequency of different types of primary headaches with body mass index was explored. Data was analysed using SPSS 20. RESULTS: Of the 400 subjects, 200(50%) each were cases and controls. There were 132(33%) males and 268(67%) females. The overall mean age was 37.4 ±14.7 years and mean body mass index was 27.3 ±5.87kg/m2. Migraine was found in 183(46%) subjects compared to tension-type headache 96(24%). Migraine was more common in subjects with high body mass index (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Primary headaches constitute a significant health problem. Among various risk factors weight-gain is one that can predispose an individual to increased frequency of migraine.

PACAP and Other Neuropeptide Targets Link Chronic Migraine and Opioid-induced Hyperalgesia in Mouse Models.

Chronic use of opioids can produce opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH), and when used to treat migraine, these drugs can result in increased pain and headache chronicity. We hypothesized that overlapping mechanisms between OIH and chronic migraine occur through neuropeptide dysregulation. Using label-free, non-biased liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to identify and measure changes in more than 1500 neuropeptides under these two conditions, we observed only 16 neuropeptides that were altered between the two conditions. The known pro-migraine molecule, calcitonin-gene related peptide, was among seven peptides associated with chronic migraine, with several pain-processing neuropeptides among the nine other peptides affected in OIH. Further, composite peptide complements Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and Secretogranin (SCG) showed significant changes in both chronic migraine and OIH. In a follow-up pharmacological study, we confirmed the role of PACAP in models of these two disorders, validating the effectiveness of our peptidomic approach, and identifying PACAP as a mechanistic link between chronic migraine and OIH. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD013362.