Hypersensitivity to PACAP-38 in post-traumatic headache: a randomized clinical trial.

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide-38 (PACAP-38), known for its role in migraine pathogenesis, has been identified as a novel drug target. Given the clinical parallels between post-traumatic headache (PTH) and migraine, we explored the possible role of PACAP-38 in the pathogenesis of PTH. To this end, we conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-way crossover trial involving adult participants diagnosed with persistent PTH resulting from mild traumatic brain injury. Participants were randomly assigned to receive a 20-min continuous intravenous infusion of either PACAP-38 (10 pmol/kg/min) or placebo (isotonic saline) on two separate experimental days, with a 1-week washout period in between. The primary outcome was the difference in incidence of migraine-like headache between PACAP-38 and placebo during a 12-h observational period post-infusion. The secondary outcome was the difference in the area under the curve (AUC) for baseline-corrected median headache intensity scores during the same 12-h observational period. Of 49 individuals assessed for eligibility, 21 were enrolled and completed the trial. The participants had a mean age of 35.2 years, and 16 (76%) were female. Most [19 of 21 (90%)] had a migraine-like phenotype. During the 12-h observational period, 20 of 21 (95%) participants developed migraine-like headache after intravenous infusion of PACAP-38, compared with two (10%) participants after placebo (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the baseline-corrected AUC values for median headache intensity scores during the 12-h observational period was higher after PACAP-38 than placebo (P < 0.001). These compelling results demonstrate that PACAP-38 is potent inducer of migraine-like headache in people with persistent PTH. Thus, targeting PACAP-38 signalling might be a promising avenue for the treatment of PTH.

Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome and Female Sex: A Narrative Review.

Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) refers to segmental, multifocal constriction of intracranial arteries along with acute headache and resolves within weeks. It occurs more commonly in women, and 1 well-known manifestation of RCVS is postpartum angiopathy. Furthermore, the female sex is included in scoring systems designed to assist with diagnosing RCVS. Nonetheless, the literature is mixed regarding the true role of female and pregnancy-related factors in the pathophysiology of RCVS, and it is similarly unclear whether management of this disorder differs by sex. Given the association of RCVS with female sex and the importance of highlighting, recognizing, and managing stroke etiologies in women, herein, the author reviews what is currently known and unknown about the topic of RCVS in women.

Understanding the pathophysiology of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH): a review of recent developments.

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a condition of significant morbidity and rising prevalence. It typically affects young people living with obesity, mostly women of reproductive age, and can present with headaches, visual abnormalities, tinnitus and cognitive dysfunction. Raised intracranial pressure without a secondary identified cause remains a key diagnostic feature of this condition, however, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms that drive this increase are poorly understood. Previous theories have focused on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) hypersecretion or impaired reabsorption, however, the recent characterisation of the glymphatic system in many other neurological conditions necessitates a re-evaluation of these hypotheses. Further, the impact of metabolic dysfunction and hormonal dysregulation in this population group must also be considered. Given the emerging evidence, it is likely that IIH is triggered by the interaction of multiple aetiological factors that ultimately results in the disruption of CSF dynamics. This review aims to provide a comprehensive update on the current theories regarding the pathogenesis of IIH.

Headache patterns in patent foramen ovale patients: beyond migraine with aura.

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a common cardiac anomaly linked with cryptogenic strokes and migraine, particularly migraine with aura. This study aims to explore the spectrum of headache disorders in PFO patients, focusing on identifying patterns beyond the well-established migraine-PFO connection. A retrospective observational study was conducted on patients diagnosed with PFO. Headache types were classified using the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition. The study analyzed headache prevalence and patterns in PFO patients, comparing those with and without a history of stroke. Of 177 participants, 63 (35.59%) reported headaches. Tension-type headache was the most common (15.25%), followed by migraine without aura (11.30%) and migraine with aura (8.47%). Notably, migraine without aura was more prevalent than migraine with aura, contrasting previous assumptions. No significant differences were found in headache types based on stroke history. The study reveals a diverse spectrum of headache types in PFO patients, with migraine without aura being more common than migraine with aura. These findings suggest a need for broader diagnostic perspective and individualized treatment approaches in PFO patients with headaches.

Headache in Sturge-Weber syndrome: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) is a neurocutaneous disorder for which the neurological aspects, particularly headaches, remain poorly understood, despite significantly affecting morbidity. The present study aimed to elucidate the prevalence, characteristics and treatment strategies, as well as explore the pathogenesis of headaches, in SWS. METHODS: Using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we systematically reviewed observational studies, case reports and series from eight databases (Cochrane Library, EBSCO, Embase, Medline, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus and Web of Science), published from 1978 to 2023, to investigate the prevalence, characteristics, medication response and pathogenic theories of headaches in SWS. RESULTS: The review analyzed 48 studies, uncovering headache prevalence between 37% and 71%. Migraine-like headache affected up to 52% of individuals. Prophylactic and acute treatments included non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, triptans and antiepileptic drugs, despite the lack of established guidelines. Life-threatening headaches in SWS are uncommon, typically accompanied by other neurological symptoms. The pathogenesis of headaches in SWS is considered to involve venous congestion and neuronal hyperexcitability linked to leptomeningeal angiomas. CONCLUSIONS: Headaches occur more frequently in individuals with SWS than in the general population. Despite symptoms meeting migraine criteria, these headaches should be considered secondary to vascular conditions. Implementing acute and prophylactic treatment is advised to reduce the impact on patients' lives.

Are the ICHD-3 criteria for headache attributed to idiopathic intracranial hypertension valid? Headache phenotyping and field-testing in newly diagnosed idiopathic intracranial hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Headache burden is substantial in idiopathic intracranial hypertension. The classification of idiopathic intracranial hypertension headache by the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD) is an important tool for research and clinical purposes. METHODS: We phenotyped headaches and tested sensitivity and specificity of the ICHD-3 criteria for idiopathic intracranial hypertension headache in a prospective cohort of patients suspected of idiopathic intracranial hypertension at two tertiary headache centers. RESULTS: Sensitivity was 93% and specificity was 100% of ICHD-3 criteria for idiopathic intracranial hypertension-related headache validated in idiopathic intracranial hypertension (n = 140) and patients in whom idiopathic intracranial hypertension was suspected but disproven (n = 103). The phenotype of new/worsened headaches related to idiopathic intracranial hypertension suspicion was equally migraine-like (p = 0.76) and tension-type-like (p = 0.08). Lumbar puncture opening pressure was higher (p < 0.0001) and pulsatile tinnitus more frequent (p < 0.0001) in idiopathic intracranial hypertension patients, but neither improved the applicability of the headache criteria, nor did papilledema. CONCLUSION: Headache phenotype is not distinct in idiopathic intracranial hypertension. ICHD-3 criteria for idiopathic intracranial hypertension headache are sensitive and specific, but simplicity can be improved without compromising accuracy. We propose that a new or worsened headache temporally related to active idiopathic intracranial hypertension is a sufficient criterion for idiopathic intracranial hypertension headache regardless of headache phenotype or accompanying symptoms, and that elements of idiopathic intracranial hypertension diagnostics (papilledema and opening pressure) be segregated from headache criteria.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04032379.

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension as the initial presenting manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus in a child.

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a diagnosis of exclusion characterized by features of raised intracranial pressure (ICP) in the absence of brain parenchymal lesion, vascular malformations, hydrocephalus, or central nervous system (CNS) infection. Commonly used other terms for this entity include benign intracranial hypertension (BIH) or pseudotumor cerebri. Few case reports of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) presenting as IIH are available in the literature. We report a 12-year-old girl presented with chronic holocranial headache and occasional episodes of projectile vomiting for the last 6 months and then developed blurring of vision for the last month. She fulfilled the criteria for IIH. Subsequent evaluation revealed a diagnosis of SLE. The occurrence of IIH in SLE is not coincidental and is reported in 1%-5.4% of patients with SLE. Though corticosteroids have not been widely used in IIH, underlying SLE warranted administering corticosteroids with subsequent complete resolution of IIH. Pediatricians, neurologists, intensivists, and ophthalmologists should consider SLE as a differential diagnosis in children presenting with IIH.

Systemic lupus erythematosus with chronic persistent intracranial hypertension: A case report.

OBJECTIVE: The aim is to investigate the clinical characteristics of systemic lupus erythematosus with intracranial hypertension. METHODS: The clinical characteristics of one case of systemic lupus erythematosus with chronic persistent intracranial hypertension were analyzed, and related literature was reviewed by searching Medline and Wanfang databases. RESULTS: Intracranial hypertension in SLE patients may occur at the onset or during the course of the disease. Our patient was diagnosed with IH 3 years after the onset of SLE. Headache and papilledema were the most common symptoms of intracranial hypertension, followed by nausea or vomiting, vision changes, and cerebral palsy. Our patient had a headache and cranial hypertension that lasted for years, but no papilledema was found. Corticosteroid is currently the mainstay of the treatment of IIH in patients with SLE, and immunosuppressive agents, acetazolamide, intravenous mannitol and furosemide are also used. However, our patient did not respond to these treatments and presents the characteristics of chronic persistent intracranial hypertension. CONCLUSION: Systemic lupus erythematosus with intracranial hypertension is a rare manifestation of SLE, which is not completely parallel to SLE activity. Headache and papilledema were the most common presenting symptoms. Different from previous reported cases, our patient had poor response to treatments, showing chronic and persistent characteristics.

Headache in systemic lupus erythematosus: The LUNA registry cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the clinically relevant factors for headaches in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) using a registry from a Japanese multicenter cohort. METHODS: This cross-sectional study analysed the clinical information of patients with SLE who experienced headache episodes using the Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) questionnaire. Significant findings in the comparisons between patients with headache (HA patients) and those without headache (non-HA patients) and in the comparisons depending on the grades of headache-induced disability in daily life based on the MIDAS scores were evaluated. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the relevant factors for headache. RESULTS: We analyzed 369 patients (median age, 45 years; female, 90.8%), including 113 HA patients who were significantly younger than non-HA patients (p < .005). HA patients had significantly higher frequencies of photosensitivity, rashes, and mucosal ulcers than non-HA patients (p < .05). Age and photosensitivity were significantly associated with headache (odds ratio (OR) 0.93, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.95-0.99; OR 2.11, 95% CI 1.29-3.49, respectively). In the HA patients, hypocomplementemia was significantly associated with a disability of more than mild grade (OR 2.89, 95% CI 1.14-7.74), while rash was significantly observed in those presenting with moderate and severe disability. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that photosensitivity is a relevant manifestation of headache in patients with SLE. Persistent hypocomplementemia can contribute to headache-induced disability in daily life, whereas a rash may be a dominant manifestation in patients presenting with moderate/severe headache-induced disability.

Long-term headache after spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Though headache is commonly observed after stroke and may affect survivors' quality of life, it has rarely been studied after spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH). In a cohort of ICH survivors, we assessed the long-term prevalence and determinants of headache. METHODS: We screened consecutive ICH survivors enrolled in the prospective, single-centre Prognosis of Intracerebral Haemorrhage study for headache 1, 3, and 6 years after ICH, according to the International Headache Society's criteria. Depressive and anxiety symptoms severity was measured at 1-year follow-up. Variables associated with the presence of headache 1 year after ICH were analyzed using univariate and multivariable models. RESULTS: Among the 146 patients included in this study, 31 (21%), 25 (19%), and 14 (20%) patients reported headache at 1-, 3-, and 6-year follow-up, respectively. In an age-adjusted model, patients with headache at ICH onset (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.75; 95% CI 1.02-7.42) and previous history of headache (aOR 4.60; 95% CI 1.74-12.1) were associated with headache at 1-year follow-up. Patients with headache were more likely to report depressive and anxiety symptoms at 1-year follow-up (both p < 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: One in five ICH survivors suffered from headache and patients who reported headache at ICH onset were especially at risk.

Surgical closure of spinal cerebrospinal fluid leaks improves symptoms in patients with superficial siderosis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks may cause a myriad of symptoms, most common being orthostatic headache. In addition, ventral spinal CSF leaks are a possible etiology of superficial siderosis (SS), a rare condition characterized by hemosiderin deposits in the central nervous system (CNS). The classical presentation of SS involves ataxia, bilateral hearing loss, and myelopathy. Unfortunately, treatment options are scarce. This study was undertaken to evaluate whether microsurgical closure of CSF leaks can prevent further clinical deterioration or improve symptoms of SS. METHODS: This cohort study was conducted using data from a prospectively maintained database in two large spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) referral centers in Germany and Switzerland of patients who meet the modified International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition criteria for SIH. Patients with spinal CSF leaks were screened for the presence of idiopathic infratentorial symmetric SS of the CNS. RESULTS: Twelve patients were included. The median latency between the onset of orthostatic headaches and symptoms attributed to SS was 9.5 years. After surgical closure of the underlying spinal CSF leak, symptoms attributed to SS improved in seven patients and remained stable in three. Patients who presented within 1 year after the onset of SS symptoms improved, but those who presented in 8-12 years did not improve. We could show a significant association between patients with spinal longitudinal extrathecal collections and SS. CONCLUSIONS: Long-standing untreated ventral spinal CSF leaks can lead to SS of the CNS, and microsurgical sealing of spinal CSF leaks might stop progression and improve symptoms in patients with SS in a time-dependent manner.

Headaches and facial pain attributed to SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The aim was to provide insights to the characteristics of headache in the context of COVID-19 on behalf of the Headache Scientific Panel and the Neuro-COVID-19 Task Force of the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) and the European Headache Federation (EHF). METHODS: Following the Delphi method the Task Force identified six relevant questions and then conducted a systematic literature review to provide evidence-based answers and suggest specific diagnostic criteria. RESULTS: No data for facial pain were identified in the literature search. (1) Headache incidence during acute COVID-19 varies considerably, with higher prevalence rates in prospective compared to retrospective studies (28.9%-74.6% vs. 6.5%-34.0%). (2) Acute COVID-19 headache is usually bilateral or holocranial and often moderate to severe with throbbing pain quality lasting 2-14 days after first signs of COVID-19; photo-phonophobia, nausea, anosmia and ageusia are common associated features; persistent headache shares similar clinical characteristics. (3) Acute COVID-19 headache is presumably caused by immune-mediated mechanisms that activate the trigeminovascular system. (4) Headache occurs in 13.3%-76.9% following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and occurs more often amongst women with a pre-existing primary headache; the risk of developing headache is higher with the adenoviral-vector-type vaccines than with other preparations. (5) Headache related to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is mostly bilateral, and throbbing, pressing, jolting or stabbing. (6) No studies have been conducted investigating the underlying mechanism of headache attributed to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. CONCLUSION: The results of this joint EAN/EHF initiative provide a framework for a better understanding of headache in the context of SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination.

Diagnostic workup of acute headache and subarachnoid hemorrhage in a Norwegian population: An observational study.

BACKGROUND: Acute headache may be the primary symptom of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Recent guidelines suggest that non-contrast computed tomography (CT) is adequate to exclude aneurysmal SAH if performed within 6 h after symptom onset. However, most studies of acute headache including CT, lumbar puncture and SAH are multicenter studies from referral hospitals with highly selected patient populations. The main purpose of this study was to describe the diagnostic properties of head CT and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) spectrophotometry for detecting SAH in an unselected primary hospital population with acute headache. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study conducted at a large primary hospital serving roughly 10% of the Norwegian population. Diagnostic workup from consecutive patients evaluated for acute headache in 2009-2020 were collected. All CSF-spectrophotometry reports were standardized and the same CT scanner was used during the study. RESULTS: A total of 3227 patients were included. Median age was 45 years and 63% were women. In total, 170 (5.3% of all acute headache patients) had SAH. Of 3071 CT-negative patients, 2852 (93%) underwent lumbar puncture. Of the CSF reports, 2796 (98%) were negative for xanthochromia. Overall, the rate for detection of aneurysmal SAH by positive xanthochromia was 9 in 2852 cases (3‰). The miss rate for the detection of an aneurysmal SAH with a CT scan within 6 h was 0 and within 12 h 1 in 2852 cases (0.3‰). CONCLUSION: In acute headache, a CT scan taken within 6 h is practically 100% sensitive for detecting any SAH.

Headache Management in Individuals with Brain Tumor.

Headache occurs commonly in individuals diagnosed with cerebral neoplasm. Though the features of a brain tumor-associated headache may vary, a progressive nature of headache and a change in headache phenotype from a prior primary headache disorder often are identified. Pathophysiologic mechanisms proposed for headache associated with brain tumor include headache related to traction on pain-sensitive structures, activation of central and peripheral pain processes, and complications from surgical, chemotherapeutic and/or radiotherapy treatment(s). Optimization of headache management is important for an individual's quality of life. Treatments are based upon patient-specific goals of care and may include tumor-targeted medical and surgical interventions, as well as a multimodal headache treatment approach incorporating acute and preventive medications, nutraceuticals, neuromodulation devices, behavioral interventions, anesthetic nerve blocks, and lifestyles changes.

A case report: new-onset nummular headache after stenting of the middle cerebral artery.

BACKGROUND: Nummular headache (NH) is categorized as a primary headache in the International Classification of Headache Disorders, Third edition (ICHD-3) diagnostic criteria, but there are secondary etiologies as well. We present a case of secondary NH that associated with vascular lesion. CASE PRESENTATION: We report on a 40-year-old man with a medical history of symptomatic intracranial arterial stenosis who developed a headache after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting because of Intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis(ICAS). This new-onset headache was a pinprick headache confined to the parietal part of the head and 5 cm in size. This headache most closely resembled the phenotype of a NH. And other causes of secondary headache were excluded. Thus, the diagnosis of NH was highly speculated. This patient represents a rare headache phenomenon after intracranial arterial stent placement. CONCLUSION: This is the first report of NH after stent placement treatment in a patient with ICAS.

Post-transfusion severe headache in a patient with thalassemia with superficial siderosis of the central nervous system: a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Patients with severe thalassemia may experience adverse effects from transfusion such as fever, rash, and iron overload after long-term transfusion therapy. Severe headaches as a side effect of blood transfusion in patients with thalassemia are not commonly observed, especially when combined with superficial siderosis of the central nervous system, which is easily misdiagnosed and requires excessive examination and treatment. CASE PRESENTATION: A 31-year-old woman was admitted with severe headache and vomiting over 3 days following blood transfusion. She was diagnosed with intermediate α-thalassemia at 2 years of age and had a history of irregular blood transfusions. Physical examination revealed horizontal nystagmus with no other abnormal neurological signs. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, MR venography, MR arteriography, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis were normal. However, susceptibility-weighted imaging showed abnormal signals in the bilateral and fourth ventricles. Initial antibiotics, antivirals, decompression of intracranial pressure, iron chelation, and symptomatic treatments were administered; subsequently, small intermittent blood transfusions were cautiously administered for severe anemia. The patient's headache was gradually relieved, and she was discharged on day 9. At the 5-month follow-up, the patient's headache recurred following another transfusion. CONCLUSIONS: Severe post-transfusion headache in patients with thalassemia has not been fully recognized and is easily misdiagnosed, leading to excessive examination and treatment. Understanding the clinical features of transfusion-related headaches can help identify this complication, but the exact pathophysiological mechanism requires further research.

Harlequin syndrome in a patient with probable hemicrania continua and exertional headache - is there a link? a case report.

BACKGROUND: The harlequin syndrome is a rare disorder of the autonomic nervous system characterized by unilateral diminished flushing and sweating of the face following exposure to heat or physical activity. It results from sympathetic dysfunction and most commonly occurs idiopathically. A secondary development due to an underlying pathology (e.g., carotid artery dissection, tumors) must be excluded at first appearance. There is evidence that the cranial autonomic system is involved in the pathophysiology of trigeminal autonomic headaches like hemicrania continua. Therefore, an overlap in the pathophysiology of harlequin syndrome and trigeminal autonomic headache disorders seems plausible. However, the association of a harlequin syndrome with hemicrania continua was never reported. CASE PRESENTATION: This work describes the case of a 42-year-old female patient presenting to our headache unit. The patient reported persisting unilateral headache of the right side of dragging or squeezing character accompanied by trigeminal autonomic symptoms, including lacrimation, nasal congestion, conjunctival injection and Horner's syndrome, and was responsive to treatment with 75mg/d indomethacin. Five months after the initial consultation, the patient noted that the upper right quadrant of her face was pale after jogging. A harlequin syndrome was diagnosed. Further, she developed a short-lasting, bilateral headache of pulsatile character during strenuous exercise consistent with exertional headache. Comprehensive diagnostic evaluations, encompassing cranial and cervical MRI scans, laboratory tests, and biopsies, culminated in the diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome. This finding suggests that the trigemino-autonomic dysfunction may either be idiopathic or a direct manifestation of Sjögren's syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: This report documents the case of a rare combination of a headache resembling probable hemicrania continua and the harlequin syndrome (and even exertional headache). It illustrates the underlying anatomy of the autonomic nervous system in a clinical context and emphasizes the hypothesis of a pathophysiological link between abnormal sympathetic activity and trigeminal autonomic headaches.

Questionnaire-based study of COVID-19 vaccination induced headache: evidence of clusters of adverse events.

BACKGROUND: The adverse events (AEs) after a Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) Pfizer-Biotech mRNA vaccination present a medical and epidemiological issue of increasing interest. Headache is the most frequent neurological adverse effect and generally the third most common adverse event after a Covid-19 vaccination, but only a few studies focus on the link between headache and other AEs after vaccination. This study aims to investigate the correlation between headaches and Covid-19 vaccination, as well as the possible links between headaches and other AEs after Covid-19 vaccination, thereby helping the management of AEs and avoiding further occurrences. METHODS: This study is based on a published questionnaire survey of 1,402 healthcare workers. Our study focused on the 5 questions including 12 AEs and headaches extracted from the questionnaire post the first and second Covid-19 vaccination. The severity of the 12 AEs and headaches could be classified by the participants on a five-step scale: "Not at all", "Little", "Average", "Quite", and "Very" (abbreviated as "N", "L", "A", "Q", "V"). We used the Bowker test to study the comparison of headache severity, indicated on a 5-point Likert scale between the first and second vaccinations. We applied an ordinal logistic regression to the 5 categories with headache severity serving as the dependent variable and the ratings of the other 12 AEs serving as the independent variable to further explore to what extent the severity of the 12 AEs is associated with the severity of headaches. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis was conducted to evaluate the predictive value of the ratings of the 12 AEs to headache severity. RESULTS: We found that participants rated their headaches as more severe after the second vaccination, and participants who reported experiencing fatigue, flu-like symptoms, pain at the injection site, known tension-type headache, fever, dizziness/balance problems and known migraine are associated with headache symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: There are clusters of headache-associated AEs post Covid-19 vaccination. The association of various AEs with headaches may be due to similar causative mechanisms.

Low pulse pressure and high serum complement C1q are risk factors for hemodialysis headache: A case-control study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Hemodialysis headache (HDH) is a common complication of dialysis that negatively affects the patient's quality of life. The etiology and triggering factors of HDH are not fully understood. This study aims to assess the prevalence and characteristics of HDH among patients undergoing hemodialysis across multiple centers in China. Furthermore, we conducted a case-control study at one hospital to identify risk factors associated with HDH. METHODS: The study consisted of two phases including a cross-sectional observational study and a case-control study. Participants underwent neurological examinations and interviews. Demographic and medical information were collected from both medical records and patient files. Serum creatinine, uric acid, urea, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), plasma osmolarity, glucose, C1q, and a variety of electrolytes including potassium, sodium, chloride, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus were measured before and after dialysis. Blood pressure variables including systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, pulse pressure (PP), and heart rate were monitored hourly. Serum levels of inflammatory factors, including tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10 were quantified using a double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: The prevalence of HDH was 37.7% (183/485). HDH was characterized by a bilateral tightening headache of moderate intensity and duration of <2 h, occurring in different locations. The case-control study included 50 patients with HDH and 84 control patients, pre-dialysis PP was found to be lower in the HDH group than in the control group (mean ± standard deviation 51.5 ± 18.2 vs. 67.9 ± 14.9, p = 0.027). Furthermore, the pre-dialysis serum complement C1q level was significantly higher for the HDH group than the control group (median and interquartile range 201.5 [179.0-231.5] vs. 189.0 [168.9-209.0], p = 0.021). Pre-dialysis PP was associated with 5.1% decreased odds of HDH (odds ratio [OR] = 0.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.93-0.99, p = 0.026), body weight was associated with a 5.4% decreased risk of HDH (OR = 0.95; 95% CI, 0.91-0.99, p = 0.013), and pre-dialysis C1q levels increased the odds of HDH by 1.9% (OR = 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01-1.03, p = 0.005). CONCLUSION: Low PP, low body weight, and high blood complement C1q may be potential risk factors associated with HDH.

Daith piercing: Revisited from the perspective of auricular acupuncture systems. A narrative review.

BACKGROUND: Daith piercing is a special ear-piercing method that punctures the crus of the helix. The penetrated site at the ear's innermost point is assumed to stimulate a pressure point associated with the vagus nerve. It has been reported that the pierced spot relieves migraine and tension-type headaches by activating vagal afferents, leading to the inhibition of neurons in the caudal trigeminal nucleus via the nucleus tractus solitarii. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this narrative literature review is to summarize the current state of knowledge concerning daith piercing for the treatment of migraine and tension-type headaches from the perspectives of the Chinese and Western auricular systems. METHODS: PubMed and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases were searched using the keywords "daith piercing," "auricular points," "headache," and "acupuncture" from database inception to September 1, 2023. Only studies on humans were eligible; otherwise, no further restrictions were applied to the study designs, type of headache, or patient population of the identified articles. Bibliographies of all eligible studies were screened for further eligible studies. The main outcome of interest was a quantitative measure of pain relief by daith piercing. Secondary outcomes were relapse time of headache and further outcomes related to daith piercing, if available. RESULTS: From a total of 186 identified articles, one retrospective study and three case reports fulfilled the inclusion criteria. No clinical trial was identified. The obtained studies describe patients experiencing chronic headaches undergoing daith piercing without changing or reducing their usual medication. In all case studies and the retrospective study, patients reported substantial reductions in pain immediately after daith piercing; however, headache symptoms recurred several weeks to months thereafter. From the perspective of the Chinese and Western auricular systems, no sufficient explanation for the described treatment effect of daith piercing was found. CONCLUSION: The available literature, combined with the reported recurrence of pain as well as the associated side effects of daith piercing, indicate that current evidence does not support daith piercing for the treatment of migraine, tension-type headaches, or other headache disorders. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: This paper summarizes what we know about Daith piercing (DP) for chronic migraine and tension-type headache and discusses how DP might work. Current evidence does not support DP as an effective treatment of chronic migraine and tension-type headache. These findings might assist clinicians in discussing this subject with patients as well as guide future research.