[Digitalization in Migraine Therapy]. / Digitalisierung in der Migränetherapie.

Digitalization is a commonly used keyword in medicine and also in the area of migraine and its therapy. However, digitalization should not be an end in itself, but should improve the treatment of patients and make the work of practitioners easier. This article summarizes the use of e-health applications for migraine medicine, today and in the future.

Hypnic Headache - What do we know in 2022?

BACKGROUND: Hypnic Headache, also known as "alarm clock headache", is a rare primary headache disorder. It is characterized by frequently recurring headache attacks, which only develop during sleep, especially nighttime sleep. OBJECTIVE: This article gives a narrative review on the current knowledge about Hypnic Headache with a focus on secondary Hypnic Headache. METHODS: Based on literature research, using Pubmed and Google Scholar, latest case reports, studies, and systematic reviews about Hypnic Headache were analyzed and summarized focusing on therapeutic options and causes of secondary Hypnic Headache. CONCLUSION: Hypnic Headache mainly occurs in elderly patients. However, younger patients and children may also suffer from Hypnic Headache. Many different causes of secondary Hypnic Headache are described in the literature and ought to be ruled out before diagnosing primary Hypnic Headache. The pathophysiology of primary Hypnic Headache remains unclear, but a dysfunction of the hypothalamus seems to play a key role.

[Galcanezumab for episodic and chronic cluster headache]. / Galcanezumab bei episodischem und chronischem Clusterkopfschmerz.

BACKGROUND: Cluster headache (CH) is a highly debilitating headache disorder characterized by frequent attacks of excruciating unilateral pain accompanied by cranial autonomic symptoms. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is implicated in the pathophysiology of CH. OBJECTIVES: Preventive efficacy and tolerability of the anti-CGRP antibody galcanezumab in patients with episodic (eCH) and chronic CH (cCH). Review of the study results and the challenges in developing drugs for the preventive treatment of CH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In two international multicenter phase III trials galcanezumab 300 mg given subcutaneously every 4 weeks was compared with placebo. The double-blind study period (8 weeks in eCH, 12 weeks in cCK) was preceded by a baseline period in both trials. The primary endpoint was the reduction in weekly attack frequency. RESULTS: In the eCH trial, 106 patients were randomized to either galcanezumab (n = 49) or placebo (n = 57). The mean weekly attack frequency during the first 3 weeks decreased by 52% in the galcanezumab group compared with 27% in the placebo group (p = 0.036). In the cCH trial, 237 patients were randomized to galcanezumab (n = 117) or placebo (n = 120). The primary endpoint was not met in this study. The reduction in mean weekly attack rate was 5.4 with galcanezumab versus 4.6 with placebo (p = 0.334). Galcanezumab was well tolerated in both studies. CONCLUSIONS: Galcanezumab had a significant effect in the prevention of eCH attacks but not in cCH. Possible reasons for this discrepancy are discussed.

Visual snow syndrome is probably not mediated by CGRP: A case series.

BACKGROUND: Visual snow syndrome is a phenomenon for which no effective treatment is known. It is highly comorbid with migraine, therefore we performed a retrospective chart review of patients with visual snow syndrome treated with a monoclonal antibody against calcitonin gene related peptide or its receptor. FINDINGS: We enrolled 15 patients with visual snow syndrome who received at least once a monoclonal antibody against calcitonin gene related peptide or its receptor. None of the patients reported relief of visual snow syndrome whereas those patients with comorbid migraine reported a very good efficacy of the antibody against the migraine headache but not against the migraine aura. CONCLUSION: The data suggest that visual snow syndrome is not mediated by calcitonin gene related peptide in a relevant way and that the calcitonin gene related peptide receptor is not involved in the network underlying the visual snow syndrome.

The occurrence of neuropathic pain following surgery of brainstem cavernous malformations.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess the occurrence and significance of postoperative neuropathic pain (NP) in patients with surgically treated brainstem cavernous malformations (BSCMs). METHODS: Seventy-four BSCM patients surgically treated between 2003 and 2019 were reviewed for the occurrence of postoperative NP and related treatment. The relevance of BSCM location, preoperative characteristics, influence on functional outcome, postoperative health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and life satisfaction was evaluated. RESULTS: Six out of 74 patients (8%) suffered from NP. The Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs scores ranged from 12 to 16 (mean 14.28 ± 1.6). Visual analog scale pain was 5.2 ± 2.0. NP had no effect on preoperative characteristics or functional outcome. Bodily pain (HRQOL) and vocational time (life satisfaction) were significantly decreased in NP compared to non-NP patients. Specific BSCM location (regarding brainstem nuclei involved in pain processing) and other preoperative patient- and BSCM-related parameters were not associated with the occurrence of postoperative NP. Three out of six patients were currently under NP-specific treatment. The proportion of patients suffering from postoperative NP (8%) was substantially higher compared to previously published studies. The pain affected the HRQOL of patients, most of whom were insufficiently treated and not satisfied with treatment results. CONCLUSION: Our findings may help to raise awareness for postoperative NP in BSCM, which is essential to improve diagnosis and initiation of proper treatment, as well as preoperative informed consent of patients.

Prevalence and risk factors of migraine and non-migraine headache in older people - results of the Heinz Nixdorf Recall study.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of migraine and non-migraine headache declines with age. METHODS: Data from the third visit (2011-2015) of the population-based Heinz Nixdorf Recall study were analysed (n = 2038, 51% women, 65-86 years). Possible risk factors for headache activity (obesity, education, smoking, sports, alcohol, partnership status, living alone, having children, sleep quality, depression, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, stroke, coronary heart disease, medication), and headache symptoms were assessed. We estimated the lifetime prevalence and the prevalence of current active headache of migraine with and without aura, and non-migraine headache. The associations between possible risk factors and headache activity (active vs. inactive) were estimated by age and sex-adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (OR [95% CI]) using multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: The lifetime prevalence of migraine was 28.6% (n = 584). One hundred and ninety-two (9.4%) had still-active migraine, 168 (3.5%) had migraine with aura, and 416 (5.9%) had migraine without aura. One hundred and sixty-eight (8.2%) had "episodic infrequent migraine, 0-8 headache days/month", 10 (0.5%) had "episodic frequent migraine, 9-14 headache days/month", and five (0.2%) had "chronic migraine, ≥15 headache days/month". Overall, 10 (0.5%) had "chronic headache, any headache on ≥15 days/month". Female gender and younger age were the most important associated migraine risk factors. Depression (1.62 [1.06; 2.47]) and poor sleep (1.06 [1.00; 1.12]) were associated with migraine and headache activity in general. Antihypertensives were associated with headache remission (0.80 [0.64; 1.00]). Additionally, undertaking less sports (0.72 [0.51; 1.03]) was associated with higher migraine activity. CONCLUSIONS: Headaches and migraines are not rare in the older population. They are related to mood and sleep disturbance, and migraine even to less physical activity. Antihypertensives are related to headache remission.

Efficacy and safety of fremanezumab in clinical trial participants aged ≥60 years with episodic or chronic migraine: pooled results from 3 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 studies.

BACKGROUND: Although migraine is less common in older people, preventive treatment of migraine in these individuals may be more challenging due to the presence of multiple comorbidities and polypharmacy. Additionally, evidence for migraine treatment efficacy, safety, and tolerability is limited in this population. We evaluated efficacy, safety, and tolerability of fremanezumab, a fully humanized monoclonal antibody (IgG2Δa) that selectively targets calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), in clinical trial participants aged ≥60 years with episodic migraine (EM) or chronic migraine (CM). METHODS: This analysis included data from 3 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 studies: the HALO EM study, HALO CM study, and FOCUS study in participants with EM or CM and prior inadequate response to 2-4 migraine preventive medication classes. Participants in all studies were randomized 1:1:1 to receive 12 weeks of subcutaneous treatment with quarterly fremanezumab (Months 1/2/3: EM/CM, 675 mg/placebo/placebo), monthly fremanezumab (Months 1/2/3: EM, 225 mg/225 mg/225 mg; CM, 675 mg/225 mg/225 mg), or matched monthly placebo. RESULTS: These pooled analyses included 246 participants aged ≥60 years. Reductions in monthly migraine days from baseline over 12 weeks were significantly greater with fremanezumab (least-squares mean change from baseline [standard error]: quarterly fremanezumab, - 4.3 [0.59]; monthly fremanezumab, - 4.6 [0.54]) versus placebo (placebo, - 2.3 [0.57]; both P < 0.01 vs placebo). As early as Week 1, significant reductions from baseline in weekly migraine days were observed with fremanezumab versus placebo (both P < 0.01). With fremanezumab treatment versus placebo, a significantly higher proportion of participants achieved ≥50% reduction in monthly migraine days, and significant improvements in disability and quality-of-life outcomes were observed (P < 0.05). Proportions of participants experiencing serious adverse events and adverse events leading to discontinuation were low and similar in the fremanezumab and placebo groups. Efficacy and safety results were comparable to the overall pooled population (N = 2843). CONCLUSIONS: This pooled subgroup analysis demonstrates that fremanezumab treatment is efficacious and well-tolerated over 12 weeks in participants aged ≥60 years with EM or CM. These data may help healthcare providers with clinical decision making and preventive treatment selection for older patients with migraine. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers: HALO CM: NCT02621931 ; HALO EM: NCT02629861 ; FOCUS: NCT03308968 .

[Headache - an Update 2018]. / Kopfschmerzen ­ Update 2018.

Epidemiological studies have shown a clear correlation between migraine and vascular disease in more and more patients. Pathophysiological studies show the relevance of the hypothalamus in the generation of migraine attacks. Glutamate seems to play an important role here. New contrast-enhanced MRI studies support the assumption that the blood-brain barrier remains intact during migraine attacks. The selection of a triptan still remains unique. Neurostimulation has also been included in the acute treatment of migraine. Monoclonal humanized antibodies against CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptides) and a fully human antibody against the CGRP receptor are effective in the prophylaxis of both episodic and chronic migraine. Tricyclic antidepressants showed efficacy in tension-type headache and is superior compared to SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). Electronic diaries can reduce the risk of relapse after a medication break in the event of overuse of headache medication. In patients with episodic cluster headache, successful transient therapy with transcutaneous stimulation of the vagus nerve may be required. In trigeminal neuralgia, a significant comorbidity with depression and anxiety disorders was found.

[Headache News]. / Neues bei Kopfschmerzen.

A review of the latest and most relevant information on different disorders of head and facial pain is presented. News from epidemiologic studies regarding the relationship between migraine and patent foramen ovale, the cardiovascular risk in migraine, and migraine behavior during menopause, and the development of white matter lesions or migraine genetics are presented. Regarding pathophysiology there are very recent insights regarding the role of the hypothalamus during prodromal phase and the interplay of brain-stem and hypothalamus during the attack. In the last year studies and metaanalysis generated new knowledge for the use of triptans in general as in menstrual related migraine and hemiplegic variants. Furthermore, new hope rises for the CGRP (calcitonin-gene related peptide)-antagonists, as the data for ubrogepant do not suggest hepatotoxicity but efficacy. In prophylactic migraine treatment the news are manly on how the new therapeutic approach with monoclonal antibodies against CGRP or its receptor is moving on. Additional newly generated data for already known prophylactic agents as for new approaches are compactly discussed. Although main developments in headache focus on migraine new data on trigemino-autonomic headache trigeminal neuralgia and new daily persistant headache became available.

[Clinical diagnostics and imaging in headache disorders]. / Diagnostik und Einsatz von bildgebenden Verfahren bei Kopfschmerzen.

Headache diagnosis is based on the criteria of the International Headache Society. Migraine and tension type headache are the most frequent primary headache disorders. Diagnosis can be made based on clinical criteria and further diagnostics are not mandatory. Imaging is primarily needed in suspected case of secondary headache disorders. Distinct imaging methods are used for research purposes especially for research about underlying pathophysiology of headache disorders.

Efficacy of Atogepant in Chronic Migraine With and Without Acute Medication Overuse in the Randomized, Double-Blind, Phase 3 PROGRESS Trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Atogepant is an oral, calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor antagonist approved for the preventive treatment of migraine. We evaluated the efficacy of atogepant for the preventive treatment of chronic migraine (CM) in participants with and without acute medication overuse. METHODS: This subgroup analysis of the phase 3, 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled PROGRESS trial evaluated adults with a ≥1-year history of CM, ≥15 monthly headache days (MHDs), and ≥8 monthly migraine days (MMDs) during the 4-week baseline period. Participants were randomized (1:1:1) to placebo, atogepant 30 mg twice daily (BID), or atogepant 60 mg once daily (QD) for 12 weeks and were analyzed by acute medication overuse status (triptans/ergots for ≥10 days per month, simple analgesics for ≥15 days per month, or combinations of triptans/ergots/simple analgesics for ≥10 days per month). Outcomes included change from baseline in mean MMDs, MHDs, and monthly acute medication use days; ≥50% reduction in mean MMDs across 12 weeks; and patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures. RESULTS: Of 755 participants in the modified intent-to-treat population, 500 (66.2%) met baseline acute medication overuse criteria (placebo, n = 169 [68.7%]; atogepant 30 mg BID, n = 161 [63.6%]; atogepant 60 mg QD, n = 170 [66.4%]). The least squares mean difference (LSMD) (95% CI) from placebo in MMDs was -2.7 (-4.0 to -1.4) with atogepant 30 mg BID and -1.9 (-3.2 to -0.6) with atogepant 60 mg QD. Mean MHDs (LSMD [95% CI] -2.8 [-4.0 to -1.5] and -2.1 [-3.3 to -0.8]) and mean acute medication use days (LSMD [95% CI] -2.8 [-4.1 to -1.6] and -2.6 [-3.9 to -1.3]) were reduced and a higher proportion of participants achieved ≥50% reduction in MMDs (odds ratio [95% CI] 2.5 [1.5-4.0] and 2.3 [1.4-3.7]) with atogepant 30 mg BID and atogepant 60 mg QD. There was a 52.1%-61.9% reduction in the proportion of atogepant-treated participants meeting acute medication overuse criteria over 12 weeks. Atogepant improved PRO measures. Similar results were observed in the subgroup without acute medication overuse. DISCUSSION: Atogepant was effective in participants with CM, with and without acute medication overuse, as evidenced by reductions in mean MMDs, MHDs, and acute medication use days; reductions in the proportion of participants meeting acute medication overuse criteria; and improvements in PROs. TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03855137. Submitted: February 25, 2019; first patient enrolled: March 11, 2019. clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03855137. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE: This study provides Class II evidence that atogepant reduces mean MMDs, MHDs, and monthly acute medication use days in adult patients with or without medication overuse.

The beneficial effect of positive treatment expectations on pharmacological migraine prophylaxis.

ABSTRACT: Migraine is one of the leading causes of years lived with disability and considered to be a major global health concern. Pharmacological preventive treatment often causes side effects that limit the adherence to longer-term treatment regimens. Both experimental and clinical evidence suggests that positive expectations can modulate pain and analgesic treatment effects. However, the role of expectations in migraine prophylactic treatment has not systematically been investigated. Here, we examined the influence of treatment expectation before commencing pharmacological preventive treatment on its efficacy and tolerability in N = 134 episodic (30%) and chronic migraine (70%) patients in a prospective, longitudinal observational study over the course of 6 months. The migraine prophylaxis reduced the number of headache and migraine days with acceptable tolerability. Positive treatment expectation was associated with a generally lower number of headache and migraine days and a stronger reduction in headache days over the course of the treatment in chronic but not in episodic migraine patients. Moreover, patients with prior treatment showed a stronger reduction in headache days with higher expectation as compared to patients without prior experience. Our results underscore the relevance of further exploring the role of treatment expectation and its systematic modulation in patients with migraine and other pain conditions.

Prevention of medication overuse and medication overuse headache in patients with migraine: a randomized, controlled, parallel, allocation-blinded, multicenter, prospective trial using a mobile software application.

BACKGROUND: Overall, 55% of the German population suffers from primary episodic headaches according to recent studies. Inadequate management of headache disorders is a significant medical problem. The prevalence of medication overuse headache (MOH) is about 1% with an estimated number of 800,000 people in Germany. Medication overuse (MO) and MOH are usually managed through a complex process of medication withdrawal and initiating of prophylaxis. However, patients who were successfully treated for MO or MOH have a high relapse rate in the following 2 years. Previously, continued monitoring of self-reported medication intake demonstrated lower relapse rates. The prevalence and burden of MO and MOH are high, and effective strategies to prevent the development of a relapse into MOH or de novo MOH are still missing. Therefore, the MOH trial was designed to assess the effects of combining self-reported medication intake with daily monitoring of the entered data and a personalized patient-specific medication intake feedback system in an easy-accessible app-based platform in order to prevent the development and relapse of MO(H). METHODS: The MOH trial is a randomized, controlled, parallel, multicenter, prospective trial. A total of 624 migraine patients with frequent migraine attacks and 336 patients who underwent treatment for MO(H) will be randomly allocated to use either a customized app with or without individual feedback regarding their self-reported medication intake for 12 months. The primary outcome will be the proportion of patients developing MO or MOH for at least 3 consecutive months between baseline and end of study visits. DISCUSSION: This trial will assess the effects of providing patients with feedback regarding their self-reported use of migraine medications and migraine days using a mobile software on the development or prevention of MO(H). We hypothesize that the development of MO(H) in patients with frequent episodic migraine (EM) or chronic migraine (CM) and relapse after treatment of MO(H) can be reduced by a feedback system. If this trial proves that using an app with specific and unspecific messaging to the patient is successful, this method, which is now investigated mainly in specialized headache centers, could later be extended to primary care, thus providing benefits for a broader patient group. TRIAL REGISTRATION: German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00025961 . Registered on 04 August 2021.

Management of medication overuse (MO) and medication overuse headache (MOH) S1 guideline.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic headache due to the overuse of medication for the treatment of migraine attacks has a prevalence of 0.5-2.0%. This guideline provides guidance for the management of medication overuse (MO) and medication overuse headache (MOH). RECOMMENDATIONS: Treatment of headache due to overuse of analgesics or specific migraine medications involves several stages. Patients with medication overuse (MO) or medication overuse headache (MOH) should be educated about the relationship between frequent use of symptomatic headache medication and the transition from episodic to chronic migraine (chronification), with the aim of reducing and limiting the use of acute medication. In a second step, migraine prophylaxis should be initiated in patients with migraine and overuse of analgesics or specific migraine drugs. Topiramate, onabotulinumtoxinA and the monoclonal antibodies against CGRP or the CGRP-receptor are effective in patients with chronic migraine and medication overuse. In patients with tension-type headache, prophylaxis is performed with amitriptyline. Drug prophylaxis should be supplemented by non-drug interventions. For patients in whom education and prophylactic medication are not effective, pausing acute medication is recommended. This treatment can be performed in an outpatient, day hospital or inpatient setting. Patients with headache due to overuse of opioids should undergo inpatient withdrawal. The success rate of the stepped treatment approach is 50-70% after 6 to 12 months. A high relapse rate is observed in patients with opioid overuse. Tricyclic antidepressants, neuroleptics (antiemetics) and the administration of steroids are recommended for the treatment of withdrawal symptoms or headaches during the medication pause. Consistent patient education and further close monitoring reduce the risk of relapse.

Post-COVID-19 Syndrome is Rarely Associated with Damage of the Nervous System: Findings from a Prospective Observational Cohort Study in 171 Patients.

INTRODUCTION: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can affect multiple organs. Reports of persistent or newly emergent symptoms, including those related to the nervous system, have increased over the course of the pandemic, leading to the introduction of post-COVID-19 syndrome. However, this novel syndrome is still ill-defined and structured objectification of complaints is scarce. Therefore, we performed a prospective observational cohort study to better define and validate subjective neurological disturbances in patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome. METHODS: A total of 171 patients fulfilling the post-COVID-19 WHO Delphi consensus criteria underwent a comprehensive neurological diagnostic work-up including neurovascular, electrophysiological, and blood analysis. In addition, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and lumbar puncture were conducted in subgroups of patients. Furthermore, patients underwent neuropsychological, psychosomatic, and fatigue assessment. RESULTS: Patients were predominantly female, middle-aged, and had incurred mostly mild-to-moderate acute COVID-19. The most frequent post-COVID-19 complaints included fatigue, difficulties in concentration, and memory deficits. In most patients (85.8%), in-depth neurological assessment yielded no pathological findings. In 97.7% of the cases, either no diagnosis other than post COVID-19 syndrome, or no diagnosis likely related to preceding acute COVID-19 could be established. Sensory or motor complaints were more often associated with a neurological diagnosis other than post-COVID-19 syndrome. Previous psychiatric conditions were identified as a risk factor for developing post-COVID-19 syndrome. We found high somatization scores in our patient group that correlated with cognitive deficits and the extent of fatigue. CONCLUSIONS: Albeit frequently reported by patients, objectifiable affection of the nervous system is rare in post-COVID-19 syndrome. Instead, elevated levels of somatization point towards a pathogenesis potentially involving psychosomatic factors. However, thorough neurological assessment is important in this patient group in order to not miss neurological diseases other than post-COVID-19.

Impact of a 12-week open-label placebo treatment on headache days in episodic and chronic migraine: a study protocol for a parallel-group, multicentre, randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Migraine is the most common neurological disorder and one of the major causes of years lived with disability. Its treatment (especially of chronic forms) is often challenging and accompanied with adverse effects. Although new therapeutic approaches have recently emerged (eg, calcitonin gene-related peptide antibodies), these are linked to strict prescribing guidelines and therefore limited to only a minority of patients. Recently, randomised controlled trials have demonstrated that open-label placebo treatments can lead to significant and clinically relevant improvements of chronic pain conditions. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This multicentre, randomised controlled clinical trial following a parallel group between-subject design aims to systematically investigate the impact of a 12-week open-label placebo treatment on moderate to severe headache days (primary outcome) in patients with episodic and chronic migraine in addition to treatment as usual. Secondary outcomes comprise the number of migraine days, pain intensity, intake of acute medication, quality of life, disability, global impression of change, tolerability and a responder rate. To systematically address potential predictors of placebo responses in patients with migraine, this study assesses potential psychometric predictors, salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase awakening responses, catechol-o-methyltransferase Val158Met polymorphisms, as well as functional and structural brain connectivity (ie, resting state functional MRI, diffusion tensor imaging). The data analysis will be performed on basis of the general linear model considering repeated measures (mixed model). ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This protocol and all corresponding documents were approved with regard to their content and compliance with ethical regulations by the Ethics Committee of the Medical Faculty of the University Duisburg-Essen, Germany and the Ethics Committee of the Landesärztekammer Hessen. The results from this study will be actively disseminated through manuscript publications and conference presentations. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00021259).

Prevention of migraine with monoclonal antibodies against CGRP or the CGRP receptor: Addition to the S1 guideline: Therapy of migraine attacks and prevention of migraine. Recommendations of the Germany Society of Neurology and the German Migraine and Headache Society.

Monoclonal antibodies against the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor (Erenumab) or against CGRP (Eptinezumab, Fremanezumab, Galcanezumab) are new substances for the preventive treatment of migraine. They represent an extension of the therapeutic options, which already exist in migraine prevention. In randomized, placebo-controlled studies, the efficacy and good tolerability of these specific substances have been demonstrated in patients with episodic and chronic migraine. The following treatment recommendation presents a summary of the pivotal studies. Recommendations are provided for the targeted selection of patients as well as for the evaluation of therapeutic success and the duration of treatment. Finally, possible restrictions on the use of this new substance group are discussed. This guideline is an abridged and translated version of the guideline published by Diener H-C, May A et al., Prevention of migraine with monoclonal antibodies against CGRP or the CGRP receptor, Supplement to S1 Guideline Therapy of Migraine Attack and Prevention of Migraine, 2019, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Neurologie (eds.), Guidelines for Diagnostics and Therapy in Neurology. A complete version of this guideline can be found on the website of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Neurologie (www.dgn.org/leitlinien) and the AWMF (Arbeitsgemeinschaft wissenschaftlicher Medizinischer Gesellschaften). This guideline has been approved by the German Neurological Society (DGN) and the German Migraine and Headache Society (GMHS) and was reviewed by the two societies.

Corneal Confocal Microscopy Demonstrates Corneal Nerve Loss in Patients With Trigeminal Neuralgia.

Background: The diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is challenging due to the lack of objective diagnostics. Corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) is a non-invasive ophthalmic imaging technique, which allows quantification of corneal nerve fibers arising from the trigeminal ganglion and may allow the assessment of neurodegeneration in TN. Methods: CCM was undertaken in 11 patients with TN and 11 age-matched healthy controls. Corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD), corneal nerve branch density, corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL), corneal nerve fiber width, corneal nerve fiber area, and dendritic cell and non-dendritic cell density with or without nerve fiber contact were quantified. Results: Patients with TN had significantly lower CNFD and CNFL but no difference for any other corneal nerve or dendritic cell parameter in the ipsilateral and the contralateral cornea compared to the control group. There was no significant difference in corneal nerve and cell parameters between patients with TN with and without involvement of the ophthalmic nerve (V1) or with nerve vessel conflict. Conclusion: Corneal confocal microscopy is a rapid non-invasive imaging technique that identifies symmetrical corneal nerve loss in patients with TN.