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.

Migraine with aura and stroke - the role of warning signs in the context of secondary headaches: case report / Enxaqueca com aura e acidente vascular cerebral ­ o papel dos sinais de alerta no contexto das cefaleias secundárias: relato de caso

Introduction: Headache is a very common complaint in doctors' offices, with primary causes being the majority in relation to secondary ones. Despite this, the identification of secondary headaches is very relevant in clinical practice, since these can be a life-threatening condition, functionality or even a reversible cause. However, imaging screening for all individuals with headache is costly and unrewarding. Therefore, it is important to know the warning signs that, together with the clinical context, lead to a more precise indication of these exams and early and well-targeted therapeutic interventions. Clinical case: This is a 60-year-old man, previously dyslipidemic and smoker, with migraine with aura reported since childhood, who underwent treatment with sodium valproate, with headache attack suppression. About 4 months before admission, he presented with an alteration in the pain pattern, amaurosis fugax in the right eye, dizziness and mild paresis and hypoesthesia in the left side of the body, primarily treated by him as migraine crises, without improvement with the use of triptans. A new outpatient investigation was carried out, which showed multiple small infarcts in the right hemisphere secondary to atheromatous plaque in the right carotid bulb with an obstruction of approximately 85%. Diagnostic and therapeutic arteriography was performed, with stent implantation, uneventfully. Conclusion: The differential diagnosis between migraine with aura and a cerebrovascular event has already been widely reported in the literature and constitutes a pitfall in the routine of headaches, since a serious and potentially disabling condition can be overlooked. The joint evaluation of the alarm signs with the global context becomes an important tool in the propaedeutics of these patients, with knowledge of this casuistry being something relevant within clinical practice.

Introdução: A cefaleia é uma queixa muito comum nos consultórios médicos, sendo as causas primárias majoritárias em relação às secundárias. Apesar disso, a identificação de cefaleias secundárias é muito relevante na prática clínica, uma vez que estas podem ser uma condição potencialmente fatal, funcional ou mesmo uma causa reversível. No entanto, o rastreio imagiológico para todos os indivíduos com cefaleias é dispendioso e pouco recompensador. Portanto, é importante conhecer os sinais de alerta que, juntamente com o contexto clínico, levam a uma indicação mais precisa destes exames e a intervenções terapêuticas precoces e bem direcionadas. Caso clínico: Trata-se de um homem de 60 anos, previamente dislipidémico e fumador, com queixa de enxaqueca com aura desde a infância, que realizou tratamento com valproato de sódio, com supressão das crises de cefaleia. Cerca de 4 meses antes da internação apresentou alteração do padrão álgico, amaurose fugaz em olho direito, tontura e leve paresia e hipoestesia no lado esquerdo do corpo, tratada por ele primariamente como crises de enxaqueca, sem melhora com o uso de triptanos. Foi realizada nova investigação ambulatorial que evidenciou múltiplos pequenos infartos no hemisfério direito secundários a placa de ateroma no bulbo carotídeo direito com obstrução de aproximadamente 85%. Foi realizada arteriografia diagnóstica e terapêutica, com implante de stent, sem intercorrências. Conclusão: O diagnóstico diferencial entre enxaqueca com aura e evento cerebrovascular já foi amplamente relatado na literatura e constitui uma armadilha na rotina das cefaleias, uma vez que uma condição grave e potencialmente incapacitante pode ser negligenciada. A avaliação conjunta dos sinais de alarme com o contexto global torna-se uma ferramenta importante na propedêutica destes pacientes, sendo o conhecimento desta casuística algo relevante dentro da prática clínica.

Avaliação do manejo médico no atendimento de cefaleia na sala de urgência e emergência do Hospital Regional de Barbacena - MG / Evaluation of medical management in the treatment of headache in the urgency and emergency room of the Hospital Regional de Barbacena - MG

Introdução: O manejo da cefaleia nas salas de urgência e emergência deve ser baseada em uma anamnese detalhada para que o diagnóstico e tratamento sejam adequados, entretanto não é o que se encontra nos atendimentos. Objetivo: Avaliar o manejo do atendimento das cefaleias em uma sala de Urgência e Emergência. Métodos: Estudo de corte transversal retrospectivo, realizado através da análise de dados de 1317 prontuários eletrônicos de pacientes com queixa de cefaleia que procuraram o serviço de emergência do Hospital Regional de Barbacena durante o período de 01 de janeiro de 2017 a 30 de junho de 2019. Os diagnósticos relatados nos prontuários foram classificados de acordo com os critérios da Classificação Internacional das Cefaleias (ICHD-3). Os dados foram submetidos à análise estatísticas, pelo teste de qui-quadrado. Considerou-se diferenças estatisticamente significativas aquelas cujo valor p≤0,05. Resultados: Do total de prontuários, três foram excluídos, sendo analisados 1314. Entre os prontuários analisados, 73,21% apresentaram diagnósticos iniciais eram cefaleia, 16,67% migrânea e 10,12% cefaleia do tipo tensão. Já no diagnóstico final, cefaleia correspondeu a 59,67%, migrânea a 17,95% e cefaleia do tipo tensão a 8,52%. Em relação ao tratamento, foi receitado opioides para 43,99% dos pacientes e para o restante foram prescritos medicamentos não opioides. Conclusão: O trabalho sugeriu falha no manejo da cefaleia nas salas de urgência e emergência, provavelmente pela limitação do conhecimento dos profissionais de saúde acerca da dor de cabeça. O que acarretou no grande número de diagnósticos inespecíficos e inadequada abordagem terapêutica.

Introduction: Detailed clinical evaluation should be the basis for the proper management of headaches in emergency rooms, in order to allow adequate diagnosis and treatment. However, this is not usually observed on clinical rounds. Objective: To evaluate the management of headache consultations in an emergency rooms. Methods: This is a cross-section study was performed analyzing data from 1,317 electronic medical records of patients with headache complaints who sought treatment at the Barbacena City Regional Hospital's between January 1, 2017, and June 20, 2019. Medical records were classified according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3). The data collected were statistically analyzed using chi-square tests. The study considered a p-value≤0.05 to define statistically significant differences. Results: Three medical records were excluded and 1,314 were analyzed. Among the medical records analyzed, 73.21% of initial diagnoses were classified as headache, 16.67% as migraine, and 10.12% as tension-type headache. Headache corresponded to 59.76% of final diagnoses, migraine to 17.95%, and tension-type headache to 8.52%. Regarding the treatment, 43.99% of patients were prescribed opioids for the remaining were prescribed nonopioid medications. Conclusion: The study suggests that the management of headaches is inadequate in emergency rooms, probably due to limited knowledge of health professionals about headache. This resulted in a large number of nonspecific diagnoses and inadequate therapeutic approaches.

Update on headache and brain tumors.

Headache is one of the leading symptoms often associated with brain tumours. Secondary headaches attributed to intracranial neoplasias have been included in subchapter 7.4 of the third edition of the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3). According to ICHD-3, the headache may be attributed to a brain tumour if it has developed in close temporal relation with the development of the neoplasia, has significantly worsened in parallel with the worsening of the tumour, and/or has significantly improved following the successful treatment of the neoplasia. Brain tumour headache was traditionally thought to display some specific clinical characteristics, including worsening in the morning and/or when lying down, being aggravated by Valsalva-like manoeuvres and accompanied by nausea and/or vomiting; however, the studies performed after the advent of modern neurodiagnostic techniques have pointed out that the "classic" brain tumour headache is uncommon, particularly at the time of clinical presentation. Therefore, it becomes critical to seek some specific factors associated with the presence of an intracranial mass (the so-called "red flags") that can guide the physician to establish an accurate diagnosis.

Sinus Headache: Differential Diagnosis and an Evidence-Based Approach.

The diagnosis "sinus headache" has been reclassified as "headache attributed to disorder of the nose or paranasal sinuses" by the International Headache Society, but the term is still commonly used by patients and primary care doctors alike. Rhinologic symptoms and headache disorders are common, and they may coexist without a causative relationship. Patients may undergo unnecessary medical interventions because of inadequate understanding of the classifications and management of various headache disorders. Otolaryngologists frequently treat patients with these complaints, and a systematic approach to the differential diagnosis and utilization of a multidisciplinary approach are critical in providing optimal patient care.

Narrative review of acute post-craniotomy pain. Concept and strategies for prevention and treatment of pain. / Revisión narrativa del dolor agudo poscraneotomía. Concepto y estrategias de prevención y tratamiento del dolor.

The aim of this narrative review is to confirm that acute pain after craniotomy is frequent and presents with moderate to severe intensity. We also highlight the importance of not only treating post-craniotomy pain, but also of preventing it in order to reduce the incidence of chronic pain. Physicians should be aware that conventional postoperative analgesics (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, paracetamol, cyclooxygenase inhibitors 2, opioids) are not the only options available. Performing a scalp block prior to surgical incision or after surgery, the use of intraoperative dexmedetomidine, and the perioperative administration of pregabalin are just some alternatives that are gaining ground. The management of post-craniotomy pain should be based on perioperative multimodal analgesia in the framework of an "enhaced recovery after surgery" (ERAS) approach.

Clinical features of chronic cluster headache based on the third edition of the International Classification of Headache Disorders: A prospective multicentre study.

The criterion for the remission period of chronic cluster headache (CCH) was recently revised from < 1 month to < 3 months in the third edition of the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3). However, information on the clinical features of CCH based on the ICHD-3 criteria is currently limited. The present study aimed to investigate the clinical features of CCH based on ICHD-3 using data from the Korean Cluster Headache Registry (KCHR). The KCHR is a multicentre prospective registry of patients with cluster headache (CH) from 15 hospitals. Among the 250 participants with CH, 12 and 176 participants were classified as having CCH and episodic cluster headache (ECH), respectively. Among 12 participants with CCH, 6 (50%) had remission periods of < 1 month, and the remaining 6 (50%) had a remission period of 1-3 months. Six participants had CCH from the time of onset of CH, and in the other 6 participants, CCH evolved from ECH. CCH subjects had later age of onset of CH, developed the condition after a longer interval after CH onset, and had more migraine and less nasal congestion and/or rhinorrhoea than ECH subjects. Clinical features of CCH with remission periods < 1 month were not significantly different from those of CCH with remission periods of 1-3 months, except for the total number of bouts. More current smoking and less diurnal rhythmicity were observed in participants with CCH evolved from ECH compared to those with ECH. In conclusion, the number of subjects with CCH doubled when the revised ICHD-3 criteria were used. Most of clinical characteristics of CCH did not differ when the previous and current version of ICHD was applied and compared. Some clinical features of CCH were different from those of ECH, and smoking may have a role in CH chronification.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Headache-Child.

Headaches in children are not uncommon and have various causes. Proper neuroimaging of these children is very specific to the headache type. Care must be taken to choose and perform the most appropriate initial imaging examination in order to maximize the ability to properly determine the cause with minimum risk to the child. This evidence-based report discusses the different headache types in children and provides appropriate guidelines for imaging these children. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Hints on Diagnosing and Treating Headache.

BACKGROUND: Headache, like dizziness, is one of the more common presenting complaints in outpatient care and in the emergency room. More than 200 varieties of headache have been described, and the false impression may arise that the diagnosis and treatment of these syndromes is a highly challenging task. METHODS: This review is based on pertinent articles retrieved by a selective search in PubMed. RESULTS: In primary headache, the headache is not a symptom but a disease in its own right. There are four types of primary headache: migraine, tension headache, trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia, and other primary headache disorders. By definition, the physical examination is normal, including the neurological examination. Secondary headache, in contrast, is a symptom of another disease (e.g., a tumor or cerebral hemorrhage). Triptans and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) are the drugs usually given for the acute treatment and prophylaxis of migraine. In tension headache, NSAID are given acutely, and tricyclic drugs for prophylaxis. There are various options for the treatment of trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia syndromes such as cluster headache and paroxysmal hemicrania. For group 4 headaches (other primary headache disorders), the treatment must be chosen on an individual basis; indomethacin is often effective. CONCLUSION: If the patient is clearly suffering from none of the four types of primary headache, the problem must be a headache of a secondary nature, potentially reflecting a dangerous underlying disease. The treatment of headache is usually successful and thus highly rewarding for physicians of all medical specialties.

Evaluation of Pain Syndromes, Headache, and Temporomandibular Joint Disorders in Children.

After a thorough review of the history and presentation of a child's facial pain, a targeted head and neck examination is critical to the appropriate diagnosis of facial pain and temporomandibular joint disorders. It is critical to distinguish between the structural (trauma, degenerative disease, and tumor) and nonstructural (neurogenic, myogenic, and psychological) causes of pain, which will allow for incorporation of appropriate strategies of medical, psychological, dental, and surgical therapies.

Imaging of Children With Nontraumatic Headaches.

OBJECTIVE: Headache in children is a common symptom and often is worrisome for clinicians and parents because of the breadth of possible underlying significant abnormalities, including meningitis, brain neoplasms, and intracranial hemorrhage. For this reason, many children with headaches undergo neuroimaging. Most neuroimaging studies performed of children with headaches have normal findings but may lead to significant downstream effects, including unnecessary exposure to ionizing radiation or sedation, as well as unnecessary cost to the health care system. In this article, we review the current evidence and discuss the role of neuroimaging in the diagnosis and management of pediatric headaches, with a special focus on tools that may aid in increasing the rate of positive findings, such as classification systems, algorithms, and red flag criteria. CONCLUSION: Many tools exist that can help in improving the appropriateness of neuroimaging in pediatric headache. The main issues that remain to be addressed include scientific proof of safety and validity of these tools and clarity regarding the risks, benefits, and cost-effectiveness of CT versus MRI in various clinical settings and scenarios.

The role of genetics on migraine induction triggered by CGRP and PACAP38.

Migraine has a strong genetic component and is characterized by multiphasic events including an initial premonitory phase with premonitory symptoms (PS). Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide-38 (PACAP38) are endogenous neuropeptides that can trigger migraine attacks and have in recent years gained considerable interest in the migraine field. Yet, the exact pathophysiological mechanisms underlying CGRP- and PACAP38-induced attacks are not fully clarified. Human provocation models have shown that these peptides induce attacks in only two- thirds of migraine patients. Whether this diverse migraine response after CGRP or PACAP38 may be explained by genetic factors is unknown. The present thesis includes four studies that explore different factors that may be associated with the CGRP- and PACAP38-induced migraine response. In study I and II we investigated the role of familial predisposition (family load) and number of risk conferring gene variants on migraine attacks induced by CGRP or PA-CAP38. In study III, we investigated biochemical changes of CGRP, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), S100B and TNF-alpha in the blood after PACAP38. Finally in study IV, we studied whether CGRP or PACAP38 may induce PS. Study I and II demonstrated that PACAP38 and CGRP induce migraine attacks in 63% and 72% of the patients, respectively. Moreover, we showed that patients with high family load or a high number of migraine associated gene variants did not report more migraine attacks after CGRP or PACAP38 than those with no familial predisposition or few gene variants. Study III showed that PACAP38 infusion caused changes in plasma concentrations for VIP and S100B, but not CGRP and TNF-alpha, suggesting activation of parasympathetic nerve endings. Study IV showed absence of PS after CGRP and lack of statistical difference in PS between patients who reported and not reported attacks after PACAP38 suggesting peripheral mechanisms of induction. In conclusion, the present thesis suggests that genetics factors such as family load and genetic variants do not contribute to susceptibility of migraine attacks induced by CGRP or PACAP38. Additionally, our data indicate that CGRP and PACAP38 primarily have a peripheral site of action. We believe that the acquired knowledge from this thesis on how CGRP and PACAP38 might be involved in migraine pathophysiology would contribute to the development of novel and better migraine treatments in the future.

[Cluster headache differential diagnosis]. / Diagnostic différentiel de l'AVF.

Cluster headache is characterized by disabling stereotyped headache. Early diagnosis allows appropriate treatment, unfortunately diagnostic errors are frequent. The main differential diagnoses are other primary or essential headaches. Migraine, more frequent and whose diagnosis is carried by excess, trigeminal neuralgia or other trigemino-autonomic cephalgia. Vascular or tumoral underlying condition can mimic cluster headache, neck and brain imaging is recommended, ideally MRI.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels in the synovial fluid of patients with temporomandibular joint internal derangement.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the level of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in the synovial fluid (SF) of patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) internal derangement and to show the relationship between the level of TNF-α and the severity of the disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Arthrocentesis was performed on 32 female and five male patients (aged between 17 and 45) referred to our clinic with the complaint of TMJ pain and discomfort. TNF-α levels were determined in the SF samples obtained during arthrocentesis. As a measure of pain, visual analog scale (VAS) scores were also evaluated. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences in VAS scores between the stages. VAS scores were found to be elevated as the stage of disease progressed. Increased levels of TNF-α were found in progressive stages of internal derangement. CONCLUSION: In our study, both SF TNF-α levels and pain levels (VAS scores) were found to be increased in patients with internal derangement as the stage of the disease progresses. TNF-α might contribute to the pathogenesis of synovitis and the degeneration of the TMJ cartilage and bone.

Headache types, related morbidity, and quality of life in survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a prospective cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Increased headache prevalence was recently reported in survivors of childhood ALL. Headache sub types, related morbidity, and effect on quality of life has not been reported thus far. OBJECTIVE: To study headache prevalence and type, related disability, and quality of life in a cohort of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) survivors. METHODS: Childhood ALL survivors in at least 1-year of remission and 5 years from diagnosis completed questionnaires and were evaluated by a neurologist. Disability was evaluated with Pediatric Migraine Disability Assessment scale and the Short Form-36 Health Survey assessed quality of life. RESULTS: Thirty nine of 72 (54%) females and 37 of 90 (41%) males reported headaches. Median time from ALL diagnosis to first headache was 5.2 years and median age at headache onset was 10.1 years in 76 participants with headache. Migraine headaches were diagnosed in 51 (31%) and episodic tension-type headaches in 49 (30%); migraine and tension-type headaches co-existed in 24 (15%) and 18 (11%) participants had chronic daily headaches. Fatigue was associated with migraine headache while hypertension and female gender associated with tension type headache. Headache-related disability was mild in 22 (29%), moderate in 7 (9%), and severe in 5 (7%) survivors, and was absent in the remaining 42 (55%) survivors with headache. Both migraine and tension type headaches associated with reduced mental component scores, while headache related disability associated with a reduced physical component scores. CONCLUSIONS: Headaches are common in ALL survivors but only a minority has significant disability or impairment of quality of life.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria Headache.

Most patients presenting with uncomplicated, nontraumatic, primary headache do not require imaging. When history, physical, or neurologic examination elicits "red flags" or critical features of the headache, then further investigation with imaging may be warranted to exclude a secondary cause. Imaging procedures may be diagnostically useful for patients with headaches that are: associated with trauma; new, worse, or abrupt onset; thunderclap; radiating to the neck; due to trigeminal autonomic cephalgia; persistent and positional; and temporal in older individuals. Pregnant patients, immunocompromised individuals, cancer patients, and patients with papilledema or systemic illnesses, including hypercoagulable disorders may benefit from imaging. Unlike most headaches, those associated with cough, exertion, or sexual activity usually require neuroimaging with MRI of the brain with and without contrast to exclude potentially underlying pathology before a primary headache syndrome is diagnosed. The ACR Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed every 2 years by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and review include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer-reviewed journals and the application of a well-established consensus methodology (modified Delphi) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures by the panel. In those instances in which evidence is lacking or not definitive, expert opinion may be used to recommend imaging or treatment.

Headaches in brain tumor patients: primary or secondary?

BACKGROUND: Headaches occur commonly in all patients, including those who have brain tumors. It has been argued that there is a classic "brain tumor headache type" - defined by the International Headache Society as one that is localized, progressive, worse in the morning, aggravated by coughing or bending forward, develops in temporal and often spatial relation to the neoplasm, and resolves within 7 days of surgical removal or treatment with corticosteroids. METHODS: Using the search terms "headache and brain tumors," "intracranial neoplasms and headache," and "facial pain and brain tumors," we reviewed the literature from the past 20 years on brain tumor-associated headache and reflected upon the International Classification of Headache Disorders-3 (ICHD-3). In a separate, complementary paper, the proposed mechanisms of brain tumor headache are reviewed. RESULTS: We discuss multiple clinical presentations of brain tumor headaches, present the ICHD-3 diagnostic criteria for each type of headache, and then apply our findings to the ICHD-3. Our primary and major finding was that brain tumor headaches can present similarly to primary headaches in those with a predisposition to headaches, suggesting that following ICHD-3 criteria could cause a clinician to overlook a headache caused by a brain tumor. We further find that some types of headaches are not explicitly discussed in the ICHD-3 and also propose that the International Headache Society formally define SMART (Stroke-like Migraine Attacks after Radiation Therapy) syndrome given the increasing amount of literature on this disorder. CONCLUSION: Our literature review revealed that brain tumor headache uncommonly presents with classic brain tumor headache characteristics and often satisfies criteria for a primary headache category such as migraine or tension-type. Thus, clinicians may miss headaches due to brain tumors in following ICHD-3 criteria, and the distinction between primary and secondary headache disorders may not be so clear-cut.