Multimodal treatment, including extracorporeal shock wave therapy, for refractory chronic tension-type headache: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Few reports have described multidisciplinary treatment, including extracorporeal shock wave therapy, for patients with refractory chronic tension-type headache. In this study, we conducted multidisciplinary treatment for a patient with chronic tension-type headache who suffered from chronic headache refractory to treatment. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient was a 45-year-old Japanese male suffering from 20 years of headache. As his headache had worsened recently, he visited a local clinic. With the diagnosis of suspected tension-type headache, its treatment was unsuccessful and he was referred to our hospital. The neurology department confirmed the tension-type headache and prescribed another medication, but he showed no improvement. Then, the patient was referred to the rehabilitation medicine department for consultation. At the initial visit, we identified multiple myofascial trigger points in his bilateral posterior neck and upper back regions. At the initial visit, he was prescribed 10 mL of 1% lidocaine injected into the muscles in these areas. In addition, he received 2000 extracorporeal shock wave therapy into bilateral trapezius muscles, and was instructed to take oral Kakkonto extract granules, benfotiamine, pyridoxine hydrochloride, and cyanocobalamin. Cervical muscle and shoulder girdle stretches and exercises were also recommended. At follow-up treatment visits, we used extracorporeal shock wave therapy to bilateral trapezius muscles, which led to immediate pain relief. After 11 weeks, he was not taking any medication and his headache was subjectively improved and his medical treatment ended. CONCLUSION: A patient with chronic tension-type headache refractory to regular treatment was successfully treated with a multimodal approach including extracorporeal shock wave therapy in addition to standard treatment. For patients with tension-type headache accompanied by myofascial trigger points, it may be recommended to promptly consider aggressive multimodal treatment that includes extracorporeal shock wave therapy.

Nociplastic pain: towards an understanding of prevalent pain conditions.

Nociplastic pain is the semantic term suggested by the international community of pain researchers to describe a third category of pain that is mechanistically distinct from nociceptive pain, which is caused by ongoing inflammation and damage of tissues, and neuropathic pain, which is caused by nerve damage. The mechanisms that underlie this type of pain are not entirely understood, but it is thought that augmented CNS pain and sensory processing and altered pain modulation play prominent roles. The symptoms observed in nociplastic pain include multifocal pain that is more widespread or intense, or both, than would be expected given the amount of identifiable tissue or nerve damage, as well as other CNS-derived symptoms, such as fatigue, sleep, memory, and mood problems. This type of pain can occur in isolation, as often occurs in conditions such as fibromyalgia or tension-type headache, or as part of a mixed-pain state in combination with ongoing nociceptive or neuropathic pain, as might occur in chronic low back pain. It is important to recognise this type of pain, since it will respond to different therapies than nociceptive pain, with a decreased responsiveness to peripherally directed therapies such as anti-inflammatory drugs and opioids, surgery, or injections.

Falta de rigor científico de dos investigaciones de series de casos sobre diplomáticos estadounidenses en La Habana / Lack of scientific consistency in two investigations of case series of United States diplomats in Havana

Introducción: Con el propósito de justificar la decisión diplomática de los Estados Unidos, se publicaron dos artículos científicos en revistas médicas que intentan sostener la idea de que en La Habana hubo un ataque dirigido a personal de la embajada estadounidense. Objetivo: Demostrar la falta de rigor científico en dos investigaciones de series de casos no independientes sobre los síntomas de salud de diplomáticos de los Estados Unidos en La Habana. Método: Se realiza un análisis documental de dos publicaciones de series de casos. Se evalúan hipótesis diagnósticas. Resultados: Existe superposición amplia entre las dos series en cuanto a pacientes compartidos y en contraste se presentan algunas diferencias en los datos clínicos que superan lo esperado. Conclusiones: En ambas publicaciones se desaprovecha la riqueza semiográfica de síntomas y la información psicosocial. Se enfatiza más en argumentos asociados al fetichismo de la tecnología expresado en la interpretación de hallazgos inespecíficos. El análisis de datos clínicos permitió ver que se trata de un grupo heterogéneo de personas cuyas quejas de salud han sido reunidas por la interacción de otros factores psicosociales contextuales(AU)

Introduction: In order to justify the diplomatic decision of the United States, two scientific articles were published in medical journals that attempt to support the idea that, in Havana, there was an attack aimed at US embassy personnel. Objective: To prove the lack of scientific consistency in two investigations of non-independent case series on the health symptoms of United States diplomats in Havana. Method: A documentary analysis of two publications of case series is carried out. Diagnostic hypotheses are evaluated. Results: There is wide overlap between the two series in terms of shared patients and in contrast there are some differences in the clinical data that exceed what was expected. Conclusions: In both publications the semiographic wealth of symptoms and psychosocial information are wasted. More emphasis is placed on arguments associated with the fetishism of technology expressed in the interpretation of nonspecific findings. The analysis of clinical data allowed us to see that it is a heterogeneous group of people whose health complaints have been brought together by the interaction of other contextual psychosocial factors(AU)

Association of bruxism and anxiety symptoms among military firefighters with frequent episodic tension type headache and temporomandibular disorders / Associação de bruxismo e sintomas de ansiedade em bombeiros militares com cefaleia do tipo tensional episódica frequente e desordens temporomandibulares

ABSTRACT Objective To assess the presence of bruxism and anxiety among military firefighters with frequent episodic tension-type headache and painful temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). Methods The sample consisted of 162 individuals aged 18 to 55 years divided into four groups. Headache was diagnosed in accordance with the International Classification of Headache Disorders-III. The Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders questionnaire was used to classify TMDs and awake bruxism; sleep bruxism was diagnosed in accordance with the International Classification of Sleep Disorders-3; and anxiety was classified using the Beck Anxiety Inventory. In statistical models, a significance level of 95% was used. The chi-square test was used to assess anxiety. Results Associations were found among frequent episodic tension-type headache, painful TMDs, awake bruxism and anxiety (p < 0.0005). Sleep bruxism was not a risk factor (p = 0.119) except when associated with awake bruxism (p = 0.011). Conclusion Anxiety and awake bruxism were independent risk factors for developing frequent episodic tension-type headache associated with painful TMDs; only awake bruxism was a risk factor for frequent episodic tension-type headache with non-painful TMDs.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar a presença de bruxismo e sintomas de ansiedade entre bombeiros militares com cefaleia do tipo tensional episódica frequente (CTTEF) e desordens temporomandibulares Dolorosas (DTMs). Métodos A amostra foi composta por 162 indivíduos com idade entre 18 e 55 anos divididos em quatro grupos. A CTTEF foi diagnosticada de acordo com o ICHD-III. O RDC / TMD foi usado para classificar as DTMs e o bruxismo acordado; o bruxismo do sono foi diagnosticado de acordo com o ICSD-3; e a ansiedade foi classificada usando o Inventário de Ansiedade de Beck. Nos modelos estatísticos, utilizou-se um nível de significância de 95%. O teste Qui-quadrado avaliou a ansiedade. Resultados Associações foram encontradas entre CTTEF, DTMs dolorosas, bruxismo diurno e ansiedade (p < 0,0005). O bruxismo do sono não foi fator de risco (p = 0,119), mas quando associado à atividade diurna (p = 0,011). Conclusão Ansiedade e bruxismo diurno foram fatores de risco independentes para o desenvolvimento de CTTEF associado a DTMs dolorosas. Apenas o bruxismo diurno foi fator de risco para CTTEF com DTMs não dolorosas.

Painful temporomandibular disorder, sleep bruxism, anxiety symptoms and subjective sleep quality among military firefighters with frequent episodic tension-type headache. A controlled study / Desordens temporomandibulares dolorosas, bruxismo do sono, sintomas de ansiedade e qualidade subjetiva do sono em bombeiros militares com cefaleia do tipo tensional episódica frequente. Estudo controlado

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate associations of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), bruxism, anxiety and sleep quality among military firefighters with frequent episodic tension-type headache (FETTH). Methods The sample comprised two groups (80 individuals): controls (mean age 35.2 years) and study group (mean age 38.5 years). Headache was diagnosed in accordance with the ICHD-III. The Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMDs were used to classify the TMDs; bruxism was diagnosed in accordance with the International Classification of Sleep Disorders; anxiety was classified using the Beck Anxiety Inventory; and sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. In the statistical models, we used a significance level of 95%. Results Associations were found between participants with FETTH and TMDs (p < 0.001) and anxiety (p = 0.002).Poor quality of sleep (p = 0.687) and bruxism (p = 0.670) were not risk factors. Conclusion The study found that TMDs and anxiety among firefighters were associated with FETTH.

RESUMO Objetivo Investigar associações de distúrbios temporomandibulares (DTM), bruxismo, ansiedade e qualidade subjetiva do sono entre bombeiros militares com cefaleia do tipo tensional episódica frequente (CTTEF). Método A amostra consistiu em dois grupos com 80 indivíduos cada: controles (idade média 35,2 anos) e grupo de estudo (idade média 38,5 anos). A dor de cabeça foi diagnosticada de acordo com a Classificação Internacional de Cefaleias, 3a edição. Os critérios de diagnóstico de pesquisa para DTM (RDC / TMD) foram utilizados para classificar DTM; o bruxismo foi diagnosticado de acordo com a Classificação Internacional de Distúrbios do Sono; a ansiedade foi classificada usando o Inventário de Ansiedade Beck; e a qualidade do sono foi avaliada usando o Índice de Qualidade do Sono de Pittsburgh (PSQI). Nos modelos estatísticos utilizamos um nível de significância de 95%. Resultados Foram encontradas associações entre indivíduos com CTTEF e presença de DTM (p <0,001) e ansiedade (p = 0,002). A baixa qualidade do sono (p = 0,687) e o bruxismo (p = 0,670) não foram fatores de risco para CTTEF. Conclusão O estudo verificou que DTM e ansiedade entre os bombeiros estavam associados a CTTEF, mas a qualidade subjetiva do sono e o bruxismo não foram fatores de risco.

Lifestyle factors and risk of migraine and tension-type headache. Follow-up data from the Nord-Trøndelag Health Surveys 1995-1997 and 2006-2008.

AIMS: The aim of this population-based historical cohort study was to investigate the influence of lifestyle factors on the risk of developing migraine or tension-type headache (TTH). METHODS: Data from the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study performed in 1995-1997 and 2006-2008 was used. A total of 15,276 participants without headache at baseline were included. A Poisson regression was used to evaluate the associations between lifestyle factors and risk ratios (RRs) of migraine and TTH 11 years later. Precision of the estimates was assessed by 95% confidence interval (CIs). RESULTS: Increased risk of migraine (RR 1.30, 95% CI 1.11-1.52) was found in smokers (past or current) compared to those who had never smoked. Hard physical exercise 1-2 hours per week reduced the risk of migraine (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.54-0.94) compared to inactivity, and the risk of migraine was also lower among those who consumed alcohol (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.57-0.94) compared to abstainers. No association was found between smoking, physical activity, alcohol use and risk of TTH. CONCLUSIONS: The main finding was that current and previous smoking was associated with increased risk of migraine, but not of TTH.

Conservative and Surgical Treatment of Patients with Pineal Cysts: Prospective Case Series of 110 Patients.

BACKGROUND: A pineal cyst is a relatively common benign condition of the pineal gland. The clinical management of patients with a pineal cyst remains controversial, especially when patients present with nonspecific symptoms. METHODS: We performed a prospective study between 2000 and 2016. All patients with a pineal cyst >7 mm were included. Epidemiologic data, presenting symptoms, surgical results, and radiographic and clinical follow-up were documented. RESULTS: A total of 110 patients were enrolled in the present study. The most common presenting symptoms were tension headache (62.7%), vertigo (16.4%), migraine (12.7%), syncope (10.9%), nausea (8.2%), and diplopia (8.2%). Symptoms worsened during the follow-up period in 17 patients (15.5%), improved in 13 patients (11.8%), and remained stable in 81 patients (73.6%). The mean follow-up was 79.2 months. A pineal cyst increased in size during the follow-up in 6 patients (5.5%) and decreased in size in 9 patients (8.2%). Twenty-one patients underwent pineal cyst resection; 20 patients (95.2%) reported some improvement in their presenting symptoms, and 10 patients (47.6%) were symptom free after the surgery. CONCLUSION: We present the largest clinical series of patients with pineal cysts. Surgery, if indicated properly, is a legitimate treatment modality for symptomatic patients with satisfactory results. Relief of symptoms, even nonspecific ones, is achieved in the majority of cases. Simple growth of the cyst in the first decades of life is a part of the natural course and should not be considered as an indication for surgery.

Vitamin D deficiency mimicking chronic tension-type headache in children.

Headache, musculoskeletal pain and vitamin D deficiency, with possible inter-relationship, are common in the general population. We report cases of three premenarchal girls presenting with chronic tension-type headache and generalised body pain. The patients did not show any response to conventional therapy for tension headache. Investigations showed a severe vitamin D deficiency and biochemical osteomalacia in all three patients. The headaches and musculoskeletal pain responded markedly to vitamin D therapy. We suggest that musculoskeletal pain and headache together in a patient may be part of a single symptom complex, with vitamin D deficiency being the possible cause.

Migraine and tension-type headache triggers in a Greek population / Fatores desencadeantes de enxaqueca e de cefaleia tipo tensional em uma população grega

Migraine and tension type headache are the two most common primary headaches. The purpose of this study was to detect differences in clinical characteristics and headache triggers and in a Greek cohort of 51 migraineurs and 12 patients with tension-type headache. (TTH) Migraine patients had a significantly lower age at headache onset and frequency, higher mean visual analogue scale (VAS) and greater maximum duration of headache episodes compared to TTH patients. They did not differ from (TTH) patients in quality of headache, laterality of pain, way of headache installation and progression and temporal pattern of headaches. Nausea, vomiting and phonophobia were more frequent in migraine. Triggering of headaches by dietary factors was associated with migraine, whereas there was no difference between the two groups in any of the other headache triggers. Stress, both physical and psychological, were particularly common in both patient groups.

Enxaqueca e cefaleia tipo tensional são as duas cefaleias primárias mais frequentes. O propósito deste estudo foi avaliar as diferenças e características dos fatores desencadeantes destas cefaleias numa coorte grega de 51 pacientes com enxaqueca e 12 com cefaleia tipo tensional. Pacientes com enxaqueca tinham uma idade significativamente menor por ocasião do início da cefaleia e maior frequência, maiores valores de (VAS) e maior duração dos episódios em comparação com os pacientes com (CTT). Não houve diferença entre os pacientes com enxaqueca e (CTT) com relação à qualidade e lateralidade da dor, na forma de instalação e progressão, e no padrão temporal das cefaleias. Náuseas, vômitos e fonofobia foram mais frequentes em enxaqueca. Fatores desencadeantes na dieta estavam associados à enxaqueca, enquanto não houve diferença entre os dois grupos para outros fatores desencadeantes. Estresse físico e psicológico foram particularmente prevalentes em ambos os grupos de pacientes.

Sturge-weber syndrome: a case report with persistent headache.

Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) is a rare congenital disorder characterized by a facial vascular nevus associated with an ipsilateral leptomeningeal angioma. Headache is a rare component of SWS and when it occurs it usually occurs as a migraine-like headache. We aimed to present a SWS patient with episodic tension type headache and to draw attention in different types of headaches that can be seen in SWS. A 21 year old female patient with the diagnosis of SWS was suffering from severe headaches. At her physical examination a facial nevus -occurred due to choroid angioma- was observed. On her neurological examination a mild asymmetry of upper extremities was visible. She had a 2 year history of frequent non-pulsating headaches. There was no nausea or aura like symptoms accompanying the headache. Headaches were lasting for hours. The pain was bilateral and pressing in quality. SWS are a very rare and challenging disease for both the patients and their families. Usually migraine type headache is seen in SWS but it should not be forgotten that more generalized headaches like tension type may also be seen.

Correlations between mandibular asymmetries and temporomandibular disorders (TMD).

INTRODUCTION: Mandibular asymmetries are the fulcrum of many debates among modern orthodontists and maxillofacial surgeons. The interest is even greater when facial asymmetries are correlated to the development of TMJ symptoms and temporomandibular disorders (TMD). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to investigate how mandibular asymmetries constitute etiological or predisposing factors for the development of temporomandibular disorders (TMD). We considered patients with mandibular asymmetries associated with TMD. Using orthodontic or surgical-orthodontic treatment, patients experienced correction of their TMJ symptoms. Thus, mandibular asymmetries represent a major risk factor for the development of TMD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied a sample of 16 subjects aged between 14 and 36-years-old (11 females and 5 males) with mandibular asymmetries (81% structural asymmetry, 19% functional asymmetry). These subjects presented skeletal and dental malocclusions combined with several temporomandibular disorders, mostly due to muscle tension. In 100% of cases, patients received orthodontic treatment. We compared pre- and post-treatment postero-anterior (PA) cephalometric analyses in order to evaluate asymmetry resolution. RESULTS: Comparison of measurements from pre- and post-therapy PA cephalograms showed resolution of mandibular asymmetries after treatment. The treatment resolved mandibular asymmetries and completely eliminated temporomandibular symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Orthodontic treatment of patients presenting mandibular asymmetry enables correction of all TMJ symptoms and TMD. Mandibular symmetries can therefore be considered to constitute etiological or predisposing factors for the development of TMD.

Diagnosing and understanding adult headache.

Primary headaches are the most common headache disorders. The most common forms are tension-type headaches, migraine, and cluster headache. Knowing the clinical presentation coupled with taking a thorough history taking and performing a thorough physical examination usually helps in arriving at a correct diagnosis. Special attention should be paid to unusual clinical presentations. Further diagnostic work-up should be performed in the presence of atypical and worrisome signs.

Temporo-mandibular disorders are an important comorbidity of migraine and may be clinically difficult to distinguish them from tension-type headache / Desordens temporomandibulares sao comorbidade importante da migranea e podem ser clinicamente dificeis de distinguir da cefaleia tipo tensional

Clinical differentiation between the primary headaches and temporomandibular disorders (TMD) can be challenging. Objectives : To investigate the relationship between TMD and primary headaches by conducting face to face assessments in patients from an orofacial pain clinic and a headache tertiary center. Method : Sample consists of 289 individuals consecutively identified at a headache center and 78 individuals seen in an orofacial pain clinic because of symptoms suggestive of TMD. Results : Migraine was diagnosed in 79.8% of headache sufferers, in headache tertiary center, and 25.6% of those in orofacial pain clinic (p<0.001). Tension-type headache was present in 20.4% and 46.1%, while the TMD painful occurred in 48.1% and 70.5% respectively (p<0.001). Conclusion : TMD is an important comorbidity of migraine and difficult to distinguish clinically from tension-type headache, and this headache was more frequent in the dental center than at the medical center. .

A diferenciação clínica entre as cefaleias primárias e as disfunções temporomandibulares (DTM) pode ser desafiadora. Objetivos : Investigar a relação entre DTM e cefaleias primárias conduzindo uma avaliação face a face entre pacientes de um centro de dor orofacial e de um centro terciário de cefaleia. Método : A amostra consistiu de 289 indivíduos avaliados consecutivamente em um centro terciário de cefaleia e 78 indivíduos de uma clínica orofacial. Resultados : A migrânea foi diagnosticada em 79,8% dos pacientes do centro de cefaleia e 25,6% dos pacientes do centro de dor orofacial. A cefaleia do tipo tensional esteve presente em 20,4% e 46,1%, enquanto as DTM dolorosas ocorreram em 48,1% e 70,5% respectivamente (p<0,001). Conclusão : DTM é uma comorbidade importante da migrânea e difícil de distinguir clinicamente da cefaleia do tipo tensional, tanto que esta cefaleia foi mais frequente no centro odontológico do que no centro médico. .

Asimetrías faciales como factor etiopatogénico de cefaleas y dolor facial / Facial asymmetries as etiopathogenic factors of headache and facial pain

El objetivo de este estudio fue demostrar la hipótesis sobre la coexistencia de asimetría morfológica con actividad muscular asimétrica, y deesta última con disfunción cráneomandibular y cefalea tensional y dolor facial, para incorporar datos semiológicos al diagnóstico tempranoy tratamiento precoz de las disfunciones cráneo-cérvico mandibulares. Participaron del estudio 66 alumnos de la F.O.U.B.A. con signos y/o síntomas de disfunción cráneomandibular. El diagnóstico de dolor se realizó mediante cuestionarios siguiendo los criterios diagnósticos de la Internacional Headache Society. La determinación de asimetría se realizó midiendo segmentos y ángulos trazados en telerradiografíade frente para tejidos duros y fotografía de cara de frente para tejidos blandos. Se evaluó la función muscular mediante electromiografía de superficie (EMGS); y la dinámica del sistema estomatognático mediante el método magnetométrico. El análisis de regresión logística múltiple resultó significativo al nivel p=0.01. En el análisis de las variables individuales y el dolor se encontró correlación estadísticamente significativa entre la asimetría de tejidos duros y la presencia de cefalea tensional y/o dolor facial. El organismo intenta equilibrar las diferencias morfológicas, esto explicaría las asimetrías cruzadas entre tejidos duros, blandos y actividad muscular comocompensaciones funcionales. Concluimos diciendo que ante la presencia de cefalea tensional y/o dolor facial debemos considerar la asimetríafacial de tejidos duros como posible factor etiológico predisponente aunque no se observe asimetría en tejidos blandos por acción compensatoria de la dinámica muscular. La etiología mixta, oclusal y postural, de las asimetrías faciales requiere del trabajo interdisciplinario odontólogo-médico-kinesiólogo-psicólogo-fonoaudiólogo para un óptimo diagnóstico y tratamiento

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis on the coexistence of morphological asymmetry with asymmetric muscle activity, and this one with craniomandibular dysfunction and tension headache and facial pain, to incorporate semiological data to early diagnosis and treatment for TMJD (temporo mandibular jaw dysfunction). Study participants were 66 students from the Faculty of Dentistry of the University of Buenos Aires with TMJD signs and / or symptoms. The diagnosis of pain was conducted by questionnaires following the diagnostic criteria of the International Headache Society. The asymmetry determination was performed by measuring segments and angles in cephalometric frontal tracings for hard tissues and frontal picture for soft tissues. Muscle function was evaluated by surface electromyography (SEMG) and stomatognathic system dynamics by magnetometric method. The multiple logistic regression analysis was significant at p = 0.01. In the analysis of individual variables and pain we found statistical correlation between the asymmetry of hard tissues and the presence of tension headache and / or facial pain. The body tries to balance the morphological differences; this would explain the asymmetries cross between hard tissues, soft and functional muscle activity as offsets. We conclude saying that in the presence of tension headache and/or facial pain, the hard tissue facial asymmetry should be considered as a possible etiologic factor predisposing even asymmetry is not observed in soft tissue because of compensatory action of muscle dynamics. The mixed etiology, occlusal and postural of the facial asymmetries, requires interdisciplinary work dentist-doctor-physiotherapist,-psychologist-speech therapist, for optimal diagnosis and treatment.

Surgical desensitisation of the mechanoreceptors in Müller's muscle relieves chronic tension-type headache caused by tonic reflexive contraction of the occipitofrontalis muscle in patients with aponeurotic blepharoptosis.

Proprioceptively innervated intramuscular connective tissues in Müller's muscle function as exterior mechanoreceptors to induce reflex contraction of the levator and occipitofrontalis muscles. In aponeurotic blepharoptosis, since the levator aponeurosis is disinserted from the tarsus, stretching of the mechanoreceptors in Müller's muscle is increased even on primary gaze to induce phasic and tonic reflexive contraction of the occipitofrontalis muscle. It was hypothesised that in certain patients with aponeurotic blepharoptosis, the presence of tonic reflexive contraction of the occipitofrontalis muscle due to the sensitised mechanoreceptors in Müller's muscle, can cause chronic tension-type headache (CTTH) associated with occipitofrontalis tenderness. To verify this hypothesis, this study evaluated (1) what differentiates patients with CTTH from patients without CTTH, (2) how pharmacological contraction of Müller's smooth muscle fibres as a method for desensitising the mechanoreceptors in Müller's muscle affects electromyographic activity of the frontalis muscle, and (3) how surgical aponeurotic reinsertion to desensitise the mechanoreceptors in Müller's muscle electromyographically or subjectively affects activities of the occipitofrontalis muscle or CTTH. It was found that patients had sustained CTTH when light eyelid closure did not markedly reduce eyebrow elevation. However, pharmacological contraction of Müller's smooth muscle fibres or surgery to desensitise the mechanoreceptor electromyographically reduced the tonic contraction of the occipitofrontalis muscle on primary gaze and subjectively relieved aponeurotic blepharoptosis-associated CTTH. Over-stretching of the mechanoreceptors in Müller's muscle on primary gaze may induce CTTH due to tonic reflexive contraction of the occipitofrontalis muscle. Therefore, surgical desensitisation of the mechanoreceptors in Müller's muscle appears to relieve CTTH.

Intracranial extramedullary hematopoiesis in patients with thalassemia: a case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Extramedullary hematopoiesis (EH) is a compensatory phenomenon that results in the production of blood cell precursors outside the marrow in patients with chronic hemolytic anemia and ineffective erythropoiesis. EH usually involves the liver, spleen, and lymph nodes. It can also be found at paravertebral, intrathoracic, or pelvic locations. Intracranial EH is a rare entity and often asymptomatic but can sometimes lead to symptomatic tumor-like masses. Treatment options are controversial and include hypertransfusion, surgical excision, radiotherapy, and hydroxyurea (HU). STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Successful treatment of an intracranial EH mass with HU and blood transfusions in a beta-thalassemia major patient was discussed along with a review of the published literature on intracranial EH in thalassemia. RESULTS: In our patient, the extramedullary hematopoietic mass in the interhemispheric fissure showed a marked improvement after 6 months of HU and hypertransfusion therapy. In the English literature, there are a few cases with intracranial EH and thalassemia, which were treated with different treatment modalities, with different outcomes. CONCLUSION: There is no standard treatment approach in patients with symptomatic EH. HU with hypertransfusion regimen is a reasonable first-choice modality in treating intracranial EH masses.

Tension-type headache and systemic medical disorders.

Tension-type headache (TTH) is the most common form of headache in the general population. Diagnosis of TTH is based merely on clinical features and on careful exclusion of all possible causes of headache. Most of the headaches that present in the context of medical disorders (e.g., hypothyroidism, sleep disorders, and hypertensive crisis) have clinical features overlapping with those of TTH; medical history and specific features of the systemic disorder are usually the clues to establish a correct diagnosis. Some medical disorders may worsen a preexisting TTH, and is also possible the comorbidity of TTH with psychiatric disorders and fibromyalgia.