Diagnosis and classification of headache associated with sexual activity using a composite algorithm: A cohort study.

BACKGROUND: To differentiate primary headache associated with sexual activity from other devastating secondary causes. METHODS: In this prospective cohort, we recruited consecutive patients with at least 2 attacks of headache associated with sexual activity from the headache clinics or emergency department of a national medical center from 2005 to 2020. Detailed interview, neurological examination, and serial thorough neuroimaging including brain magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance angiography scans were performed on registration and during follow-ups. Patients were categorized into four groups, i.e. primary headache associated with sexual activity, reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome, probable reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome, and other secondary headache associated with sexual activity through a composite clinic-radiological diagnostic algorithm. We compared the clinical profiles among these groups, including sex, age of onset, duration, quality, and clinical course ("chronic" indicates disease course ≥ 1 year). In addition, we also calculated the score of the reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome2, a scale developed to differentiate reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome from other intracranial vascular disorders. RESULTS: Overall, 245 patients with headache associated with sexual activity were enrolled. Our clinic-radiologic composite algorithm diagnosed and classified all patients into four groups, including 38 (15.5%) with primary headache associated with sexual activity, 174 (71.0%) with reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome, 26 (10.6%) with probable reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome, and 7 (2.9%) with other secondary causes (aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (n = 4), right internal carotid artery dissection (n = 1), Moyamoya disease (n = 1), and meningioma with hemorrhage (n = 1)). These four groups shared similar clinical profiles, except 26% of the patients with primary headache associated with sexual activity had a 3 times greater chance of running a chronic course (≥ 1 year) than patients with reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome. Of note, the reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome2 score could not differentiate reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome from other groups. CONCLUSION: Our composite clinic-radiological diagnostic algorithm successfully classified repeated headaches associated with sexual activity, which were predominantly secondary and related to vascular disorders, and predicted the prognosis. Primary headache associated with sexual activity and reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome presented with repeated attacks of headache associated with sexual activity may be of the same disease spectrum.

Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome: a comprehensive systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to analyze clinical characteristics, treatment patterns, and prognosis of patients with reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two investigators independently searched PubMed and EMBASE, and 191 cases were included in this study. Information regarding demographics, triggering factors, brain imaging findings, treatment modalities, recurrence, and clinical outcome was collected. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 39.9 years, and 155 (81.2%) were female. The most common triggering factor for RCVS was an exposure to vasoactive substances (41.4%), followed by pregnancy/postpartum (20.9%), and sexual intercourse (10.5%). Multifocal stenosis (84.0%) and beading shape (82.4%) were the leading abnormal findings on angiography, while cerebral ischemic lesions (47.6%) and cerebral hemorrhage (mainly subarachnoid hemorrhage) (35.1%) were the main findings on brain computed tomography (CT)/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Calcium channel blockers (nimodipine/verapamil) were the most commonly used medications (44.5%) in the treatment of RCVS. Multivariate analysis identified that RCVS was precipitated by trauma/surgery/procedure (hazard ratio (HR): 3.29, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.21-8.88), p=0.019), and presence of aphasia/neglect/apraxia during the acute phase of the disease (HR: 3.83, 95% CI (1.33-11.05), p=0.013) were found to be the two independent risk factors for residual neurological deficit after RCVS. CONCLUSIONS: In our systematic review, vasoactive substances were the most frequent triggers for RCVS, which was most commonly accompanied by angiographic findings of multifocal stenotic lesions. Patients with RCVS precipitated by trauma or surgical procedures and those with focal cortical deficits had a higher risk of residual neurological deficits, and these patients should closely be monitored.

Pneumocephalus Associated with Inappropriate Valsalva Technique.

BACKGROUND: Pneumocephalus is intracranial air normally occurring as a consequence of trauma or cranial surgery, but rarely has been reported following the habitual use of the Valsalva maneuver. We were unable to locate any similar cases of pneumocephalus associated with high performance aircraft flight, and this case report highlights an important consequence of the inappropriate use of Valsalva on ascent to altitude.CASE REPORT: A healthy 29-yr-old F-22 instructor pilot presented with recurrent pneumocephalus following the use of the Valsalva maneuver. These episodes started after an initial use of a forceful Valsalva during an aggressive unrestricted climb to altitude. His symptoms included facial pressure and a bubbling sensation in his head followed by a severe headache for several days. After upright CT evaluation, three small sphenoid sinus defects were discovered and repaired. There was no recurrence of pneumocephalus following provocative testing after surgical repair of the sphenoid sinus defects, and the aviator returned to flying high performance aircraft.DISCUSSION: Spontaneous or Valsalva-associated pneumocephalus is an uncommon occurrence in healthy individuals. Awareness of the pathognomonic succussion splash associated with this diagnosis as well as a presentation of facial pressure and headache following flight will lead to appropriate diagnostic investigation and management. This case highlights the importance of recognizing rare diagnoses like pneumocephalus in the flying population, and future education of aerospace physiology technicians and aviators should emphasize appropriate Valsalva technique to promote flying safety and prevent similar presentations.Woodside SS, Metzler MM. Pneumocephalus associated with inappropriate Valsalva technique. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2019; 90(6):566-569.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Primary Headache Disorders in Older Adults.

OBJECTIVES: To provide a unique perspective on geriatric headache and a number of novel treatment options that are not well known outside of the headache literature. DESIGN: Review of the most current and relevant headache literature for practitioners specializing in geriatric care. RESULTS: Evaluation and management of headache disorders in older adults requires an understanding of the underlying pathophysiology and how it relates to age-related physiological changes. To treat headache disorders in general, the appropriate diagnosis must first be established, and treatment of headaches in elderly adults poses unique challenges, including potential polypharmacy, medical comorbidities, and physiological changes associated with aging. CONCLUSION: The purpose of this review is to provide a guide to and perspective on the challenges inherent in treating headaches in older adults. J Am Geriatr Soc 66:2408-2416, 2018.

Secondary Headaches in Children and Adolescents: What Not to Miss.

INTRODUCTION: Headaches are a common occurrence in childhood and adolescence. Most children presenting with a chief complaint of headache have a self-limited infectious disorder or primary headache syndrome that should not require extensive workup. PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Differentiating these conditions from other more serious causes of headache in children can sometimes be difficult. This article aims to provide information regarding "red flags" that should indicate a need for concern for disorders that require more urgent evaluation. RECENT FINDINGS: Long-held beliefs about specific "red flags" that have been analyzed in recent years as to their validity and new criteria for the diagnosis of idiopathic intracranial hypertension have been elaborated based on study. These publications are reviewed in this article. Knowledge of past and current literature on secondary headache in children, combined with thorough history taking and examination, should help determine when there is concern for a serious secondary cause for headache in children and adolescents and direct workup.

Incidental Findings and Normal Anatomical Variants on Brain MRI in Children for Primary Headaches.

When MRI scans of the brain are obtained for evaluation of primary headaches in children, incidental findings and anatomical variants are commonly present. After a review of the prevalence, 11 types are presented.

Incidental Findings and Normal Anatomical Variants on MRI of the Brain in Adults for Primary Headaches.

When MRI scans of the brain are obtained for evaluation of primary headaches in adults, incidental findings are commonly present. After a review of the prevalence of incidental findings and normal anatomical variants, 21 types are presented.

Cefalea... ¿y algo más?: Neuroimágenes en el estudio de la cefalea / Headache and something else? Neuroimaging in the study of headaches

Se revisa la iconografía de los hallazgos por tomografía computada (TC) y resonancia magnética (RM) de la cefalea, según nuestra experiencia. De acuerdo con la base MESH, esta entidad se define como un dolor craneano, que puede ser de ocurrencia benigna o la manifestación de una amplia gama de desórdenes. Las cefaleas se clasifican por su evolución temporal (aguda o crónica), presentación (en estallido, gravativa, etc.) o coexistencia de síntomas asociados, como auras, convulsiones o déficits focales. También se dividen en primarias o secundarias, según la existencia o no de una patología subyacente. Las primarias pueden tener manifestaciones clínicas definidas, pero en las secundarias ciertos signos y síntomas deben alertar sobre la presencia de una patología estructural. En este caso, las neuroimágenes tienen un rol esencial al detectar las causantes del cuadro. Nuestros hallazgos correspondieron a cefaleas primarias (p. ej: infarto migrañoso) y a etiologías orgánicas, entre las que se destacaron causas vasculares, como patología venosa (trombosis), vasoespasmo y leucoencefalopatía posterior reversible; hemorragias intraparen-quimatosas y extraaxiales; cefaleas postraumáticas y posquirúrgicas; y causas infecciosas y tumorales (apoplejía hipofisaria e hipertensión endocraneana). Además, hubo malformaciones (Arnold-Chiari, p.ej.) y otras como hipotensión endocraneana. En algunos casos inicialmente se realizó una TC y luego una RM, mientras que en otros la RM fue el método de elección. Las neuroimágenes facilitan el estudio de la cefalea, caracterizando la afección en primaria o secundaria. En el segundo caso permiten, a su vez, clasificar los hallazgos

A review is presented of the radiological findings (computed tomography -CT- and magnetic resonance imaging -MRI-) of headache, according to our experience. According to MESH database this entity is a skull based pain that can have a benign cause or be an expression of a wide spectrum of disorders. Headaches can be classified according to their temporal evolution (acute or chronic), presentation (blow up, aura, rapidly evolutionary, etc.), or according to associated symptoms, such as seizures or focal deficits. They could also be classified into primary or secondary, depending on the presence or absence of demonstrable disease. The primary headaches can have known symptoms (i.e. migraine), but in secondary ones certain symptoms and signs should alert on the existence of structural disease. At this point imaging methods have an outstanding role, as they allow detecting and identifying structural causes in patients with headache. Our findings corresponded to primary headaches (i.e.: migraine infarction) and organic aetiologies, such as vascular causes (venous thrombosis, vasospasm and posterior reversible leukoencephalopathy); intracerebral and extra-axial haemorrhage; post-surgical and post- traumatic headaches; and those due to infections and tumours (pituitary apoplexy or intracranial hypertension). Malformations, such as Arnold-Chiari's, and intracranial hypotension have also been found. In some cases a CT is initially performed and then an MR, whilst in others MR is the method of choice. Neuroimaging facilitates the study of headache, helping to characterise them into primary or secondary. In the latter case, the imaging also enables the findings to be classified

Neuroimaging overuse is more common in Medicare compared with the VA.

OBJECTIVE: To inform initiatives to reduce overuse, we compared neuroimaging appropriateness in a large Medicare cohort with a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) cohort. METHODS: Separate retrospective cohorts were established in Medicare and in VA for headache and neuropathy from 2004 to 2011. The Medicare cohorts included all patients enrolled in the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) with linked Medicare claims (HRS-Medicare; n = 1,244 for headache and 998 for neuropathy). The VA cohorts included all patients receiving services in the VA (n = 93,755 for headache and 183,642 for neuropathy). Inclusion criteria were age over 65 years and an outpatient visit for incident neuropathy or a primary headache. Neuroimaging use was measured with Current Procedural Terminology codes and potential overuse was defined using published criteria for use with administrative data. Increasingly specific appropriateness criteria excluded nontarget conditions for which neuroimaging may be appropriate. RESULTS: For both peripheral neuropathy and headache, potentially inappropriate imaging was more common in HRS-Medicare compared with the VA. Forty-nine percentage of all headache patients received neuroimaging in HRS-Medicare compared with 22.1% in the VA (p < 0.001) and differences persist when analyzing more specific definitions of overuse. A total of 23.7% of all HRS-Medicare incident neuropathy patients received neuroimaging compared with 9.0% in the VA (p < 0.001), and the difference persisted after excluding nontarget conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Overuse of neuroimaging is likely less common in the VA than in a Medicare population. Better understanding the reasons for the more selective use of neuroimaging in the VA could help inform future initiatives to reduce overuse of diagnostic testing.

Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome in two patients with a carotid glomus tumour.

We report two patients with reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) and carotid glomus tumour. The first patient presented with multiple thunderclap headaches. Cervical and cerebral magnetic resonance imaging showed diffuse cerebral vasoconstriction on magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) and a carotid glomus tumour. The second patient presented with a cervical mass and was diagnosed with a non-secreting paraganglioma of the carotid body. Surgery with pre-operative angiography was followed by thunderclap headaches and MRA showed segmental cerebral vasoconstriction. Both patients were treated with nimodipine and headaches stopped. Both had normal cerebral arteries on the control MRA at 3 months. These two cases suggest that a paraganglioma may increase the susceptibility to develop RCVS. As a consequence, patients with RCVS should be investigated for a carotid glomus tumour, and patients with paraganglioma reporting severe headaches should have a cerebral MRA in order to rule out cerebral vasoconstriction.