Diagnosis and treatment of disorders of intracranial pressure: consensus statement of the Spanish Society of Neurology's Headache Study Group.

Primary intracranial pressure disorders include idiopathic intracranial hypertension and spontaneous intracranial hypotension. Remarkable advances have been made in the diagnosis and treatment of these 2entities in recent years. Therefore, the Spanish Society of Neurology's Headache Study Group (GECSEN) deemed it necessary to prepare this consensus statement, including diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms to facilitate and improve the management of these disorders in clinical practice. This document was created by a committee of experts belonging to GECSEN, and is based on a systematic review of the literature, incorporating the experience of the participants, and establishes practical recommendations with levels of evidence and grades of recommendation.

Telemedicine in the management of patients with headache: current situation and recommendations of the Spanish Society of Neurology's Headache Study Group.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an unexpected boost to telemedicine. We analyse the impact of the pandemic on telemedicine applied in Spanish headache consultations, review the literature, and issue recommendations for the implementation of telemedicine in consultations. METHOD: The study comprised 3 phases: 1) review of the MEDLINE database since 1958 (first reported experience with telemedicine); 2) Google Forms survey sent to all members of the Spanish Society of Neurology's Headache Study Group (GECSEN); and 3) online consensus of GECSEN experts to issue recommendations for the implementation of telemedicine in Spain. RESULTS: COVID-19 has increased waiting times for face-to-face consultations, increasing the use of all telemedicine modalities: landline telephone (from 75% before April 2020 to 97% after), mobile telephone (from 9% to 27%), e-mail (from 30% to 36%), and video consultation (from 3% to 21%). Neurologists are aware of the need to expand the availability of video consultations, which are clearly growing, and other e-health and m-health tools. CONCLUSIONS: The GECSEN recommends and encourages all neurologists who assist patients with headaches to implement telemedicine resources, with the optimal objective of offering video consultation to patients under 60-65 years of age and telephone calls to older patients, although each case must be considered on an individual basis. Prior approval and advice must be sought from legal and IT services and the centre's management. Most patients with stable headache and/or neuralgia are eligible for telemedicine follow-up, after a first consultation that must always be held in person.

[Habituation deficit study in patients with episodic migraine thru nociceptive blink reflex]. / Estudio del déficit de habituación en pacientes con migraña episódica mediante reflejo de parpadeo nociceptivo.

INTRODUCTION: Lack of habituation is the most reproducible interictal neurophysiological phenomenon in episodic migraine. The aim of this study is to evaluate the habituation phenomenon by examining the nociceptive blink reflex in patients with episodic migraine. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional observational case-control study. Patients with episodic migraine were selected consecutively and studied during the interictal phase. The nociceptive blink reflex was examined and a study was conducted comparing symmetry, analysis of the Euclidean distances and assessment of latency prolongation between stimulation blocks. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients and 16 healthy controls were included, their mean ages being 32.25 and 32.35 years, respectively. The controls displayed left-right symmetry. The Euclidean and Manhattan distances showed that the means of the block latencies of the groups are different and increase according to the number of blocks being compared. The means of the block latencies do not differ significantly in the migraine patient group, in contrast to what is seen in the healthy group. CONCLUSION: Habituation deficit was observed in the interictal phase in patients with episodic migraine compared to controls, as measured by the absence of latency prolongation in the nociceptive blink reflex.

TITLE: Estudio del déficit de habituación en pacientes con migraña episódica mediante reflejo de parpadeo nociceptivo.Introducción. La falta de habituación es el fenómeno neurofisiológico interictal más reproducible en la migraña episódica. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar el fenómeno de habituación mediante el estudio del reflejo de parpadeo nociceptivo en pacientes con migraña episódica. Sujetos y métodos. Estudio observacional transversal de casos y controles. Los pacientes con migraña episódica fueron seleccionados de manera consecutiva, estudiados durante la fase interictal. Se estudió el reflejo de parpadeo nociceptivo, y se realizó un estudio comparativo de simetría, análisis de distancias euclidianas y valoración de prolongación de latencias entre bloques de estimulación. Resultados. Se incluyó a 31 pacientes y 16 controles sanos, con una edad media de 32,25 y 32,35 años, respectivamente. Los controles mostraron simetría izquierda-derecha. Las distancias euclidiana y Manhattan demostraron que las medias de las latencias por bloque de los grupos son diferentes y se incrementan según el número de bloques que se comparen. Las medias de las latencias de los bloques no difieren significativamente en el grupo de pacientes con migraña, a diferencia del grupo de sanos. Conclusión. Se observó un déficit de habituación en la fase intercrítica en pacientes con migraña episódica frente a controles, medido por la ausencia de prolongación de latencias en el reflejo de parpadeo nociceptivo.

[Headache attributed to ischaemic stroke. An update on its semiology and diagnosis]. / Cefalea atribuida a ictus isquémico. Actualización semiológica y diagnóstica.

INTRODUCTION: Headache is a common symptom in acute ischemic stroke which is often overlooked and undertreated because of focus in neurologic function, communication difficulties in stroke patients and the current diagnostic criteria of this type of headache. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of Acute and Persistent Headache Attributed to Ischemic Stroke and to analyze the fulfillment of the criteria of the International Classification of Headaches (ICHD-IID). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospective observational analytical cohort study. The study population consisted of patients with acute ischemic stroke admitted to the Stroke Unit of a tertiary care hospital over a period of 12 months. RESULTS: Two hundred and forty-four patients with acute ischemic stroke (59.8% males, mean age 71+12.8 years) were included. Headache at onset or at the first 72 hours was present in 23.2% and 12.5% of them presented persistent headache attributed to ischemic stroke. Only 62.5% of the headaches at stroke onset fulfilled the diagnostic criteria of ICHD-III. CONCLUSION: Headache after ischemic stroke is a common symptom. It was associated with female sex, posterior circulation stroke and low scores on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). The current diagnostic criteria should be reviewed.

TITLE: Cefalea atribuida a ictus isquémico. Actualización semiológica y diagnóstica.Introducción. La cefalea es un síntoma frecuente tras el ictus isquémico agudo. Su identificación y diagnóstico constituyen un reto por el perfil de paciente y los criterios diagnósticos actuales de esta entidad. Los objetivos del estudio fueron determinar la prevalencia de cefalea atribuida a ictus isquémico y su forma persistente, y analizar las variables clinicodemográficas y el grado de cumplimiento de los criterios de la Clasificación Internacional de Cefaleas (ICHD-III). Pacientes y métodos. Es un estudio observacional analítico de cohortes prospectivo de pacientes ingresados con ictus isquémico agudo en la unidad de ictus de un hospital de tercer nivel en un período de 12 meses. Resultados. Se incluyó a 244 pacientes con ictus isquémico agudo (el 59,8%, varones; edad media: 71 ± 12,8 años). El 23,2% presentó cefalea en el momento del ingreso o bien en las primeras 72 horas y el 12,5% de ellos presentó cefalea persistente atribuida a ictus isquémico. El 62,5% cumplió los criterios diagnósticos de acuerdo con la ICHD-III. Conclusión. La cefalea tras el ictus isquémico es un síntoma frecuente. Su aparición se asoció al sexo femenino, al ictus de territorio vertebrobasilar y a puntuaciones bajas en la National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale. Sería recomendable revisar los criterios diagnósticos actuales.

Evaluation of the burden of migraine on the partner's lifestyle.

BACKGROUND: Despite the number of research studies regarding the individual burden of migraine, few studies have examined its impact on the patients' partners. We aim to assess migraine effects on the patients' partners on sentimental relationship, children relationship, friendship, and work, as well as the caregiver burden, anxiety and/or depression. METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted through an online survey of partners of patients with migraine followed-up in 5 Headache Units. Questions about the 4 areas of interest and 2 scales (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Zarit scale) were included. Scores were compared against the population prevalence. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty-five answers were analysed. Among the patient's partners 135/155 (87.1%) were men, with a mean age of 45.6 ± 10.1 years. Migraine's main effects on partners were observed in the sentimental relationship and items concerning children and friendships, with a minor impact at work. Partners showed a moderate burden (12/155 = 7.7% [4.1%-13.1%]), and a higher moderate-severe anxiety rate (23/155 = 14.8% [9.6%-21.4%]), and similar depression rate (5/155 = 3.2% [1.1%-7.3%]) compared to the National Health Survey. CONCLUSIONS: The burden of migraine impacts the partners' personal relationship, childcare, friendship and work. Moreover, certain migraine partners showed a moderate burden according to Zarit scale and higher anxiety levels than the Spanish population.

Evaluating the Impact of a Training Program in Shared Decision-Making for Neurologists Treating People with Migraine.

INTRODUCTION: Migraine symptoms vary significantly between patients and within the same patient. Currently, an increasing number of therapeutic options are available for symptomatic and preventive treatment. Guidelines encourage physicians to use shared decision-making (SDM) in their practice, listening to patients' treatment preferences in order to select the most suitable and effective therapy. Although training for healthcare professionals could increase their awareness of SDM, results concerning its effectiveness are inconclusive. This study aimed to analyze the impact of a training activity to promote SDM in the context of migraine care. This was addressed by evaluating the impact on patients' decisional conflict (main objective), patient-physician relationship, neurologists' perceptions of the training and patient's perception of SDM. METHODS: A multicenter observational study was conducted in four highly specialized headache units. The participating neurologists received SDM training targeting people with migraine in clinical practice to provide techniques and tools to optimize physician-patient interactions and encourage patient involvement in SDM. The study was set up in three consecutive phases: control phase, in which neurologists were blind to the training activity and performed the consultation with the control group under routine clinical practice; training phase, when the same neurologists participated in the SDM training; and SDM phase, in which these neurologists performed the consultation with the intervention group after the training. Patients in both groups with a change of treatment assessment during the visit completed the Decisional conflict scale (DCS) after the consultation to measure the patient's decisional conflict. Also, patients answered the patient-doctor relationship questionnaire (CREM-P) and the 9-item Shared Decision-Making Questionnaire (SDM-Q-9). The mean ± SD scores obtained from the study questionnaires were calculated for both groups and compared to determine whether there were significant differences (p < 0.05). RESULTS: A total of 180 migraine patients (86.7% female, mean age of 38.5 ± 12.3 years) were included, of which 128 required a migraine treatment change assessment during the consultation (control group, n = 68; intervention group, n = 60). A low decisional conflict was found without significant differences between the intervention (25.6 ± 23.4) and control group (22.1 ± 17.9; p = 0.5597). No significant differences in the CREM-P and SDM-Q-9 scores were observed between groups. Physicians were satisfied with the training and showed greater agreement with the clarity, quality and selection of the contents. Moreover, physicians felt confident communicating with patients after the training, and they applied the techniques and SDM strategies learned. CONCLUSION: SDM is a model currently being actively used in clinical practice for headache consultation, with high patient involvement in the process. This SDM training, while useful from the physician's perspective, may be more effective at other levels of care where there is still room for optimization of patient involvement in decision-making.

Prevalence of neurological complications in infective endocarditis.

INTRODUCTION: Neurological complications are the most frequent type of extracardiac complications of infective endocarditis (IE), and can be the initial manifestation. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of neurological complications in patients with IE and to evaluate whether initial presentation with neurological symptoms causes a diagnostic delay. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective observational study of patients with IE admitted to a tertiary hospital between 2003 and 2020. RESULTS: The study included 222 patients with IE (67% men; mean [SD] age, 66.4 [14.2] years). Neurological complications occurred in 21.2% of patients, with ischaemic stroke (74.5%) and intracerebral haemorrhage (23.4%) being the most frequent. No differences in diagnostic delay were found between the group of patients in whom the disease manifested with neurological complications and the rest of the patients (4.4 vs 4.5; P = .76). CONCLUSIONS: A total of 21.2% of patients with IE presented neurological complications, with ischaemic stroke being the most frequent. Neurological symptoms as the initial manifestation of IE did not lead to a delay in diagnosis.

Diagnosis and treatment of trigeminal neuralgia: Consensus statement from the Spanish Society of Neurology's Headache Study Group.

INTRODUCTION: Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a chronic neuropathic pain disorder affecting one or more branches of the trigeminal nerve. Despite its relatively low global prevalence, TN is an important healthcare problem both in neurology departments and in emergency departments due to the difficulty of diagnosing and treating the condition and its significant impact on patients' quality of life. For all these reasons, the Spanish Society of Neurology's Headache Study Group has developed a consensus statement on the management of TN. DEVELOPMENT: This document was drafted by a panel of neurologists specialising in headache, who used the terminology of the International Headache Society. We analysed the published scientific evidence on the diagnosis and treatment of TN and establish practical recommendations with levels of evidence. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of TN is based on clinical criteria. Pain attributed to a lesion or disease of the trigeminal nerve is divided into TN and painful trigeminal neuropathy, according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders, third edition. TN is further subclassified into classical, secondary, or idiopathic, according to aetiology. Brain MRI is recommended in patients with clinical diagnosis of TN, in order to rule out secondary causes. In MRI studies to detect neurovascular compression, FIESTA, DRIVE, or CISS sequences are recommended. Pharmacological treatment is the initial choice in all patients. In selected cases with drug-resistant pain or poor tolerance, surgery should be considered.

Headache: what to ask, how to examine, and what scales to use. Recommendations of the Spanish society of neurology's headache study group.

INTRODUCCIóN: La cefalea es el motivo de consulta neurológico más prevalente en los distintos niveles asistenciales, donde la anamnesis y exploración son primordiales para realizar un diagnóstico y tratamiento adecuados. Con la intención de unificar la atención de esta patología, el Grupo de Estudio de Cefalea de la Sociedad Española de Neurología (GECSEN) ha decidido elaborar unas recomendaciones consensuadas para mejorar y garantizar una adecuada asistencia en Atención Primaria, Urgencias y Neurología. METODOLOGíA: El documento es práctico, sigue el orden de la dinámica de actuación durante una consulta: anamnesis, escalas que cuantifican el impacto y la discapacidad y exploración. Además, finaliza con pautas para realizar un seguimiento adecuado y un manejo de las expectativas del paciente con el tratamiento pautado. CONCLUSIONES: Esperamos ofrecer una herramienta que mejore la atención al paciente con cefalea para garantizar una asistencia adecuada y homogénea a nivel nacional.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide in migraine: from pathophysiology to treatment.

INTRODUCTION: It has been observed in recent years that levels of such molecules as calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and, to a lesser extent, the pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide are elevated during migraine attacks and in chronic migraine, both in the cerebrospinal fluid and in the serum. Pharmacological reduction of these proteins is clinically significant, with an improvement in patients' migraines. It therefore seems logical that one of the main lines of migraine research should be based on the role of CGRP in the pathophysiology of this entity. DEVELOPMENT: The Spanish Society of Neurology's Headache Study Group decided to draft this document in order to address the evidence on such important issues as the role of CGRP in the pathophysiology of migraine and the mechanism of action of monoclonal antibodies and gepants; and to critically analyse the results of different studies and the profile of patients eligible for treatment with monoclonal antibodies, and the impact in terms of pharmacoeconomics. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical development of gepants, which are CGRP antagonists, for the acute treatment of migraine attacks, and CGRP ligand and receptor monoclonal antibodies offer promising results for these patients.

Epilepsy in elderly patients: does age of onset make a difference?

INTRODUCTION: Epilepsy is most frequent in children and elderly people. Today's population is ageing and epilepsy prevalence is increasing. The type of epilepsy and its management change with age. METHODS: We performed a retrospective, observational study comparing patients aged ≥ 65 years with epilepsy diagnosed before and after the age of 65, and describing epilepsy characteristics and comorbidities in each group. RESULTS: The sample included 123 patients, of whom 61 were diagnosed at < 65 years of age (group A), 62 at ≥ 65 of age (group B). Sex distribution was similar in both groups, with 39 men (62.9%) in group A and 37 (60.7%) in group B. Mean age was 69.97 ±â€¯5.6 years in group A and 77.29 ±â€¯6.73 in group B. The most common aetiology was cryptogenic in group A (44.3%, n = 27) and vascular in group B (74.2%, n = 46). History of stroke was present in 12 patients from group A (19.7%) and 32 (51.6%) in group B. Antiepileptic drugs were prescribed at lower doses in group A. Statistically significant differences were found between groups for history of ischaemic stroke, cognitive impairment, psychiatric disorders, and diabetes mellitus; degree of dependence; and number of antiepileptic drugs. CONCLUSION: Age of onset ≥ 65 years is closely related to cardiovascular risk factors; these patients require fewer antiepileptic drugs and respond to lower doses. Some cases initially present as status epilepticus.

Headache: pregnancy and breastfeeding. Recommendations of the Spanish Society of Neurology's Headache Study Group.

INTRODUCTION: Headache is one of the most common neurological complaints, and is most frequent during reproductive age. As a result, we are routinely faced with pregnant or breastfeeding women with this symptom in clinical practice. It is important to know which pharmacological choices are the safest, which should not be used, and when we should suspect secondary headache. To this end, the Spanish Society of Neurology's Headache Study Group has prepared a series of consensus recommendations on the diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms that should be followed during pregnancy and breastfeeding. DEVELOPMENT: This guide was prepared by a group of young neurologists with special interest and experience in headache, in collaboration with the Group's Executive Committee. Recommendations focus on which drugs should be used for the most frequent primary headaches, both during the acute phase and for prevention. The second part addresses when secondary headache should be suspected and which diagnostic tests should be performed in the event of possible secondary headache during pregnancy and breastfeeding. CONCLUSIONS: We hope this guide will be practical and useful in daily clinical practice and that it will help update and improve understanding of headache management during pregnancy and breastfeeding, enabling physicians to more confidently treat these patients.

Headache as a reason for consultation: the primary care perspective.

INTRODUCTION: Headache is a frequent reason for consultation with primary care (PC) physicians. However, the condition is underdiagnosed and undertreated. One reason for this may be the lack of specific training on headache in PC. METHODS: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study of data gathered with a self-administered survey that was completed by PC physicians from our health district. We collected sociodemographic data and information on previous training in neurology and headache, and training needs. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 104 PC physicians, 53% of whom were women; mean age was 49 years. Most respondents worked in urban settings (42.3%) and had been trained via residency (77.9%). Although 65.4% spent more time with patients with headache than with other patients, only 32.7% used the International Classification of Headache Disorders. In our sample, 68.3% of respondents reported a high or very high interest in headache, and 75.9% wished to receive further training on the condition; theoretical and practical courses and update lectures were regarded as the most useful tools. In clinical practice, 90% used triptans and 78% used preventive treatments. The most frequently used drug was amitriptyline; only 22.1% choose topiramate. CONCLUSIONS: PC physicians are in frequent contact with patients with headache and show interest in receiving training on this condition. This could be helpful in designing training programmes aimed at improving quality of care in this area.

Safety of anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies in patients with migraine during the COVID-19 pandemic: Present and future implications.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: CGRP, a neuropeptide involved in migraine pathophysiology, is also known to play a role in the respiratory system and in immunological conditions such as sepsis. We analyzed the impact of the use of CGRP antagonists in patients with migraine during the COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. METHODS: This is a multicentre cross-sectional study. From May to November 2020, through a national survey distributed by the Spanish Society of Neurology, we collected data about the presence of COVID-19 symptoms including headache and their characteristics and severity in patients with migraine treated with anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies (mAb), and compared them with patients with migraine not receiving this treatment. We also conducted a subanalysis of patients with COVID-19 symptoms. RESULTS: We recruited 300 patients with migraine: 51.7% (155/300) were taking anti-CGRP mAbs; 87.3% were women (262/300). Mean age (standard deviation) was 47.1 years (11.6). Forty-one patients (13.7%) met diagnostic criteria for COVID-19, with no statistically significant difference between patients with and without anti-CGRP mAb treatment (16.1% vs 11.0%, respectively; P=.320). Of the patients with COVID-19, 48.8% (20/41) visited the emergency department and 12.2% (5/41) were hospitalised. Likewise, no clinical differences were found between the groups of patients with and without anti-CGRP mAb treatment. CONCLUSION: Anti-CGRP mAbs may be safe in clinical practice, presenting no association with increased risk of COVID-19.

1st Post-European Headache Federation Meeting: a review of the latest developments presented at the 2020 European Headache Federation Congress. / I Reunión Post-European Headache Federation: revisión de las novedades presentadas en el Congreso de la European Headache Federation de 2020.

INTRODUCTION: After the European Headache Federation (EHF) Congress, renowned Spanish neurologists specialised in migraine presented the most significant latest developments in research in this field at the Post-EHF Meeting. DEVELOPMENT: The main data presented concerning the treatment of chronic and episodic migraine were addressed, with attention paid more specifically to those related to preventive treatments and real-life experience in the management of the disease. An important review was carried out of the new therapeutic targets and the possibilities they offer in terms of understanding the pathophysiology of migraine and its treatment. An update was also presented of the latest developments in the treatment of migraine with fremanezumab, a monoclonal antibody recently authorised by the European Medicines Agency. Participants were also given an update on the latest developments in basic research on the pathology, as well as an overview of the symptoms of migraine and COVID-19. Finally, the repercussions of migraine in terms of its burden on the care and economic resources of the health system were addressed, along with its impact on society. CONCLUSIONS: The meeting summarised the content presented at the 14th EHF Congress, which took place in late June/early July 2020.

TITLE: I Reunión Post-European Headache Federation: revisión de las novedades presentadas en el Congreso de la European Headache Federation de 2020.Introducción. Tras la celebración del congreso de la European Headache Federation (EHF), reconocidos neurólogos españoles expertos en el tratamiento de la migraña expusieron en la Reunión Post-EHF las principales novedades presentadas en el congreso y relacionadas con ese ámbito. Desarrollo. Se abordan los principales datos presentados relacionados con el tratamiento de la migraña crónica y episódica; concretamente, los relacionados con los tratamientos preventivos y la experiencia en vida real en el manejo de la enfermedad. Se hizo una importante revisión de las nuevas dianas terapéuticas y las posibilidades que ofrecen en cuanto al conocimiento de la fisiopatología de la migraña y su tratamiento. Asimismo, se hizo una actualización de las novedades presentadas en el tratamiento de la migraña con fremanezumab, anticuerpo monoclonal recientemente autorizado por la Agencia Europea de Medicamentos. Se hizo una actualización de las novedades en investigación básica en la patología, así como una relación de los síntomas de migraña y COVID-19. Finalmente, se abordaron las implicaciones de la migraña en la carga sanitaria asistencial y económica, y su impacto en la sociedad. Conclusiones. En la reunión se hizo un resumen del contenido presentado en el 14 Congreso de la EHF, que tuvo lugar a finales de junio y principios de julio de 2020.

[Emergency department management of epileptic seizures in patients with epilepsy]. / Atención en el servicio de urgencias de las crisis epilépticas en pacientes con epilepsia.

AIM: To analyse the care of patients with epilepsy (PwE) who visit the hospital emergency department (ED) due to an epileptic seizure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Single-centre retrospective observational study, based on the clinical history of the PwE seen in the ED for epileptic seizures between January 2016 and December 2018. Demographic, clinical and ED management variables were collected. Specifically, the results of a computed tomography (CT) brain scan and electroencephalogram and the presence of precipitating factors for epileptic seizures were analysed. RESULTS: A total of 232 PwE were identified, with a mean age of 49.8 years. The most frequent reason for the visit was focal epileptic seizures (50.4%). In 106 cases (45.6%) possible precipitating factors were found, of which poor therapy adherence was the most frequent. An urgent CT brain scan was performed in 67 cases (28.9%) and acute alterations were found in only one patient. An electroencephalogram was carried out in 16 of them (6.9%). Adjustments were made to the antiepileptic treatment in 135 patients (58.1%). A total of 195 were discharged without being hospitalised (84.1%). CONCLUSIONS: PwE accounted for a considerable proportion of the patients seen for epileptic seizures in the ED. The presence of a potentially controllable precipitating factor was identified in almost half of the cases, the most frequent being poor adherence to therapy. In addition, a high number of urgent complementary tests were performed, which in many cases may be unnecessary and avoidable.

TITLE: Atención en el servicio de urgencias de las crisis epilépticas en pacientes con epilepsia.Objetivo. Analizar la atención al paciente con epilepsia (PcE) que consulta en el servicio de urgencias hospitalarias (SUH) por una crisis epiléptica. Materiales y métodos. Estudio observacional retrospectivo unicéntrico, basado en la historia clínica de los PcE atendidos en el SUH por crisis epilépticas entre enero de 2016 y diciembre de 2018. Se recogieron variables demográficas, clínicas y de manejo en el SUH. De forma específica, se analizó la realización de una tomografía computarizada cerebral y un electroencefalograma, y la presencia de factores precipitantes de crisis epilépticas. Resultados. Se identificó a 232 PcE, con una edad media de 49,8 años. El motivo de atención más frecuente fueron las crisis epilépticas focales (50,4%). En 106 (45,6%) se encontraron posibles factores precipitantes, de entre los cuales, la mala adhesión terapéutica fue el más frecuente. En 67 casos (28,9%) se realizó una tomografía computarizada cerebral urgente, y se encontraron alteraciones agudas en un solo paciente. En 16 (6,9%) se realizó un electroencefalograma. Se realizó un ajuste del tratamiento antiepiléptico en 135 pacientes (58,1%). Fueron dados de alta sin hospitalización 195 (84,1%). Conclusiones. Los PcE representaron una proporción considerable de pacientes atendidos por crisis epilépticas en el SUH. Casi en la mitad de los casos se identificó la presencia de algún factor precipitante potencialmente controlable, y el más frecuente fue la mala adhesión terapéutica. Además, se observó una realización de pruebas complementarias urgentes elevada, que en muchos casos podrían ser prescindibles.

[Degree of compliance with treatment at three months in migraine patients]. / Grado de cumplimiento terapéutico a los tres meses en pacientes con migraña.

INTRODUCTION: Adherence to oral preventive treatment (OPT) in migraine is often compromised. The aim was to determine the degree of adherence to OPT in migraine patients at three months. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a multicentre observational study of patients diagnosed with episodic or chronic migraine (criteria of the International Headache Classification, third edition) in whom OPT was initiated. Demographic data (age, gender, educational level, marital status) and disease data (number of attacks, Headache Impact Test-6 and Migraine Disability Assessment Scale scores) were collected. At three months, the Morisky-Green scale was administered, which differentiates levels of adherence: excellent (0), moderate (1-2) and low (3-4). RESULTS: Altogether 100 patients participated in the study: 87% women aged 42 ± 13 years, 14% with chronic migraine; 53.2% of them were beginning their first OPT. Beta-blockers were initiated in 23.2%, tricyclic antidepressants in 35.4%, flunarizine in 21.2%, neuromodulators in 19.2% and antihypertensives in 1%. Severe disability was observed in 56%, and the impact was very severe in 79.5%. Adhesion at three months was excellent in 41.8%, moderate in 28.6% and low in 29.6%. The most frequent reason for discontinuing was the occurrence of adverse effects (44%). A significant relationship was found between excellent adherence and being single (p = 0.046), and between low adherence and adverse effects (p = 0.009). No significant differences were found between the OPT used and the degree of adherence or the other variables studied. CONCLUSIONS: Although our results are better than those published in the literature, we consider that therapeutic adherence in our setting is low and educating our patients in this regard is a priority.

TITLE: Grado de cumplimiento terapéutico a los tres meses en pacientes con migraña.Introducción. La adhesión al tratamiento preventivo oral (TPO) en la migraña se ve frecuentemente comprometida. El objetivo fue conocer el grado de adhesión al TPO en pacientes con migraña a los tres meses. Pacientes y métodos. Estudio multicéntrico observacional de pacientes diagnosticados de migraña episódica o crónica (criterios de la Clasificación Internacional de Cefaleas, tercera edición) en los que se iniciaba TPO. Se recogieron datos demográficos (edad, género, nivel estudios, estado civil) y de enfermedad (número de ataques, puntuación en las escalas Headache Impact Test-6 y Migraine Disability Assessment Scale). A los tres meses se pasó la escala de Morisky Green, que diferencia niveles de adhesión: excelente (0), moderada (1-2) y baja (3-4). Resultados. Participaron 100 pacientes, un 87% mujeres de 42 ± 13 años, el 14% con migraña crónica. El 53,2% comenzaba su primer TPO. Se iniciaron betabloqueantes en el 23,2%, antidepresivos tricíclicos en el 35,4%, flunaricina en el 21,2%, neuromoduladores en el 19,2% y antihipertensivos en el 1%. El 56% presentaba discapacidad grave y el 79,5%, impacto muy grave. La adhesión a los tres meses fue excelente en el 41,8%, moderada en el 28,6% y baja en el 29,6%. El motivo más frecuente de discontinuación fueron los efectos adversos (44%). Se encontró una relación significativa entre adhesión excelente y estado civil soltero (p = 0,046), y entre adhesión baja y efectos adversos (p = 0,009). No se encontraron diferencias significativas entre los TPO empleados y el grado de adhesión ni con el resto de variables estudiadas. Conclusiones. Aunque nuestros resultados son mejores que los publicados en la bibliografía, consideramos que la adhesión terapéutica en nuestro medio es baja y es prioritario educar a nuestros pacientes en este sentido.

Safety of anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies in patients with migraine during the COVID-19 pandemic: Present and future implications.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: CGRP, a neuropeptide involved in migraine pathophysiology, is also known to play a role in the respiratory system and in immunological conditions such as sepsis. We analyzed the impact of the use of CGRP antagonists in patients with migraine during the COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. METHODS: This is a multicentre cross-sectional study. From May to November 2020, through a national survey distributed by the Spanish Society of Neurology, we collected data about the presence of COVID-19 symptoms including headache and their characteristics and severity in patients with migraine treated with anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies (mAb), and compared them with patients with migraine not receiving this treatment. We also conducted a subanalysis of patients with COVID-19 symptoms. RESULTS: We recruited 300 patients with migraine: 51.7% (155/300) were taking anti-CGRP mAbs; 87.3% were women (262/300). Mean age (standard deviation) was 47.1 years (11.6). Forty-one patients (13.7%) met diagnostic criteria for COVID-19, with no statistically significant difference between patients with and without anti-CGRP mAb treatment (16.1% vs 11.0%, respectively; P=.320). Of the patients with COVID-19, 48.8% (20/41) visited the emergency department and 12.2% (5/41) were hospitalised. Likewise, no clinical differences were found between the groups of patients with and without anti-CGRP mAb treatment. CONCLUSION: Anti-CGRP mAbs may be safe in clinical practice, presenting no association with increased risk of COVID-19.

Impact of monthly headache days on anxiety, depression and disability in migraine patients: results from the Spanish Atlas.

Identifying highly disabled patients or at high risk of psychiatric comorbidity is crucial for migraine management. The burden of migraine increases with headache frequency, but the number of headache days (HDs) per month after which disability becomes severe or the risk of anxiety and depression is higher has not been established. Here, we estimate the number of HDs per month after which migraine is associated with higher risk of anxiety and depression, severe disability and lower quality of life. We analysed 468 migraine patients (mean age 36.8 ± 10.7; 90.2% female), of whom 38.5% had ≥ 15 HDs per month. Our results show a positive linear correlation between the number of HDs per month and the risk of anxiety (r = 0.273; p < 0.001), depression (r = 0.337; p < 0.001) and severe disability (r = 0.519; p < 0.001). The risk of anxiety is higher in patients having ≥ 3HDs per month, and those with ≥ 19HDs per month are at risk of depression. Moreover, patients suffering ≥ 10HDs per month have very severe disability. Our results suggest that migraine patients with ≥ 10HDs per month are very disabled and also that those with ≥ 3HDs per month should be screened for anxiety.