Insights on the terminology and on some pathophysiological aspects of cluster headache and related conditions / Insights sobre a terminologia e alguns aspectos fisiopatológicos da cefaléia em salvas e condições relacionadas

Introduction: Cluster headache and the more recently reported "related conditions",namely Chronic Paroxysmal Hemicrania, Short lasting, unilateral, Neuralgiform Headache with Conjunctival Injection and Tearing (SUNCT) Syndrome and (possibly also) Hemicrania Continua, are one of the fascinating groups of conditions in Neurology whose cardinal features are the almost absolute unilaterality of pain, its excruciating severity, besides the prominent mainly facial autonomic disturbances and overall the intriguing biorhythmicity. Beyond any doubt, the progress of our knowledge about the mechanisms of these conditions has been considerable, but there is always room for reflection on where we are and where we can go. Objective: The objectives of the present study are to analyze the metrics of publications on the pathophysiology of these conditions, to explore in detail how proper the term "Trigeminal Autonomic Cephalgia" is, and to comment on their numerous synonyms. Comment: Much is needed to know the exact structures and circuitry involved in the pathophysiology of these conditions; accordingly, a non-compromising and just descriptive term might be useful. Along this line of reasoning and bearing in mind the cardinal points of such conditions, namely, pain in the trigeminal territory, prominent autonomic symptoms, prominent chronobiological features, and the excruciating character of the pain, a terminological possibility would be: Unilateral with Prominent Rhythmicity and Autonomic Symptoms Excrutiating Cephalgia (UPRASEC).

Introdução: Cefaleia em salvas e as "condições relacionadas" relatadas mais recentemente, nomeadamente Hemicrania Paroxística Crónica, Cefaleia Neuralgiforme unilateral de curta duração com Síndrome de Injecção e Lacrimejamento Conjuntival (SUNCT) e (possivelmente também) Hemicrania Continua, são um dos grupos fascinantes de condições em Neurologia cujas características cardinais são a unilateralidade quase absoluta da dor, sua gravidade excruciante, além dos proeminentes distúrbios autonômicos principalmente faciais e, em geral, da intrigante biorritmicidade. Sem dúvida, o progresso do nosso conhecimento sobre os mecanismos destas condições tem sido considerável, mas há sempre espaço para reflexão sobre onde estamos e para onde podemos ir. Objetivo: Os objetivos do presente estudo são analisar as métricas das publicações sobre a fisiopatologia dessas condições, explorar detalhadamente o quão adequado é o termo "Cefalgia Autonômica Trigeminal" e comentar seus numerosos sinônimos. Comentário: É necessário muito conhecimento das estruturas e circuitos exatos envolvidos na fisiopatologia dessas condições; consequentemente, um termo não comprometedor e apenas descritivo pode ser útil. Nessa linha de raciocínio e tendo em mente os pontos cardeais de tais condições, a saber, dor no território trigêmeo, sintomas autonômicos proeminentes, características cronobiológicas proeminentes e o caráter excruciante da dor, uma possibilidade terminológica seria: Unilateral com Ritmicidade Proeminente e sintomas autonômicos excruciantes da cefalgia (UPRASEC).

New Daily Persistent Headache Following Dengue Fever: Report of Three Cases and an Epidemiological Study.

INTRODUCTION: Dengue fever is currently a significant public health problem as an emerging pandemic-prone viral disease in many parts of the world. Up to 100 million individuals, distributed in over 100 countries, are estimated to be infected annually, putting nearly half of the world's population at risk. The headache associated with dengue fever is considered to be very intense, bilateral, throbbing, frontal, and retro-orbital. New daily persistent headache (NDPH) is a relatively rare headache entity. It has already been reported that systemic infectious disease may precede the onset of NDPH. We report the data of an epidemiologic study analyzing the cases of NDPH among 450 subjects who had dengue fever. METHOD: The study was performed in a medium-size town in southeastern Brazil (Franca, population 370,000). During the year 2015, 600 cases of dengue fever were reported to the Franca Health Authority. All these patients were contacted by telephone, and 450 of the patients were located and interviewed. RESULTS: Of these 450 interviews, three possible cases of NDPH were identified. CONCLUSION: The observed prevalence of NDPH attributed to dengue fever was 1:150 cases of dengue fever (0.67%).

Recommendations for the treatment of migraine attacks - a Brazilian consensus.

In this article, a group of experts in headache management of the Brazilian Headache Society developed through a consensus strategic measurements to treat a migraine attack in both the child and the adult. Particular emphasis was laid on the treatment of migraine in women, including at pregnancy, lactation and perimenstrual period.

Recommendations for the treatment of migraine attacks - a Brazilian consensus / Recomendações para o tratamento da crise migranosa - Um consenso brasileiro

ABSTRACT In this article, a group of experts in headache management of the Brazilian Headache Society developed through a consensus strategic measurements to treat a migraine attack in both the child and the adult. Particular emphasis was laid on the treatment of migraine in women, including at pregnancy, lactation and perimenstrual period.

RESUMO Neste artigo um grupo de especialistas no tratamento de cefaleia da Sociedade Brasileira de Cefaleia através de um consenso elaborou medidas estratérgicas para tratar uma crise de migrânea tanto na criança como no adulto. Uma enfase particular foi dada no tratamento da migranea na mulher, incluindo gravidez, lactação e período perimenstrual.

Headache research and medical practice in Brazil: an historical overview.

Since the creation of the Brazilian Headache Society in 1978, substantial developments have taken place in both research and clinical practice in the field of headache medicine in Brazil. The Society now has almost 300 members throughout the country, actively working to improve the health of the general population and, in particular, diagnose and treat headache disorders. In addition, in a few large cities, such as São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Recife, Ribeirão Preto, Curitiba, and Porto Alegre, headache specialists have come together to promote research projects and increase knowledge in the field through MSc, PhD, and postdoctoral programs. Furthermore, scientific journals have emerged and books have been published to record and disseminate Brazilian scientific production in headache medicine. In this narrative review, we will briefly describe some important aspects of headache medicine in Brazil from prehistoric times to the present day, discuss the origin of headache medicine as a specialty in Brazil, the principal publications dealing with headache disorders, the use of plants and other unconventional forms of treatment used by faith healers, the main training centers, and the research produced to date by Brazilians. In conclusion, in recent years enormous progress has been made in headache medicine in Brazil stimulating us to review and expand our role in an increasingly international scenario.

Latin American consensus on guidelines for chronic migraine treatment.

Chronic migraine is a condition with significant prevalence all around the world and high socioeconomic impact, and its handling has been challenging neurologists. Developments for understanding its mechanisms and associated conditions, as well as that of new therapies, have been quick and important, a fact which has motivated the Latin American and Brazilian Headache Societies to prepare the present consensus. The treatment of chronic migraine should always be preceded by a careful diagnosis review; the detection of possible worsening factors and associated conditions; the stratification of seriousness/impossibility to treat; and monitoring establishment, with a pain diary. The present consensus deals with pharmacological and nonpharmacological forms of treatment to be used in chronic migraine.

Latin American consensus on guidelines for chronic migraine treatment / Consenso latino-americano para as diretrizes de tratamento da migranea cronica

Chronic migraine is a condition with significant prevalence all around the world and high socioeconomic impact, and its handling has been challenging neurologists. Developments for understanding its mechanisms and associated conditions, as well as that of new therapies, have been quick and important, a fact which has motivated the Latin American and Brazilian Headache Societies to prepare the present consensus. The treatment of chronic migraine should always be preceded by a careful diagnosis review; the detection of possible worsening factors and associated conditions; the stratification of seriousness/impossibility to treat; and monitoring establishment, with a pain diary. The present consensus deals with pharmacological and nonpharmacological forms of treatment to be used in chronic migraine.

A migrânea crônica é uma condição com prevalência significativa ao redor do mundo e alto impacto socioeconômico, sendo que seu manuseio tem desafiado os neurologistas. Os avanços na compreensão de seus mecanismos e das condições a ela associadas, bem como nas novas terapêuticas, têm sido rápidos e importantes, fato que motivou as Sociedades Latino-americana e Brasileira de Cefaleia a elaborarem o presente consenso. O tratamento da migrânea crônica deve ser sempre precedido por uma revisão cuidadosa do diagnóstico, pela detecção de possíveis fatores de piora e das condições associadas, pela estratificação de gravidade/impossibilidade de se tratar e pelo monitoramento com um diário da dor. Este consenso apresenta abordagens farmacológicas e não-farmacológicas para tratar a migrânea crônica.

Pressure pain threshold in the craniocervical muscles of women with episodic and chronic migraine: a controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the pressure pain threshold (PPT) of the craniocervical muscles in women with episodic migraine (EM) n=15 and chronic migraine (CM) n=14, and in healthy volunteers (C) n=15. METHOD: A blinded examiner obtained the PPT bilaterally, by pressure algometry, for the following muscles: frontalis, temporalis, masseter, trapezius and sternocleidomastoid. ANOVA (p<0.05) was used for statistical purposes. RESULTS: Contrasted to controls, individuals with EM had significantly decreased PPT values for frontal muscle (EM: 2.01±0.67 vs. C: 2.85±0.71), posterior temporalis bilaterally (right and left, respectively) (EM: 2.72±0.89 vs. C: 3.36±0.72 and EM: 2.60±1.00 vs. C: 3.35±0.85), upper trapezius bilaterally (EM: 2.69±1.00 vs. C: 3.49±0.83 and EM: 2.54±0.93 vs. C: 3.32±0.97) and women with CM: on frontal muscle bilaterally (CM: 2.16±0.52 vs. C: 2.79±0.71 and CM: 2.01±0.67 vs. C: 2.85±0.71) and upper trapezius (CM: 2.66±0.84 vs. C: 3.32±0.97), however, it was not verified differences between PPT values between EM and CM groups. CONCLUSION: PPT is decreased in women with migraine relative to controls. Future studies should explore this parameter as a biological marker of the disease and a predictor of treatment.

Pressure pain threshold in the craniocervical muscles of women with episodic and chronic migraine: a controlled study / Limiar de dor por pressão de músculos craniocervicais em mulheres com migrânea episódica e crônica: um estudo controlado

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the pressure pain threshold (PPT) of the craniocervical muscles in women with episodic migraine (EM) n=15 and chronic migraine (CM) n=14, and in healthy volunteers (C) n=15. METHOD: A blinded examiner obtained the PPT bilaterally, by pressure algometry, for the following muscles: frontalis, temporalis, masseter, trapezius and sternocleidomastoid. ANOVA (p<0.05) was used for statistical purposes. RESULTS: Contrasted to controls, individuals with EM had significantly decreased PPT values for frontal muscle (EM: 2.01±0.67 vs. C: 2.85±0.71), posterior temporalis bilaterally (right and left, respectively) (EM: 2.72±0.89 vs. C: 3.36±0.72 and EM: 2.60±1.00 vs. C: 3.35±0.85), upper trapezius bilaterally (EM: 2.69±1.00 vs. C: 3.49±0.83 and EM: 2.54±0.93 vs. C: 3.32±0.97) and women with CM: on frontal muscle bilaterally (CM: 2.16±0.52 vs. C: 2.79±0.71 and CM: 2.01±0.67 vs. C: 2.85±0.71) and upper trapezius (CM: 2.66±0.84 vs. C: 3.32±0.97), however, it was not verified differences between PPT values between EM and CM groups. CONCLUSION: PPT is decreased in women with migraine relative to controls. Future studies should explore this parameter as a biological marker of the disease and a predictor of treatment.

OBJETIVO: Estimar os valores de limiar de dor por pressão (LDP) dos músculos craniocervicais de mulheres com migrânea episódica (ME) n=15 e crônica (MC) n=14, e em voluntários controles saudáveis (C) n=15. MÉTODO: O LDP foi obtido bilateralmente por examinadores cegos através da algometria de pressão nos seguintes músculos: frontal, temporal, masseter, trapézio e esternocleidomastóideo. Para análise estatística foi utilizada a ANOVA (p<0.05). RESULTADOS: Em relação aos controles, pacientes com ME apresentaram redução significativa do LDP para os músculos: frontal (ME: 2,01±0,67 vs. C: 2,85±0,71), temporal posterior bilateralmente (direito e esquerdo, respectivamente) (ME: 2,72±0,89 vs. C: 3,36±0,72 e ME: 2,60±1,00 vs. C: 3,35±0,85), trapézio superior bilateralmente (ME: 2,69±1,00 vs. C: 3,49±0,83 e ME: 2,54±0,93 vs. C: 3,32±0,97) e mulheres com MC: no músculo frontal bilateralmente (MC: 2,16±0,52 vs. C: 2,79±0,71 e MC: 2,01±0,67 vs. C: 2,85±0,71) e trapézio superior (MC: 2,66±0,84 vs. C: 3,32±0,97). Entretanto não foram verificadas diferenças entre os valores de LDP entre os grupos ME e MC. CONCLUSÃO: O LDP mostrou-se reduzido em mulheres com migrânea episódica ou crônica em relação aos controles. Em estudos futuros, esse parâmetro pode ser estudado como marcador da migrânea e indicador de efeito de tratamento.

O efeito do laser de baixa intensidade no tratamento das cefaleias cervicogênicas: apresentação de sete casos / Low-intensity laser to treat cervicogenic headaches: presentation of seven cases.

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A cefaleia cervicogênica é caracterizada por dor nucal e/ou fronto-temporal desencadeada por distúrbio na região do pescoço, C1, C2 ou C3. A dor é unilateral, iniciada na região da nuca e referida na região fronto-temporal sendo episódica ou crônica. O bloqueio do nervo occipital maior ou menor é feito com duas finalidades: terapêutica e diagnóstica. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar o efeito do laser de baixa intensidade (GaAlAs) aplicado na região do nervo occipital maior e menor e/ou da raiz C2 do lado sintomático no tratamento das cefaleias cervicogênicas, substituindo o bloqueio convencional.RELATOS DOS CASOS: Foram encaminhados para o procedimento sete pacientes, do Ambulatório de Cefaleia do Hospital de Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto da Universidade de São Paulo. Esses pacientes foram submetidos às aplicações com o laser (D = 60J/cm², 1 vez/semana durante 4 semanas) do lado sintomático em 8 pontos-gatilho localizados através da palpação na região dos nervos occipital maior e menor. Esses pacientes preencheram um diário de dor e foram feitas 4 avaliações: A0 (antes da 1a aplicação), A1 (logo após a última aplicação), A2 e A3 (30 e 60 dias após a última aplicação). CONCLUSÃO: Laser de baixa intensidade promoveu a diminuição da intensidade e frequência da sintomatologia, mas de acordo com os resultados sugere-se que alterações na potência e doses sejam feitas a fim de se buscar um protocolo mais exato.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cervicogenic headache is characterized by nuchal and / or fronto-temporal pain triggered by neck region disorder, C1, C2 or C3. Pain is unilateral, starts in the nuchal region and refers to fronto-temporal region, being episodic or chronic. Major or minor occipital nerve block is performed with two goals: therapeutic and diagnostic. This study aimed at observing the effect of low-intensity laser (GaAIAs) applied to major and minor occipital nerve and / or C2 root at the symptomatic side to treat cervicogenic headaches, replacing conventional block.CASE REPORTS: Seven patients of the Headache Ambulatory, Clinicas Hospital, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, were referred to the procedure. Patients were submitted to laser applications (D = 60J/cm², once a week for four weeks) at the symptomatic side in 8 trigger-points identified through palpation of major and minor occipital nerves region. Patients filled a pain log and 4 evaluations were made: A0 (before first application), A1 (soon after last application), A2 and A3 (30 and 60 days after last application). CONCLUSION: Low-intensity laser has decreased symptoms intensity and frequency, but according to results we suggest that changes in potency and dosages are made to look for a more accurate protocol.

SUNCT syndrome: report of a possible symptomatic case.

SUNCT is one of the rarest and least known primary headache disorders. Although its pathogenesis has been partially understood by functional neuroimaging and reports of secondary cases, there is limited understanding of its cause. We report a case of SUNCT in a 54-years-old man, that could not be strictly classified as secondary SUNCT; however, the time lag of pain onset suggests a new theory in which neuroplasticity could be involved in the origin and duration of the pain in SUNCT syndrome.

SUNCT syndrome: report of a possible symptomatic case

SUNCT is one of the rarest and least known primary headache disorders. Although its pathogenesis has been partially understood by functional neuroimaging and reports of secondary cases, there is limited understanding of its cause. We report a case of SUNCT in a 54-years-old man, that could not be strictly classified as secondary SUNCT; however, the time lag of pain onset suggests a new theory in which neuroplasticity could be involved in the origin and duration of the pain in SUNCT syndrome.

SUNCT é uma das mais raras e menos conhecidas cefaléias primárias. Embora sua patogênese esteja parcialmente compreendida por neuroimagem funcional e relatos de casos secundários, há insuficiente conhecimento a respeito de sua causa. Nós relatamos um caso de SUNCT em um homem de 54 anos, que não poderia ser estritamente classificado como SUNCT secundário; entretanto, o lapso de tempo para o início da dor sugere uma nova hipótese na qual a neuroplasticidade possa esta envolvida na origem e duração da dor na síndrome SUNCT.

Ventricular arteriovenous malformation bleeding: a rare cause of headache in children. Case report.

Headache as a chief complaint is rare in the paediatric emergency room. Actually, very seldom cases secondary to life threatening conditions as non-traumatic subarachnoid haemorrhage have been reported. A child with severe headache and nuchal rigidity and no other abnormalities on the physical examination is reported. Magnetic resonance angiography and cerebral angiography disclosed a ventricular arteriovenous malformation in the choroid plexus, supplied by the anterior choroidal artery, classified according to Spetzler grading system as grade 3 (deep venous drainage: 1; eloquence area: 0 and size: 2). The differences in the clinical presentations of the central nervous system arteriovenous malformation between children and adults are discussed.

Ventricular arteriovenous malformation bleeding: a rare cause of headache in children. Case report

Cefaléia como queixa principal raramente ocorre num serviço de emergência pediátrica. Quando isso acontece, casos de cefaléia secundária que trazem risco de vida, tais como a hemorragia subaracnóide são raramente relatados. Apresentamos o caso de uma criança que apresentou cefaléia de forte intensidade associada a rigidez de nuca, sem outras anormalidades no exame físico. A angioressonância e angiografia digital evidenciaram malformação arteriovenosa na topografia do plexo coróide do ventrículo lateral direito, nutrida pela artéria coroidéia anterior, grau III na classificação de Spetzler (drenagem venosa profunda: 1; área de eloqüência: 0 e tamanho: 2). Nós discutimos as diferenças na apresentação clínica das malformações arteriovenosas encefálicas nas crianças e adultos.

Intravenous chlorpromazine in the emergency department treatment of migraines: a randomized controlled trial.

The aim of this study is to assess, in a double blind randomized clinical trial, the effect of chlorpromazine (CPZ) on the pain and associated symptoms in patients with migraine. Sixty patients with migraine with aura and 68 patients with migraine without aura were assigned at random to receive IV 0.1 mg/Kg CPZ or placebo. We assessed pain intensity, nausea, photophobia, and phonophobia at baseline, 30 min, and 60 min post-IV administration. End-point efficacy at 60 min was used to calculate the number needed to treat (NNT). We also recorded adverse effects, need for rescue medication at 24 h, and recurrence of headache at 24 h. We found clinically and statistically significant (p < 0.01) improvement associated with CPZ in pain scores, nausea, photophobia, phonophobia, and need for rescue medication, all at 60 min, and in rate of recurrence at 24 h, both in patients with and without aura. NNT = 2. Those allocated to CPZ had less nausea and dyspepsia, but more drowsiness and postural hypotension than those receiving placebo. CPZ is an excellent option for the treatment of migraines, with and without aura, in the Emergency Department.

Intravenous chlorpromazine in the acute treatment of episodic tension-type headache: a randomized, placebo controlled, double-blind study.

Acute headache is a very frequent symptom, responsible for a significant percentage of caseload at primary care units and emergency rooms. Chlorpromazine is easily available in such settings. The aim of this study is to conduct a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study to assess the efficacy of chlorpromazine on the acute treatment of episodic tension-type headache. We randomized 30 patients to receive placebo (10 ml of saline intravenous injections) and 30 patients to receive 0.1 mg/Kg chlorpromazine intravenously. We used 7 parameters of analgesic evaluation. Patients receiving chlorpromazine showed a statistically significant improvement (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01) of pain compared to placebo, far up to 30 minutes after the drug administration. The therapeutic gain was 36.7% in 30 minutes and 56.6 % in 60 minutes. The number needed to treat (NNT, the reciprocal or the therapeutic gain) was 2.7 in 30 minutes and 1.8 in 60 minutes. There were reductions in the recurrence and in the use of rescue medication in the chlorpromazine group. We can conclude that intravenous chlorpromazine is an effective drug to relief the pain in tension-type headache.