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After interdisciplinary consent, a male patient in his 50s received endovascular treatment of an innocent supraophthalmic aneurysm of the internal carotid artery with a WEB (woven endo bridge) device and stenting. In the medical history, a migraine with aura was reported. A week after intervention, the patient developed an ipsilateral cluster-like headache responsive to classical interventions. Inflammation of the carotid wall near the stent was demonstrated to be associated with the headaches and was responsive to steroid treatment.The presented case demonstrates that postinterventional headache comprises more headache entities than the often reported migraine and tension-type headache with a considerable impact on the patients’ quality of life. The case supports the vascular hypothesis of cluster headache pathophysiology, potentially contradicting current models and assumptions.

A woman in her 40s presented with a 3-month history of intermittent bilateral daily headache of moderate intensity. She had severe headaches for almost 1 month prior to the presentation, which was aggravated by standing and relieved by lying down. She underwent a non-contrast CT of the head followed by MRI of the brain and spine. Neuroimaging of the brain showed features of intracranial hypotension and spine MRI myelography fast imaging employing steady state acquisition sequences confirmed the site of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. An epidural blood patch (EBP) was placed to close the CSF leakage site. She had significant improvement in her symptoms and repeat MRI at 4 weeks of follow-up showed resolution of imaging abnormalities. She became symptom-free without the requirement of additional EBP. Our report highlights the importance of suspecting and evaluating spontaneous intracranial hypotension in a patient presented with a typical orthostatic headache. Early intervention and keeping a low threshold for evaluation based on a few early clinical and imaging clues can lead to successful management of such cases.

Background Despite previous studies indicating a moderate/high incidence of angiography headache (AH), there is still limited data about the risk factors associated with its occurrence. Objective The present study aimed to assess the associations among demographic, clinical, and technical characteristics of cerebral digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and the occurrence of AH. Methods Cross-sectional analytical observational study with a sample comprised of individuals with a recommendation for elective DSA. Clinical interviews were conducted to assess the occurrence of AH, using a standardized questionnaire. Results Among 114 subjects, the mean age was 52.8 (±13.8) years old, 75.4% (86/114) were women, 29.8% (34/114) had a history of migraines, and 10.5% (12/114) had chronic headaches. The overall frequency of AH was 45.6% (52/114). Of those, 88.4% (46/52) underwent 3D angiography, 7.7% (4/52) underwent aortography, and 1.9% (1/52) underwent both procedures. There was a statistically significant association between AH and previous history of migraine (odds ratio [OR]: 4.9; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.62–14.7; p = 0.005) and 3D angiography (OR 6.62; 95%CI: 2.04–21.5; p = 0.002). Conclusions 3D angiography is strongly associated with the occurrence of AH, which has never been reported before. The association between a previous history of migraine and AH confirms the results of previous studies. Resumo Antecedentes Apesar de estudos prévios indicarem uma incidência moderada/alta de cefaleia da angiografia (CA), os dados sobre os fatores de risco associados à sua ocorrência ainda são relativamente escassos. Objetivo O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar as associações entre as características demográficas, clínicas e técnicas da angiografia cerebral por subtração digital (ACSD) e a ocorrência de CA. Métodos Estudo observacional analítico transversal com uma amostra composta por indivíduos com indicação de ACSD em caráter eletivo. Entrevistas clínicas foram realizadas utilizando um questionário padronizado para acessar a ocorrência de CA. Resultados Entre os 114 indivíduos, a idade média foi de 52,8 (±13,8) anos, 75,4% (86/114) eram mulheres, 29,8% (34/114) tinham histórico de enxaqueca e 10,5% (12/114) tinham cefaleia crônica. A frequência geral de CA foi de 45,6% (52/114). Desses, 88,4% (46/52) foram submetidos à angiografia 3D, 7,7% (4/52), à aortografia e 1,9% (1/52), aos dois procedimentos. Houve associação estatisticamente significativa entre CA e histórico prévio de enxaqueca (odds ratio [OR] 4,9; intervalo de confiança [IC] 95%: 1,62–14,7; p = 0,005) e angiografia 3D (OR 6,62; IC95%: 2,04–21,5; p = 0,002). Conclusões A angiografia 3D está fortemente associada à ocorrência de CA, o que é inédito na literatura. A associação entre um histórico de enxaqueca e a CA confirma os resultados de estudos anteriores.

Background It is estimated that headache attributed to ischemic stroke occurs in 7.4% to 34% of the cases. Despite its frequency, this headache has been little studied in terms of its risk factors and characteristics. Objective To assess the frequency and clinical characteristics of headache attributed to ischemic stroke and the factors associated with its occurrence. Methods The present was a cross-sectional study which included patients consecutively admitted within 72 hours of the onset of ischemic stroke. A semi-structured questionnaire was used. The patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging. Results A total of 221 patients were included, 68.2% of whom were male, and the mean age was of 68.2 ± 13.8 years. The frequency of headache attributed to ischemic stroke was of 24.9% (95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 19.6-31.1%). The headache had a median duration of 21 hours and most frequently began at the same time as the focal deficit (45.3%), with a gradual onset (83%). It was of moderate intensity, pulsatile (45.3%), bilateral (54.6%), and presented a similar pattern to that of tension-type headache (53.6%). Headache attributed to stroke was significantly associated with previous tension-type headache, and previous migraine with and without aura (logistic regression). Conclusion Headache attributed to stroke is common, with a pattern similar to that of tension-type headache, and it is associated with a history of tension-type and migraine headaches. Resumo Antecedentes A cefaleia atribuída ao acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico (AVCi) tem uma frequência de 7,4% a 34% dos casos. Apesar de ser considerada frequente, esta cefaleia ainda é pouco estudada em termos de seus fatores de risco e características. Objetivo Avaliar a frequência e as características clínicas da cefaleia atribuída ao AVCi e os fatores associados com a sua ocorrência. Métodos Este foi um estudo transversal que incluiu pacientes admitidos consecutivamente com até 72 horas do início do AVCi. Foi utilizado um questionário semiestruturado. Os pacientes realizaram ressonância magnética. Resultados Foram incluídos 221 pacientes, 68,2% dos quais eram do sexo masculino, e com idade média de 68,2 ± 13,8 anos. A frequência da cefaleia atribuída ao AVCi foi de 24,9% (intervalo de confiança de 95% [IC95%]: 19,6-31,1%). A duração mediana da cefaleia foi de 21 horas, e ela se iniciou com mais frequência ao mesmo tempo em que o déficit focal (45,3%), teve instalação gradual (83%), foi de moderada intensidade, pulsátil (45,3%), bilateral (54,6%) e teve um padrão semelhante ao da cefaleia de tipo tensional (53,6%). A cefaleia atribuída ao AVCi esteve significativamente associada à cefaleia de tipo tensional prévia, e à migrânea com e sem aura prévias (regressão logística). Conclusão A cefaleia atribuída ao AVCi é frequente, tem padrão mais habitual semelhante ao da cefaleia de tipo tensional, e está associada aos antecedentes de cefaleia de tipo tensional e migrânea.

A 50-year-old woman was referred to rheumatology for new onset polyarthralgia and headache. She had a history of metastatic lung adenocarcinoma and was started on treatment with the programmed death 1 receptor (PD-1) antagonist pembrolizumab 2 months prior. Examination revealed left temporal artery tenderness and hand synovitis. Investigations revealed enlarged temporal artery on ultrasound imaging. On steroid treatment, she had resolution of symptoms, but due to significant steroid side effects required methotrexate and her PD-1 antagonist therapy was continued in consultation with her oncologist. Her malignant disease has remained stable, and she has improved functional status.

We report a case of a 60-year-old man who struggled with frequent migraines for 12.5 years, which were refractory to all conventional therapies. Six months before initial consultation, these migraines become chronic. The patient was then advised to follow the Low Inflammatory Foods Everyday (LIFE) diet, a nutrient-dense, dark green leafy vegetable-rich, whole food plant-based diet. Within 2 months, his headache frequency declined from 18 to 24 headache days per month to 1, and he discontinued his preventive and abortive migraine medications. After 3 months, the patient had no headaches. These results far exceed the goal of migraine treatment with medication, which is to reduce migraine frequency by >50% per month. In addition, the results were durable; this patient has been migraine-free for 7.5 years. Serum beta-carotene more than tripled after the patient started the LIFE diet, consistent with its high content of dark green leafy vegetables. Weight, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), complete blood count (CBC), hydration status, sodium and other electrolytes remained constant throughout the study.

A young woman presented to neurology with a 1 month history of progressive diplopia on lateral gaze and a 1 week history of headaches. On examination she was found to have complex ophthalmoparesis with binocular horizontal diplopia, failure of abduction bilaterally and limited upgaze with convergence-retraction nystagmus. The rest of the neurological examination was normal. She was admitted for investigations: blood, CT brain, MR brain and lumbar puncture results were normal. Anti-GD1a antibodies were strongly positive; anti-GM1, anti-GM2 and anti-GD1b were also positive. On follow-up 3 weeks later, the complex ophthalmoplegia persisted. It was decided to treat with intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIgs) with good response but recurrence at 2 weeks post infusion. She was treated with 4 weekly IVIg courses and remains responsive and controlled over 1 year since presentation but becomes symptomatic in the week running up to each dose; thus, disease modifying treatment is currently being considered.

As sleep latency is an important factor in the diagnosis of many disorders, it is important to know whether the patient's self-reported evaluation of sleep latency corresponds with an objectively measured evaluation. Some studies indicate that patients usually overestimate their sleep latency. We sought to determine how comorbidities affect the patient's ability to assess their sleep latency.This was a retrospective study of 240 patients who had a polysomnography recorded at our sleep unit or at home in 2017-2020. Data on comorbidities were collected from hospital records.Mean objective sleep latency (29.5 minutes, standard deviation [SD] 35.5) was significantly lower than self-reported sleep (37.4 minutes, SD 41.6) (We hypothesize that migraine is markedly associated with overestimation of sleep latency. This overestimation was not observed in patients with other headache types. Further studies are needed to explore the relation between migraine and sleep onset misperception.Rantanen O, Hollmen M, Bachour A. Migraine may disturb sleep perception during sleep onset: a retrospective data analysis.

Headache is a frequent symptom in emergency department, especially in patients with hypertension. Carotid web, also known as the variant of fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD), is a rare disorder, found in only 1- 1.2 % of patients undergoing angiography, and it should be searched for in patients with cryptogenic stroke. We present a female hyper- tensive patient presented to emergency department with headache and visual symptoms, in whom further work-up revealed carotid web. A 46 years old female patient presented to the ED with headache occurring few days before the examination. It was a constant left temporal headache accompanied with flashes in the right half of the visual field. History taking revealed well-controlled hypertension with calcium channel antagonists. The first manifestation of hypertension was eclampsia during pregnancy. In emergency department normal neurologic status was obtained, brain CT scan was normal. Neurosonological examination revealed right carotid web, confirmed by MSCT angiography.

Studies combining data from digital surveys and electronic health records (EHR) can be used to conduct comprehensive assessments on COVID-19 vaccine safety.We conducted an observational study using data from a digital survey and EHR of children aged 5-11 years vaccinated with Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 mRNA vaccine across Kaiser Permanente Southern California during November 4, 2021-February 28, 2022. Parents/guardians who enrolled their children were sent a 14-day survey on reactions. Survey results were combined with EHR, and medical encounters were described for children whose parents or guardians indicated seeking medical care for vaccine-related symptoms. This study describes self-reported reactions (local and systemic) and additional symptoms (chest pain, tachycardia, and pre-syncope).The study recruited 7,077 participants aged 5-11 years who received the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 mRNA vaccine. Of 6,247 participants with survey responses after dose 1, 2,176 (35 %) reported at least one systemic reaction, and 1,076 (32 %) of 3,401 respondents following dose 2 reported at least one systemic reaction. Local reactions were reported less frequently following dose 2 (1,113, 33 %) than dose 1 (3,140, 50 %). The most frequently reported reactions after dose 1 were pain at the injection site (48 %), fatigue (20 %), headache (12 %), myalgia (9 %) and fever (5 %). The most frequently reported symptoms after dose 2 were also pain at the injection site (30 %), fatigue (19 %), headache (13 %), myalgia (10 %) and fever (9 %). Post-vaccination reactions occurred most frequently-one day following vaccination. Chest pain or tachycardia were reported infrequently (1 %). EHR demonstrated that parents rarely sought care for post-vaccination symptoms, and among those seeking care, the most common symptoms documented in EHR were fever and nausea, comprising0.5 % of children. No encounters were related to myocarditis.While post-vaccination reactions to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 mRNA vaccine were common in children aged 5-11 years, our data showed that in most cases they were transient and did not require medical care.

Masticatory myofascial pain disorders (MMPD) are a common group of orofacial pain conditions affecting the muscles of mastication, with headache and cervical disorders as well as chronic widespread pain and psychosocial disorders being common comorbid conditions. As their pathophysiology is multifactorial in nature, a multimodal and interdisciplinary approach should be considered. Overall treatment goals include decreasing pain and disability, increasing mandibular range of motion, and improving quality of life. This article describes a complex case exhibiting common characteristics of MMPD while additionally reviewing the literature on classification, pathophysiology, and evidence-based treatment planning.

Background: There is a high worldwide burden of headaches. Selection of patients with headaches for neuroimaging, in the absence of traditional red flags, is imperative in guiding further management. Objectives: Determine the yield of neuroimaging findings in patients with headache and normal examination; and potentially identifying additional red flags. Methods: A retrospective consecutive chart review of patients with a main complaint of headaches and normal clinical examination were assessed at a tertiary hospital, over a 10-year period. Results: Cohort consisted of 114 patients. Unexpected or normal variants found in 20.2% of patients (23/114) and 11.4% (13/114) required change in management. The absence of nausea and vomiting (p=0.009) and absence of sharp type headaches in unexpected or normal variants group (p=0.03) were statistically significant. There was a higher chance of an abnormal neuroimaging study in men and HIV seropositive patients. Conclusions: Decision to neuroimage should be determined on an individual basis (demographic factors, history of headache and examination) as normal examination cannot preclude patients from unexpected findings on neuroimaging. Headache with nausea and vomiting in isolation may be associated with normal neuroimaging reflecting primary type headaches. Findings support a lower threshold to neuroimage men and HIV seropositive patients with headaches despite normal clinical examination. Keywords: Headache; normal clinical examination; neuroimaging; headache red flags.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if somatosensory function and symptoms related to central sensitization (CS) differed in individuals with painful temporomandibular disorders (TMD) according to the presence of migraine (MIG) or MIG + headache attributed to TMD (HAT).MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study evaluated 92 adults (20-65 years), presenting painful TMD. Standard diagnostic criteria were applied to classification of painful TMD, MIG, and HAT. CS was assessed through the central sensitization inventory (CSI), wind-up ratio (WUR), pressure pain thresholds (PPT), and the conditioned pain modulation test (CPM). Psychosocial factors were evaluated by validated instruments.RESULTS: There was a significant difference regarding gender, with more women in the group TMD + MIG + HAT (p = 0.028). TMD + MIG and TMD + MIG + HAT had significantly lower PPTs than the TMD group. No group differences were found for the WUR, CPM, or CSI. TMD + MIG + HAT had higher chronic pain intensity (p = 0.001), disability points (p = 0.045), graded chronic pain scale (p = 0.007), and higher somatization (NSPS) scores (p = 0.012), compared to the other groups.CONCLUSION: Mechanical hyperalgesia was more pronounced in the group with the highest pain and somatization scores, while CPM and WUR did not differ between groups. Altered somatosensory function and CS may partially underlie the pathophysiology of overlapping TMD pain conditions, pointing towards additive effects of comorbid head pains.CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Our results demonstrate the importance of considering the association of primary and secondary headaches during TMD assessment and its implications for maintaining the signs and symptoms of CS. This can influence the conduct of treatment, which must be multidisciplinary, and must include management of mechanisms related to CS.

Aquatic athletes not only face common headache etiologies similar to the general population and land-based athletes but also experience their own unique pathology. Posture, aquatic pressure, equipment, and even marine animals pose as unique causes to head pain in the aquatic athlete. Common head pain pathologies seen in the aquatic athlete include tension-type headaches, migraines, cluster headaches, and compressive headaches, including supraorbital neuralgia. Creating a thorough but focused differential diagnosis for head pain in the aquatic athlete can be a difficult and overwhelming task for some. We review both the common and not-so-common etiologies of head pain in the aquatic athlete and suggest a simple framework for assessment and treatment to diagnose and treat head pain in this specific population.

The COVID-19 pandemic has a substantial impact on the physical and mental health status of patients with COVID-19. This study's objective was to evaluate the factors associated with mental health in patients isolated with COVID-19.It is a retrospective, cross-sectional study. One hundred and two patients discharged from COVID-19 hospitalization in Korea were analyzed. The primary outcome was the correlation between psychological problems such as anxiety, depression, and fear of stigma and physical symptoms such as respiratory symptoms, gastrointestinal symptoms, headache, and fever. Mental and physical symptoms were ascertained using closed and multiple-choice questions. The secondary outcome was the correlation between mental issues, demographic factors, and disease severity. Hypoxia and the need for oxygen therapy, a need for remdesivir antiviral treatment, and indications of pneumonia progression on chest x-ray were confirmed through a review of medical records and used to measure disease severity.Patients with COVID-19 indicated feelings of depression (48.1%), anxiety (49.1%), and fear of stigma (60.45%), and some continued to experience physical symptoms even after discharge. Logistic regression revealed that gastrointestinal symptoms positively correlated with depression (p lt; .05) and headache positively correlated with fear of stigma (p lt; .05), while the other factors were not statistically significant (p gt; .05).This study showed that psychological symptoms persisted even after discharge. Gastrointestinal symptoms and headache were influential factors in predicting depression and fear of stigma. Based on this, dedicated COVID-19 hospitals should provide mental health support and preventive management.

Trigeminal neuralgia is a severe facial pain disorder that is difficult to treat. Erenumab, a monoclonal antibody against the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor, has proven efficacy in migraine. Erenumab modulates sensory processing in peripheral trigeminal pain pathways in mice and was reported to be effective for patients with trigeminal neuralgia in open-label studies. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of erenumab in patients with trigeminal neuralgia.We did a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in adults (aged 18-85 years) with idiopathic or classic trigeminal neuralgia as defined by the 3rd edition of the International Classification of Headache Disorders. The trial was based at the Danish Headache Center, Copenhagen University Hospital. Eligible participants had no clinically significant cerebrovascular or cardiovascular disease, had self-reported pain intensity of at least 4 on the 11-point Numeric Rating Scale (0=no pain, 10=worst pain imaginable), and had at least three daily pain paroxysms. After a 1-week pre-screening period, patients entered a 4-week baseline period. Participants who met pain inclusion criteria at the end of the baseline period were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive subcutaneous injections of either erenumab 140 mg or placebo and entered the 4-week follow-up period. Randomisation was done in blocks of 10 using a computer-generated schedule by a third-party company. Participants and assessors were masked to treatment allocation, and erenumab and placebo were packed in identical prefilled syringes. The primary outcome was the number of responders, defined as patients who had a reduction of at least 30% in mean average daily pain intensity during the follow-up period compared with during the baseline period, analysed in the intention-to-treat population. This trial is registered with the European Union Drug Regulating Authorities Clinical Trials Database, EudraCT number 2019-000848-95.We assessed 860 patients for suitability and excluded 741 between Oct 28, 2019, and Sept 13, 2021. 119 participants entered a 1-week pre-screening period and 26 were excluded, 93 participants entered a 4-week baseline period with 13 excluded before randomisation, and 80 participants were randomly assigned to erenumab 140 mg (n=40) or placebo (n=40). There was no difference between groups in the number of responders at 4 weeks in the intention-to-treat population (14 [35%] of 40 with erenumab vs 18 [45%] of 40 with placebo; estimated effect size -10% [95% CI -31 to 11]; p=0·36). 20 (50%) of 40 participants reported adverse events in each group. The most common adverse events were constipation (28%) and headache (10%) in the erenumab group, and headache (13%), constipation (10%), and abdominal pain (10%) in the placebo group.Erenumab did not reduce pain intensity compared with placebo in patients with trigeminal neuralgia and CGRP probably does not have an important role in paroxysmal pain. Well tolerated, effective treatments in trigeminal neuralgia are still needed.Novartis.

Introduction Manual therapy has been shown to reduce self-reported symptoms in patients with chronic tension-type headache (CTTH). However, simultaneous application of suboccipital muscle inhibition and interferential current has not previously been investigated. This study evaluates the effectiveness of combined treatment with suboccipital muscle inhibition and interferential current compared to standard treatment for pain, disability, and headache impact in patients with CTTH. Methods Patients were randomly allocated to receive either standard treatment (n = 13) or the experimental treatment (n = 12), consisting of 20 minutes of suboccipital muscle inhibition plus interferential current twice weekly for 4 weeks. The primary outcome was improvement in pain, and secondary outcomes included improvement in headache-related disability and reduction in headache impact, which were assessed at baseline and at 4 weeks by a blinded rater. Results Statistical analysis showed improvements in the experimental treatment group at 4 weeks for headache-related disability (Neck Disability Index: Hedges' g = 1.01, P = .001; and Headache Disability Inventory: Hedges' g = 0.48, P = .022) and headache impact (6-item Headache Impact Test: Hedges' g = 0.15, P = .037) but not for self-reported pain (numerical rating scale: Hedges' g = 1.13, P = .18). Conclusions Combined treatment with suboccipital muscle inhibition and interferential current in patients with CTTH did not significantly improve self-reported pain but did reduce disability and the impact of headache on daily life at 4 weeks. These improvements exceed the minimum clinically important difference, demonstrating the clinical relevance of our findings.

Scalp necrosis is a rare complication of giant cell arteritis (GCA); however, it is a predictor of severe disease. In this case study, a patient presented with GCA complicated by polymyalgia rheumatica with scalp necrosis. An 86-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital for pulsating headache, scalp pain, jaw claudication, and generalised pain. Bilateral temporal arteries were found to be distended and pulseless, and scalp necrosis was observed in the parietal region. Simultaneous high-resolution contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences of the head, shoulder, and hip showed staining around the bilateral shallow temporal arteries, shoulder, and hip joints, which was confirmed as GCA with polymyalgia rheumatica using other examination findings. After treatment with early induction remission therapy, scalp necrosis healed, but jaw claudication persisted. Six months after the start of treatment, scalp necrosis was cured to full hair growth. Despite remission induction therapy combined with tocilizumab, the patient had persistent jaw claudication for several months. At that time, a high-resolution contrast-enhanced MRI re-examination was useful in assessing disease activity. GCA with scalp necrosis may cause prolonged jaw claudication reflecting the progression of ischaemic lesions, whereas the disease activity can be accurately assessed by combining MRI studies.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and characteristics of primary stabbing headache in children and adolescents that presented because of headache. Materials and Methods: The medical files of 772 children and adolescents who presented with headache to the Pediatric Neurology Outpatient Clinic at Başkent University between 2012 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. In total, 77 patients (9.97%) with primary stabbing headache and those thought to have primary stabbing headache were included in the study. Patient data, including demographic features, headache characteristics, family history of primary headache, electroencephalographic (EEG) findings, and cranial magnetic resonane imaging (MRI) findings, were noted. Results: Age at presentation was

Background Cutaneous anthrax accounts for approximately 95% of anthrax cases worldwide. About 24% of untreated patients die, and many cases are complicated by meningitis. Here, we explore clinical features of cutaneous disease associated with poor outcomes. Methods A systematic review identified 303 full-text articles published from 1950 through 2018 that met predefined inclusion criteria. Cases were abstracted, and descriptive analyses and univariate logistic regression were conducted to identify prognostic indicators for cutaneous anthrax. Results Of 182 included patients, 47 (25.8%) died. Previously reported independent predictors for death or meningitis that we confirmed included fever or chills; nausea or vomiting; headache; severe headache; nonheadache, nonmeningeal signs; leukocytosis; and bacteremia. Newly identified predictors included anxiety, abdominal pain, diastolic hypotension, skin trauma, thoracic edema, malignant pustule edema, lymphadenopathy, and evidence of coagulopathy (all with P < .05). Conclusions We identified patient presentations not previously associated with poor outcomes.

To compare the vestibular function and clinical aspects (vestibular and migraine symptoms) of patients divided into three groups-migraine without aura, migraine with aura, and chronic migraine-and a control group by using electronystagmography and a design questionnaire.Case-control study.Tertiary referral center.Women aged between 18 and 55 years diagnosed with migraine with aura, migraine without aura, or chronic migraine according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders ICHD-third edition; diagnosis was made by a headache specialist. The control group consisted of patients' family members and hospital employees without a personal history of headache.Application of a questionnaire regarding vestibular symptoms and their relation to migraine aspects. Assessment of the vestibular function by electronystagmography.This study evaluated 120 female patients. Dizziness was the most prevalent vestibular symptom in all the migraine groups, with higher prevalence in the episodic migraine with aura and chronic migraine groups. Phonophobia and photophobia during vestibular symptoms also had greater prevalence in the latter groups. Electronystagmography tests did not reveal differences among the groups, but clinical stratification showed that tests with mixed etiology abnormalities were more prevalent in the episodic migraine with aura and chronic migraine groups.The prevalence of vestibular symptoms in the migraine groups and the etiology of vestibular impairment highlight that migraine affects the vestibular system. Our findings suggest that symptom progression and vestibular impact are related to migraine chronicity and presence of aura.

To provide an overview of the current available literature on peripheral nerve blocks for the management of migraine and other headache disorders in adults.Peripheral nerve blocks have been commonly performed in the headache practice for migraine, cluster headache, occipital neuralgia, and other headache disorders, despite a paucity of evidence supporting their use historically. In the past decade, there has been an effort to explore the efficacy and safety of peripheral nerve blocks for the management of headache, with the greatest interest centered around greater occipital blocks.We performed a search in PubMed using key words including "occipital nerve blocks," "peripheral nerve blocks," "occipital nerve," "migraine," "cluster headache," and "neuralgia." We reviewed the randomized controlled trials (RCTs), observational studies, and case series, and summarized the anatomy, techniques, and the evidence for the use of peripheral nerve blocks in different headache disorders, with particular focus on available RCTs. Case reports were included for a detail review of adverse events.Of 12 RCTs examining the use of greater occipital nerve blocks for migraine, all but one demonstrate efficacy with reduction in headache frequency, intensity, and/or duration compared to placebo. Studies have not demonstrated a difference in clinical outcomes with the use of corticosteroids for nerve blocks compared to blocks with local anesthetic in the treatment of migraine. There are two RCTs supporting the use of greater occipital blockade for cluster headache, both showing benefit of suboccipitally injected corticosteroid. One RCT suggests benefit of greater occipital nerve blocks for cervicogenic headache. Observational studies and case series/reports show that greater occipital nerve block may be effective in prolonged migraine aura, status migrainosus, post-dural puncture headache, and occipital neuralgia. Overall, peripheral nerve blocks are well tolerated. Serious side effects are rare but have been reported, including acute cerebellar syndrome and infection.Peripheral nerve blocks, especially occipital nerve blocks, are a viable treatment option for migraine and may be helpful in cluster headache as a transitional therapy or rescue therapy. Additional prospective studies are needed to investigate the efficacy and safety of occipital nerve blocks for long-term migraine prevention, as well as for other headache disorders, such as occipital neuralgia.

This narrative review of the literature concerns persistent headache attributed to past non-traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), based off demographic and clinical features, what are pathophysiologic mechanisms by which these headaches occur, which medical and interventional treatments have the most evidence for pain alleviation, and what pre-clinical evidence is there for emerging treatments for these patients.Following initial stabilization and treatment of spontaneous SAH, most commonly due to aneurysmal rupture, headache in the immediate inpatient setting and persisting after discharge are an important cause of morbidity. These headaches often receive heterogenous treatment of uncertain efficacy, and the risk factors and pathophysiology of their development has received little study.A narrative review of current literature discussing post-SAH headache was conducted using a literature search in PubMed with search term combinations including "post subarachnoid hemorrhage pain", "subarachnoid hemorrhage headache", and "post subarachnoid hemorrhage headache". Clinical studies mentioning headache after SAH and/or treatment in the abstract/title were included through March, 2022.Post-SAH headaches are shown to decrease quality of life, have a multi-modal pathophysiology in their occurrence, and only a select few medications (reviewed herein) have been demonstrated to have efficacy in alleviation of these headaches, while also harboring possible risks including vasospasm and re-bleeding. An effective treatment paradigm of these headaches will include trials of evidence-based therapeutics, rapid reduction of opioid medications if not effective, and consideration of multi-modal pain control strategies including nerve blocks.

Objective: This study looked at differences in the presence of headache as an onset symptom of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and as a post-COVID-19 symptom in individuals previously hospitalized owing to infection with the Wuhan, Alpha, or Delta variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Background: Headache can be present in up to 50% of individuals during the acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection and in 10% of subjects during the post-COVID-19 phase. There are no data on differences in the occurrence of headache in the acute- and post-COVID-19 phase according to the SARS-CoV-2 variants. Methods: A cross-sectional cohort study was conducted. Unvaccinated subjects previously hospitalized for COVID-19 caused by the Wuhan (n = 201), Alpha (n = 211), or Delta (n = 202) SARS-CoV-2 variants were scheduled for a telephone interview 6 months after hospital discharge. Hospitalization data were collected from hospital medical records. Results: The presence of headache as a COVID-19 onset symptom at hospitalization was higher in subjects with the Delta variant (66/202, 32.7%) than in those infected with the Wuhan (42/201, 20.9%; odds ratio [OR] 1.83, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.17–2.88) or Alpha (25/211, 11.8%; OR 3.61, 95% CI, 2.16–6.01) variants. The prevalence of post-COVID-19 headache 6 months after hospital discharge was higher in individuals infected with the Delta variant (26/202, 12.9%) than in those infected with the Wuhan (11/201, 5.5%; OR 2.52, 95% CI 1.22–5.31) or Alpha (eight of 211, 3.8%; OR 3.74, 95% CI 1.65–8.49) variants. The presence of headache as a COVID-19 onset symptom was associated with post-COVID-19 headache in subjects infected with the Wuhan (OR 7.75, 95% CI 2.15–27.93) and Delta variants (OR 2.78, 95% CI 1.20–6.42) but not with the Alpha variant (OR 2.60, 95% CI 0.49–13.69). Conclusion: Headache was a common symptom in both the acute- and post-COVID-19 phase in subjects infected with the Wuhan, Alpha, and Delta variants but mostly in those infected with the Delta variant.

The exact mechanism and site of action of triptans in aborting migraine attacks remain under debate. We hypothesized that the clinical efficacy of triptans lies in aborting central sensitization and focused on the question of why triptans are headache specific, that is highly effective in migraine and cluster headache and ineffective in extracephalic pain.Forty healthy participants were enrolled in this double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled study. The effect of sumatriptan (n = 20) versus placebo (n = 20) was investigated in a trigeminal (V1) versus an extracephalic dermatome (forearm) using a topical capsaicin sensitization model. Capsaicin-induced primary and secondary hyperalgesia were evaluated using quantitative sensory testing.After capsaicin application, primary hyperalgesia developed in both the sumatriptan and placebo groups in both dermatomes. However, sumatriptan exclusively prevented secondary hyperalgesia in the V1 dermatome but not on the forearm. Placebo exerted no effects on secondary hyperalgesia in both trigeminal and extracephalic dermatomes. Additionally, sumatriptan reduced the flare size exclusively in the V1 dermatome.Our data suggest that sumatriptan reduces central sensitization (secondary hyperalgesia) without modulating peripheral sensitization (primary hyperalgesia) in a human pain model of capsaicin-induced sensitization. Moreover, despite a systemic administration of sumatriptan, the modulatory effects are trigeminal specific, echoing the clinical effect of triptans in aborting headaches, but not extracephalic pain.Our data suggest that triptans exert their efficacy by suppressing central sensitization. By revealing a dermatome-specific modulation, our study demonstrates a previously unrecognized interaction between the pharmacodynamics of triptans and the trigeminal nociceptive system that provides new insight into how triptans may work in aborting headache attacks.

Background This meta-analysis evaluated the real-world effectiveness of onabotulinumtoxinA (BOTOX®), the first preventive treatment FDA-approved specifically for chronic migraine in 2010. Methods We systematically reviewed onabotulinumtoxinA observational data in chronic migraine published between 1 January 2010 and 31 March 2021. Random-effects models evaluated available data for primary and secondary endpoints defined in onabotulinumtoxinA pivotal trials at approximately 24 weeks and 52 weeks. Results Of the 44 full-text eligible studies (29 prospective; 13 retrospective; 2 other), seven evaluated change from baseline (mean[confidence interval]) at ∼24 weeks and ∼52 weeks, respectively, for onabotulinumtoxinA in: number of headache days/month: (–10.64 [–12.31, –8.97]; –10.32 [−14.92, –5.73]); number of days of acute headache pain medication intake per month (–7.40 [–13.04, –1.77]; overlapping CIs at 52 weeks); total Headache Impact Test-6 score (–11.70 [–13.86, –9.54]); –11.80 [14.70, –8.90]); and Migraine-Specific Quality-of-Life v2.1 score (MSQ; 23.60 [CI: 21.56, 25.64]; 30.90 [CI: 28.29, 33.51]). At ∼24 weeks onabotulinumtoxinA showed total Migraine Disability Assessment score of 44.74 [28.50, 60.99] and ≥50% reduction in migraine days response rate of 46.57% [29.50%, 63.65%]. A sensitivity analysis at study-end suggested durability of onabotulinumtoxinA effectiveness on MSQ. Conclusion The meta-analysis reflecting real-world practice broadly corroborated with evidence from pivotal and long-term open-label studies of onabotulinumtoxinA in chronic migraine preventive treatment.

To understand the flexible work practices during the COVID-19 pandemic and their impact on work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and depression in frequent computer users.An e-survey determined the extent of workplace changes and MSD, and the relationships between them using descriptive-statistics and chi-squared tests.Of 700 who commenced the survey, 511 were analyzed. Since the pandemic commenced, 80% of respondents reported they were working more from home; and 89% reported some musculoskeletal pain. Compared with prepandemic, more people worked in nonergonomic environments, computer configurations and body postures. Work location was associated with upper back pain ( P = 0.011); body posture with headache ( P = 0.027) and low back pain ( P = 0.003).Nonergonomic work environments of frequent computer users during COVID-19 are related to having upper back pain, whereas nonergonomic postures are related to having headache and low back pain.

Migraine is a common, neurovascular headache disorder with a complex molecular interplay. The involvement of ion channels in the pathogenesis of migraine gathered considerable attention with the findings that different ion channels subfamilies are expressed in trigeminovascular system, the physiological substrate of migraine pain, and several ion channel openers investigated in clinical trials with diverse primary endpoints caused headache as a frequent side effect. High-conductance (big) calcium-activated potassium (BKCa) channel is expressed in the cranial arteries and the trigeminal pain pathway. Recent clinical research revealed that infusion of BKCa channel opener MaxiPost caused vasodilation, headache and migraine attack. Thus, BKCa channel is involved in pathophysiological mechanisms underlying headache and migraine, and targeting BKCa channel presents a new potential strategy for migraine treatment.

Headache disorders are often accompanied by associated symptoms involving organ systems other than the central and peripheral nervous system, including the integumentary, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal system. However, skin changes or conditions are not commonly associated with headache disorders. Recognition of possible etiologies of headache in patients with bruising, rash, or neurocutaneous disorders can help guide workup and management. The purpose of this article is to review the various dermatologic presentations associated with headache.Multiple review articles and retrospective studies have noted the association between head pain with dermatologic changes including ecchymoses, inflammatory skin conditions, and neurocutaneous disorders. Postulated mechanisms include activation of the trigeminal autonomic system and involvement of similar pro-inflammatory molecules. In this review, we discuss three different classes of rashes including ecchymoses, inflammatory skin conditions, and neurocutaneous disorders, all of which have been associated with migraine and/or headache. We discuss the possible underlying pathophysiology and treatment options.

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a chronic, inflammatory condition, primarily affecting the medium and larger arteries. The purpose of this narrative review is to describe GCA in the context of headache and facial pain, based on a case and the available current literature. Understanding the etiology, pathophysiology, the associated conditions, and the differential diagnoses is important in managing GCA.In a patient presenting with unilateral facial/head pain with disturbances of vision, GCA should be considered in the differential diagnosis. There is an association of GCA with several comorbid conditions, and infections including coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) infection. Management of GCA primarily depends upon the identification of the affected artery and prompt treatment. Permanent visual loss and other serious complications are associated with GCA. GCA is characterized by robust inflammation of large- and medium-sized arteries and marked elevation of systemic mediators of inflammation. An interdisciplinary approach of management involving the pertinent specialties is strongly recommended.

Hypophysitis is considered a rare inflammatory disease of the pituitary gland. For a long time, primary autoimmune hypophysitis has stood out as the most relevant type of hypophysitis. However, with the advent of immunotherapy for the treatment of malignancies and identification of hypophysitis as an immune-related adverse event, hypophysitis has garnered increasing interest and recognition. Therefore, awareness, early recognition, and appropriate management are becoming important as the indication for immunomodulatory therapies broaden.In this review, we discuss the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of hypophysitis with a focus on recent data and highlight subtypes of particular interest while recognizing the gaps in knowledge that remain.Regardless of cause, symptoms and signs of hypophysitis may be related to mass effect (headache and visual disturbance) and hormonal disruption that warrant prompt evaluation. In the vast majority of cases, a diagnosis of hypophysitis can be made presumptively in the appropriate clinical context with radiologic findings consistent with hypophysitis and after the exclusion of other causes.Although subtle differences currently exist in management and outcome expectations between primary and secondary causes of hypophysitis, universally, treatment is aimed at symptom management and hormonal replacement therapy.

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is a relatively rare autoimmune process that causes demyelination of the central nervous system. This condition primarily affects children under age 10 years and can produce symptoms including fever, vomiting, headaches, and altered mental status. Diagnostic criteria include encephalopathy (behavioral changes or altered mental status not explained by fever) and MRI findings of demyelination during the first 3 months of developing symptoms without subsequent new MRI findings. Patients can have full recovery within days to weeks if recognized and treated promptly. This article describes an ED visit and hospital course for a 3-year-old girl with headaches and fatigue who was diagnosed with and treated for ADEM.

Background & Objective: Tension-type headache (TTH) is the most common primary headache. TTH worsens quality of life and is related to various psychosocial factors. We aimed to examine the severity of headache (intensity, frequency, and duration), analgesic use, quality of life (QoL), and the impact of COVID pandemic-induced stress in TTH patients. Methods: TTH cases seen at neurology outpatient clinics in 15 centers in Turkey were included in the study. A questionnaire incorporating sociodemographic and medical information, headache features, sleep quality, general quality of life, and impact of the pandemic event was administered to the subjects. Results: A total of 975 TTH patients were evaluated. Headache severity was higher in women as well as in patients with a history of COVID-19 contact. Women, those with chronic diseases, and cases with a COVID-19 contact history had worse perceptions of quality of life and were affected to a greater extent by the pandemic. The factors affecting the impact of the pandemic were female gender and difficulty in access to health services for headache. Co-existing chronic diseases and lost productive time due to headaches were negative determinants for both QoL and the impact of the pandemic. Conclusion: Our results show that the COVID pandemic severely worsened the headache burden, quality of life and mental health of TTH patients. These findings can guide us in the clinical approach to TTH cases. © 2022, ASEAN Neurological Association. All rights reserved.

Summary Background Baricitinib, an oral selective Janus kinase (JAK)1 and JAK 2 inhibitor, was shown to improve the signs and symptoms of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD). Objectives To evaluate the efficacy and safety of baricitinib with background topical corticosteroids (TCS) in patients with moderate-to-severe AD and inadequate response, intolerance or contraindication to ciclosporin A (CA). Methods In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, phase III study, patients were randomized 1: 1: 2: 1 to placebo (N = 93), baricitinib 1 mg (N = 93), 2 mg (N = 185) or 4 mg (N = 92) with background TCS. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients receiving baricitinib 4 mg or 2 mg (+ TCS) vs. placebo + TCS who achieved ≥ 75% improvement from baseline in the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI 75) at week 16. Results Baricitinib 4 mg + TCS was superior to placebo + TCS for EASI 75 (4 mg: 32%, placebo: 17%, P = 0·031) at week 16 and for improvements in itch, skin pain and number of night-time awakenings owing to itch. Improvements were maintained through 52 weeks of treatment. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were more common with baricitinib than placebo (+ TCS); most were mild or moderate. The most frequent TEAEs with baricitinib 4 mg + TCS were nasopharyngitis, herpes simplex, influenza and headache. No deaths or deep vein thromboses were reported. Conclusions Baricitinib 4 mg + TCS improved the signs and symptoms of moderate-to-severe AD through 52 weeks of treatment in patients with inadequate response, intolerance or contraindication to CA. The safety profile was consistent with previous studies of baricitinib in moderate-to-severe AD. What is already known about this topic? Ciclosporin A is indicated for the treatment of atopic dermatitis that is refractory to topical therapies. However, its use is limited by safety concerns and it may not provide adequate response for some patients. Baricitinib, an oral selective Janus kinase (JAK)1 and JAK2 inhibitor, has been shown to improve the signs and symptoms of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis as a monotherapy or in combination with topical corticosteroids. What does this study add? Baricitinib combined with background low- or moderate-potency topical corticosteroids provided improvements in the signs and symptoms of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis through 1 year of treatment in patients with a contraindication, intolerance or failure to respond to ciclosporin A. The most common treatment-emergent adverse events with baricitinib 4 mg were nasopharyngitis, herpes simplex, influenza and headache. The safety profile was consistent with previous studies in patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis.

The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence of severe headache or migraine and the association between dietary thiamine and riboflavin intake with headache history using a large, nationally representative population sample.Severe headache and migraine are common and disabling neurological disorders worldwide. Previous studies revealed that the B vitamin group, as an important nutrient of diet, can reduce migraine disability.We performed a cross-sectional study of American adults surveyed in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2004. Information on headache history was collected in the Miscellaneous Pain section of the Questionnaire Data. Dietary intake data of thiamine and riboflavin were obtained by 24-h dietary recall interview.The present study included 13,439 participants and indicated that 2745/13,439 (21.6%) adults (aged ≥20 years) experienced severe headache or migraine in the past 3 months. Dietary thiamine intake was significantly inversely associated with severe headache or migraine (odds ratio [OR] = 0.93, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.88-1.00, p = 0.046). In the stratified analysis, the relationship was maintained in the female group (OR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.82-0.98, p = 0.022), and the sex interaction term was significant (p = 0.020). However, no significant interaction was found between the age groups (p = 0.352). For dietary riboflavin, no significant negative association was observed between dietary riboflavin intake and headache history (OR = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.94-1.02, p = 0.367). After stratifying by sex or age, there remained no significant relationship between dietary riboflavin and migraine.We found that high intake of thiamine was significantly associated with lower odds of migraine, especially in females. In the future, more clinical studies are needed to confirm our conclusions, and additional experiments are needed to explore the possible mechanisms of prevention and treatment for migraine.

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is characterised by postural headache and a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure of ≤6 cmH20 measured with the patient in the lateral decubitus position. Other symptoms include tinnitus, altered hearing, diplopia, photophobia, nausea and neck stiffness, and must not have occurred within a month of dural puncture. Symptoms typically remit after normalisation of CSF pressure or successful sealing of the CSF leak. An epidural blood patch (EBP) is a treatment option in those who have not responded to bed rest, fluids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories or caffeine. We present a case of SIH successfully treated with both conservative measures and EBP. We compare our case with similar cases in the literature and summarise what is known about EBP for SIH to help clinicians take a more informed approach to managing such patients.

Preterm birth is the leading cause of death in newborns and children. Tocolytic drugs aim to delay preterm birth by suppressing uterine contractions to allow time for administration of corticosteroids for fetal lung maturation, magnesium sulphate for neuroprotection, and transport to a facility with appropriate neonatal care facilities. However, there is still uncertainty about their effectiveness and safety.To estimate relative effectiveness and safety profiles for different classes of tocolytic drugs for delaying preterm birth, and provide rankings of the available drugs.We searched Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth's Trials Register, ClinicalTrials.gov (21 April 2021) and reference lists of retrieved studies.We included all randomised controlled trials assessing effectiveness or adverse effects of tocolytic drugs for delaying preterm birth. We excluded quasi- and non-randomised trials. We evaluated all studies against predefined criteria to judge their trustworthiness.At least two review authors independently assessed the trials for inclusion and risk of bias, and extracted data. We performed pairwise and network meta-analyses, to determine the relative effects and rankings of all available tocolytics. We used GRADE to rate the certainty of the network meta-analysis effect estimates for each tocolytic versus placebo or no treatment.This network meta-analysis includes 122 trials (13,697 women) involving six tocolytic classes, combinations of tocolytics, and placebo or no treatment. Most trials included women with threatened preterm birth, singleton pregnancy, from 24 to 34 weeks of gestation. We judged 25 (20%) studies to be at low risk of bias. Overall, certainty in the evidence varied. Relative effects from network meta-analysis suggested that all tocolytics are probably effective in delaying preterm birth compared with placebo or no tocolytic treatment. Betamimetics are possibly effective in delaying preterm birth by 48 hours (risk ratio (RR) 1.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05 to 1.20; low-certainty evidence), and 7 days (RR 1.14, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.25; low-certainty evidence). COX inhibitors are possibly effective in delaying preterm birth by 48 hours (RR 1.11, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.23; low-certainty evidence). Calcium channel blockers are possibly effective in delaying preterm birth by 48 hours (RR 1.16, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.24; low-certainty evidence), probably effective in delaying preterm birth by 7 days (RR 1.15, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.27; moderate-certainty evidence), and prolong pregnancy by 5 days (0.1 more to 9.2 more; high-certainty evidence). Magnesium sulphate is probably effective in delaying preterm birth by 48 hours (RR 1.12, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.23; moderate-certainty evidence). Oxytocin receptor antagonists are probably effective in delaying preterm birth by 48 hours (RR 1.13, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.22; moderate-certainty evidence), are effective in delaying preterm birth by 7 days (RR 1.18, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.30; high-certainty evidence), and possibly prolong pregnancy by 10 days (95% CI 2.3 more to 16.7 more). Nitric oxide donors are probably effective in delaying preterm birth by 48 hours (RR 1.17, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.31; moderate-certainty evidence), and 7 days (RR 1.18, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.37; moderate-certainty evidence). Combinations of tocolytics are probably effective in delaying preterm birth by 48 hours (RR 1.17, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.27; moderate-certainty evidence), and 7 days (RR 1.19, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.34; moderate-certainty evidence). Nitric oxide donors ranked highest for delaying preterm birth by 48 hours and 7 days, and delay in birth (continuous outcome), followed by calcium channel blockers, oxytocin receptor antagonists and combinations of tocolytics. Betamimetics (RR 14.4, 95% CI 6.11 to 34.1; moderate-certainty evidence), calcium channel blockers (RR 2.96, 95% CI 1.23 to 7.11; moderate-certainty evidence), magnesium sulphate (RR 3.90, 95% CI 1.09 to 13.93; moderate-certainty evidence) and combinations of tocolytics (RR 6.87, 95% CI 2.08 to 22.7; low-certainty evidence) are probably more likely to result in cessation of treatment. Calcium channel blockers possibly reduce the risk of neurodevelopmental morbidity (RR 0.51, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.85; low-certainty evidence), and respiratory morbidity (RR 0.68, 95% CI 0.53 to 0.88; low-certainty evidence), and result in fewer neonates with birthweight less than 2000 g (RR 0.49, 95% CI 0.28 to 0.87; low-certainty evidence). Nitric oxide donors possibly result in neonates with higher birthweight (mean difference (MD) 425.53 g more, 95% CI 224.32 more to 626.74 more; low-certainty evidence), fewer neonates with birthweight less than 2500 g (RR 0.40, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.69; low-certainty evidence), and more advanced gestational age (MD 1.35 weeks more, 95% CI 0.37 more to 2.32 more; low-certainty evidence). Combinations of tocolytics possibly result in fewer neonates with birthweight less than 2500 g (RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.59 to 0.93; low-certainty evidence). In terms of maternal adverse effects, betamimetics probably cause dyspnoea (RR 12.09, 95% CI 4.66 to 31.39; moderate-certainty evidence), palpitations (RR 7.39, 95% CI 3.83 to 14.24; moderate-certainty evidence), vomiting (RR 1.91, 95% CI 1.25 to 2.91; moderate-certainty evidence), possibly headache (RR 1.91, 95% CI 1.07 to 3.42; low-certainty evidence) and tachycardia (RR 3.01, 95% CI 1.17 to 7.71; low-certainty evidence) compared with placebo or no treatment. COX inhibitors possibly cause vomiting (RR 2.54, 95% CI 1.18 to 5.48; low-certainty evidence). Calcium channel blockers (RR 2.59, 95% CI 1.39 to 4.83; low-certainty evidence), and nitric oxide donors probably cause headache (RR 4.20, 95% CI 2.13 to 8.25; moderate-certainty evidence).Compared with placebo or no tocolytic treatment, all tocolytic drug classes that we assessed (betamimetics, calcium channel blockers, magnesium sulphate, oxytocin receptor antagonists, nitric oxide donors) and their combinations were probably or possibly effective in delaying preterm birth for 48 hours, and 7 days. Tocolytic drugs were associated with a range of adverse effects (from minor to potentially severe) compared with placebo or no tocolytic treatment, although betamimetics and combination tocolytics were more likely to result in cessation of treatment. The effects of tocolytic use on neonatal outcomes such as neonatal and perinatal mortality, and on safety outcomes such as maternal and neonatal infection were uncertain.

Isolated occipital condyle lesions are commonly treated with empirical radiation, with the sole aim of relieving symptoms. Patients rarely undergo surgical biopsy, considering the morbidity associated with open surgery approaches and the importance of surrounding structures limiting the application of computed tomography (CT) scan or fluoroscopic percutaneous needle biopsies. We describe the case of a 66-year-old woman who was admitted on an emergency basis. Her clinical presentation included unilateral occipital headache and ipsilateral hypoglossal nerve palsy. Imaging revealed findings consistent with an isolated right occipital condyle lesion. In order to pursue a tissue diagnosis, essential to dictate medical management accurately, a minimally invasive biopsy of the occipital condyle through the trans-oral route was performed. Combined fluoroscopy, cone-bean CT and angiography allowed safe access to the lesion.

The most common cause of spontaneous intracranial hypotension headache is a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage, but the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Intracranial hypotension is characterised by diffuse pachymeningeal enhancement on cranial MRI features, low CSF pressure and orthostatic headaches mostly caused by the dural puncture. We report a 31-year-old woman who presented to our services with reports of continuous severe bifrontal headache, which increased on sitting up and resolved on lying down. MRI of the cervical and lumbosacral spine showed signs of CSF leak; hence, patient was diagnosed with spontaneous intracranial hypotension headache. A CT-guided epidural blood patch was done at L4–5 with fibrin glue injected at the site of leak. The patient’s signs and symptoms improved after the procedure.

A 35-year-old female patient presented to the emergency department of a district general hospital with a 5-hour history of sudden onset headache associated with multiple episodes of vomiting. Her medical history included migraine with aura and she was on no regular medication. Admission examination

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a relatively rare neurotoxic disorder. A 56-year-old male underwent elective coronary angiography. A Few hours postprocedure, the patient developed bilateral painless vision loss, headache, vomiting and hypertension and was subsequently diagnosed with PRES. Possible trigger factors could be contrast agent used, or hypertension. Contrast agent–induced PRES in hypertensive patients is benign and reversible, and a high-grade suspicion about this possibility is critical for precise management. Our patient was successfully treated with supportive management and was doing well on follow-up.

The main objective was to describe the nystagmus observed during benign paroxysmal vertigo (BPV) of childhood, which is one of the criteria included in the three versions of the International Classification of Headache Disorders that has never been specified. The secondary objectives were to emphasize the usefulness of a mobile phone to record nystagmus and discuss the physiopathology of this nystagmus.A 6-year-old boy complained of approximately 30 to 50 vertigo attacks, most of them lasting around 1 minute, during a 6-month period.Otoneurologic history and examination, audiovestibular exploration, and brain imaging were performed between the attacks. Video recording by the parents' mobile phone and video electroencephalography recording during a 1-day hospitalization were performed during the episodes.Analysis of seven video recordings performed by the parents and four during a 1-day hospitalization, as well as follow-up.The assessment between the attacks confirmed the diagnosis of BPV according to International Classification of Headache Disorders criteria. Video recordings constantly demonstrated a strong left horizontal nystagmus present at fixation in all direction of gaze, enhanced in left gaze. This nystagmus was associated with a rightward body deviation.The clinical presentation was more consistent with a peripheral vestibular deficit than with a central disorder. We encourage video recording of their child by the parents because it will help both to define the ictal nystagmus and to understand the underlying pathophysiology. The latter is discussed and is probably more complex than initially thought in BPV.

The objective of the study was to measure the proportion of patients who consulted for headache and of those who had a final diagnosis of migraine. We also assessed the proportion and characteristics of patients with migraine and the impact of migraine on the daily activities and the professional and social lives of patients visiting private/public medical centers in Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama, and the Dominican Republic.Underdiagnosis of migraine is high in Central America and Caribbean urban communities. However, there is limited knowledge on characteristics of headache disorders for the appropriate classification of migraine, which is a prerequisite for targeted treatment. Hence, there is a need to improve migraine awareness among patients and medical professionals in this region.Central America and Caribbean countries epidemioLogy study of Migraine (CALM) was a non-interventional, cross-sectional, multinational study in adults aged 18-65 years with a history of or current headache. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with migraine visiting medical centers due to headache disorders. Using a specially designed migraine survey questionnaire, patients self-reported migraine characteristics, duration, and severity of attacks and impact on work and social life.Of the 313 enrolled patients, 308 (98.4%) completed the study. Approximately 75.3% (232/308) of patients with headache visiting medical centers had migraine, with episodic migraine being the most common (193 [83.2%]). Overall, 34/308 (11.0%) patients had a new diagnosis of migraine. Among patients with migraine, 66 (28.4%) had a history of migraine for ≥20 years and 59 (25.4%) experienced severe pain. Overall, 52.2% (121/232) of patients reported that migraine affected their professional life and 78.4% (182/232) reported an impact on social life.The CALM study establishes that a high proportion of patients with migraine had a long duration and high severity of migraine attacks, leading to a direct impact on work/social life as well as on costs incurred by patients in these countries.