Headache
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We aimed to report 6 new cases of bifocal nummular headache (NH), showing their clinical characteristics and comparing them with those formerly described. ⋯ Although not frequently found, some patients may have bifocal or multifocal NH.
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Chronic migraine (CM) is the most disabling of the 4 types of primary chronic daily headache (CDH) of long duration, a syndrome defined by primary headaches 15 or more days per month for at least 3 months with attacks that last 4 hours or more per day on average. CDH of long duration includes CM, chronic tension-type headache, new daily persistent headache, and hemicrania continua. CM affects approximately 2% of the adult population in Western countries, imposing substantial burdens on individual sufferers and their families and, more broadly, upon society. ⋯ In addition, patients with CM were nearly twice as likely to have anxiety, chronic pain, or depression. Furthermore, patients with CM had higher cardiovascular and respiratory risk, were 40% more likely to have heart disease and angina, and were 70% more likely to have a history of stroke. These findings highlight the paramount importance of clinical vigilance, accurate diagnosis, and appropriate, effective management - including treatment or referrals - to improve patient outcomes.
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Evidence has accumulated in recent years indicating structural, physiologic, and biochemical alterations in the brain of patients with chronic migraine (CM). Altered pharmacologic responses to opioids and other analgesics have also been reported. Structural or morphologic changes include reduced cortical gray matter of the pain processing areas of the brain and iron accumulation in the periaqueductal gray matter (PAG), red nucleus, and basal ganglia structures. ⋯ Suppression of cortical spreading depression by these agents is correlated with the dosages and the duration of treatment. The beneficial effect of botulinum toxin in CM may be due to its antinociceptive effect. Changes in the glutamate and calcitonin gene-related peptide at the peripheral nerve endings reduce peripheral sensitization, which eventually leads to reduced central sensitization.
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Multi-center comparison of response to a single tablet of sumatriptan 85 mg and naproxen 500 mg vs usual therapy treating multiple migraine attacks as measured by the completeness of response survey.
To investigate a broad definition of migraine resolution that extends beyond specific migraine-associated diagnostic symptoms as measured by the Completeness of Response Survey. ⋯ NCT00893737.
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Migraine is an episodic brain disorder that is characterized by recurrent attacks of severe unilateral headache that are accompanied by various neurological symptoms. In addition, many patients have what is called an aura with visual and sensory disturbances. The majority of patients are female, suggesting that female hormones play an important role in the pathophysiology of the disorder. ⋯ Findings from genetic and animal experiments on gender differences in migraine are discussed. Recently, a role for glutamate also came forward from a genome-wide association study in common migraine. By deciphering genetic and pathogenic migraine pathways, it can be expected that in the near future we will better understand mechanisms behind the female preponderance in migraine.