Headache
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Previous research using transcranial magnetic stimulation has produced equivocal findings concerning thresholds for the generation of visual phosphenes in migraine with aura. These studies were methodologically varied and did not systematically address cortical excitability in migraine without aura. We therefore studied magnetophosphene thresholds in both migraine with aura and migraine without aura compared with headache-free controls. ⋯ Our findings confirm that the occipital cortex is hyperexcitable in the migraine interictum, both in migraine with and without aura.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Effects of aspirin during exercise on the incidence of high-altitude headache: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
To evaluate the efficacy of aspirin for headache when exercising during acute high-altitude exposure. ⋯ Although the prophylactic intake of about 1 gram of aspirin reduced the headache incidence when exercising during acute high-altitude exposure, the incidence of headache was higher than previously shown for resting conditions. Aspirin resulted in tolerance to lower arterial oxygen saturation without development of headache; exercise had the opposite effect.
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Hemicrania continua is a primary headache syndrome characterized by a continuous, unilateral headache that is completely responsive to indomethacin. Hemicrania continua exists in continuous and remitting forms. Ten cases of the remitting form have been reported, none of which have had a seasonal pattern. We report a patient with remitting hemicrania continua with a clear seasonal predilection.
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Multicenter Study Clinical Trial
Nefazodone for chronic daily headache prophylaxis: an open-label study.
To assess effectiveness, tolerability, and safety of nefazodone as a prophylactic agent for chronic daily headache. ⋯ These results provide preliminary support for the efficacy of nefazodone in the prophylaxis of chronic daily headache. In this sample, nefazodone was safe and generally well tolerated. Patient ratings of sexual function improved over the course of treatment, in contrast to what is generally observed with most antidepressants. Nefazodone may be particularly beneficial for patients with chronic daily headache and comorbid depression. Further research is indicated.
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To empirically test a clinical prediction rule for evaluating HIV-infected patients complaining of headache and to identify those at low risk for intracranial mass lesion who do not need immediate computed tomography of the head. ⋯ Most HIV-infected patients with headache may be treated with analgesics and followed up clinically. Those without focal neurological signs, altered mental status, seizure, or decreased CD4 lymphocytes are unlikely to have intracranial mass lesions.