Current pain and headache reports
-
Curr Pain Headache Rep · Jun 2021
Review Case ReportsThe Diagnosis and Management of Posttraumatic Headache with Associated Painful Cranial Neuralgias: a Review and Case Series.
Cranial neuralgias are common in the setting of posttraumatic headache. They may exacerbate underlying primary headache disorders and therefore may be overlooked in clinical practice. Frequently, cranial neuralgias generate neuropathic symptoms such as lancinating pain and sensory dysesthesias. Cranial neuralgias are identified based on a clinical history of focal neuropathic pain and physical exam findings including tenderness with palpation and percussion, at times eliciting radiating pain or paresthesias in the corresponding sensory nerve distribution. ⋯ Two patients presented with headaches that met criteria for posttraumatic headache, but their history and physical examination suggested the presence of a focal painful cranial neuralgia. One patient was diagnosed with auriculotemporal neuralgia, which was exquisitely responsive to an auriculotemporal nerve block. The second patient was diagnosed with supratrochlear neuralgia, which was effectively treated with a supratrochlear nerve block. In both cases, adequate treatment of the painful cranial neuralgia resulted in significant improvement of the baseline PTH. Painful cranial neuralgias frequently occur within the clinical spectrum of posttraumatic headache, but are often undiagnosed. Treatment options for painful cranial neuralgias are often different than those traditionally employed for posttraumatic headache without cranial neuralgias, which can include peripheral nerve blockade, neuropathic medications, and in refractory cases, peripheral nerve decompression surgery.
-
Personal protection equipment (PPE)-associated headache is an unusual secondary headache disorder that predominantly occurs in healthcare workers as a consequence of the donning of protective respirators, face masks and/or eyewear. The appreciation of this entity is important given the significant ramifications upon the occupational health of healthcare workers and could additionally have an impact on persons living with pre-existing headache disorder(s). ⋯ There has been a renewed interest and recognition of PPE-associated headaches amongst healthcare professionals, largely brought about by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic which has besieged healthcare systems worldwide. De novo PPE-associated headaches may present with migrainous or tension-type features and can be viewed as a subtype of external compression headache. The prognosis of the disorder is generally favourable, given that most headaches are short-lived without long-term sequalae. Several aetiologies have been postulated to account for the development of these headaches. Notably, these headaches can affect the occupational health and work performance of healthcare workers. In this review, we discuss the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, probable etiopathogenesis, management and prognosis of PPE-associated headaches in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Future directions for research and PPE development are proposed.
-
To discuss the treatment of post-traumatic headache (PTH) and how to choose pharmacotherapy based upon known pathophysiology. ⋯ Preclinical models of traumatic brain injury are finally revealing some of the mechanisms of PTH, including the significant role that inflammatory neuropeptides like calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) play in the initiation and persistence of symptoms. To effectively treat post-traumatic headache (PTH), one needs to understand the pathophysiology behind the initiation and persistence of symptoms. Recent animal models are starting to elucidate these mechanisms, but effective treatment will also likely rely on the identification of patients who are most at risk for persistent PTH. Trials of early, targeted therapy for at-risk patients will be needed to validate these hypotheses. Additionally, high powered clinical trials are lacking in the field of persistent PTH for medications that are known to be effective in primary headache disorders. Effective treatment for persistent PTH also requires understanding how headache interacts with the complex nature of persistent post-concussion symptoms, as this disease often necessitates a multi-disciplinary approach. Regardless, with the knowledge gained by new PTH models cited in this paper, and an increasing availability of novel headache medications, more effective treatment models are on the horizon.
-
Curr Pain Headache Rep · Jun 2021
ReviewMonckeberg's Medial Sclerosis as a Cause for Headache and Facial Pain.
Mönckeberg's medial sclerosis (MMS) is a chronic, non-inflammatory degenerative condition affecting primarily the tunica media of muscular arteries resulting in their calcification. The purpose of this comprehensive review is to describe MMS as it appears in the literature, in the context of headache and facial pain. Understanding the etiopathology, the associated conditions, and the differential diagnoses is important in managing MMS. ⋯ Management of MMS primarily depends upon identification of its associated conditions and their treatment. Due to the rare incidence and inadequate literature on MMS presenting with headaches, the diagnosis of the pain and the entity itself is challenging. MMS is characterized by associated systemic conditions and absence of inflammatory markers. It can mimic giant cell arteritis (GCA) and other pain entities. An interdisciplinary approach involving appropriate specialties is recommended.
-
Post-traumatic headache is a common disorder in the pediatric age group, seen both by child neurologists and by non-neurologists. The current review of post-traumatic headache in children and adolescents aims to review the pathophysiology, risk factors, clinical features, neuroimaging, and both acute and preventive treatment options. ⋯ Recent literature provides insight into specific risk factors in the pediatric age group for developing post-traumatic headache as well as unique pathophysiologic changes seen in neuroimaging and neurometabolic pathways. It also elucidates common treatment options and novel treatments being currently explored, such as with monoclonal antibodies to CGRP. Finally, current evidence and guidelines recommend the benefit of a gradual return to normal activity based on symptom stability rather than a specific time period. Review of literature on pediatric post-traumatic headache reveals a growing understanding of the factors involved in developing headache after head trauma and the diagnosis/treatment of headache though future research will help further elucidate these areas.