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Migraine and tension-type headache in a general population: precipitating factors, female hormones, sleep pattern and relation to lifestyle.

In a cross-sectional epidemiological study of headache disorders information on precipitating factors, age at onset, influence of menstruation and pregnancy and use of oral contraceptives was collected. The presence of migraine and tension-type headache was ascertained by a clinical interview and examination using the operational diagnostic criteria of the International Headache Society. The prevalence of migraine and tension-type headache was also analysed in relation to variables of lifestyle: physical activity, smoking, consumption of coffee, alcohol intake and sleep pattern. In both migraine and tension-type headache, the most conspicuous precipitating factor was stress and mental tension. Other common precipitants were alcohol, weather changes and menstruation. Disappearance or substantial improvement of the headache during pregnancy was more frequent in migraineurs than in tension-type headache sufferers. The age at onset of both migraine and tension-type headache differs between men and women. Female hormones may be an important factor responsible for the sex difference of headache disorders. The level of physical activity showed no association with migraine, but a significantly higher prevalence of tension-type headache in men with exclusively sedentary activity emerged. Smoking, coffee and alcohol consumption showed no significant associations with the headache disorders. Sleep pattern was significantly associated with migraine and tension-type headache in both univariate and multivariate analyses. In conclusion, migraine and tension-type headache seem to be different with regard to a number of endogenous and exogenous factors.

Adult↗

Predisposing and precipitating factors for falls among older people in residential care.

Falls and their consequences are serious health problems among older populations. To study predisposing and precipitating factors for falls among older people in residential care we used a cross-sectional study design with a prospective follow up for falls. Fifty-eight women and 25 men, with a mean age of 79.6 y, were included and prospectively followed up regarding falls for a period of 1 y after baseline assessments. All those who fell were assessed regarding factors that might have precipitated the fall. The incidence rate was 2.29 falls/person years. Antidepressants (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, SSRIs), impaired vision and being unable to use stairs without assistance were independently associated with being a 'faller'. Twenty-eight (53.8%) of the fallers suffered injuries as a result of their falls, including 21 fractures. Twenty-seven percent of the falls were judged to be precipitated by an acute illness or disease and 8.6% by a side effect of a drug. Acute symptoms of diseases or drug side effects were associated with 58% of the falls which resulted in fractures. We conclude that SSRIs seem to constitute one important factor that predisposes older people to fall, once or repeatedly. Since acute illnesses and drug side-effects were important precipitating factors, falls should be regarded as a possible symptom of disease or a side-effect of a drug until it is proven otherwise.

Accidental Falls↗

A preliminary study of filariasis related acute adenolymphangitis with special reference to precipitating factors and treatment modalities.

Episodic adenolymphangitis (ADL) is one of the important clinical manifestations of lymphatic filariasis. Recurrent ADLs contribute to the progress of the disease and also have important socioeconomic implications since they cause significant loss of man days. The present study was conducted in order to identify the precipitating factors responsible for ADL attacks and also to examine the different modalities of treatment. Sixty-five individuals with filariasis related ADL attacks, who are residents of Alleppey district (endemic for Brugia malayi) were studied. All efforts were taken to identify the precipitating factors for ADLs in these individuals. They were hospitalized for a period of five days or more. All of them received symptomatic antipyretic/antiinflammatory therapy and topical antibiotic/antifungal treatment of the affected limbs. They were then randomly allocated to one of the following four regimens: group I - symptomatic alone; group II - symptomatic plus antibiotics; group III - symptomatic followed by diethylcarbamazine citrate (DEC) and group IV - symptomatic plus antibiotic followed by DEC. Patients in groups III and IV received DEC every three months up to one year. There was a significant relationship between the number of ADL attacks and the grade of edema. Presence of focus of infection in the affected limb could be identified in 28 of the 65 patients. In the majority of patients (48) response to treatment was rapid (resolution in less than five days). Neither antibiotics nor DEC (given at intervals of three months) appeared to alter the frequency of ADL attacks. On the otherhand simple hygienic measures combined with good foot care and local antibiotic/antifungal cream application (where required), were effective in reducing the number of ADL attacks.

Adolescent↗

Precipitating factors of acute illness in patients with chronic disease.

The precipitating causes of acute illness in patients with chronic organic disease can often be prevented, reversed or controlled. The various kinds of precipitating factors are described, and their anticipation and the prompt institution of remedial measures are emphasized.

Chronic Disease↗

Precipitating factors and associated diseases in 84 patients with granuloma annulare: a retrospective study.

In a retrospective study including 84 patients, we assessed precipitating factors of granuloma annulare (GA) and associated pathologies. Fifteen per-cent of the patients reported stress as an important trigger of GA, and in 10 patients (12%) we found an association between GA and diabetes mellitus: 3 latent, 4 type I and 3 type II. Eight of the diabetic patients presented multiple and 5 generalized GA. They suffered significantly more often from chronic relapsing GA than nondiabetic patients.

Adolescent↗

Pathogenesis of impending myocardial infarction and acute myocardial infarction: clinical and angiographic evaluation of coronary thrombosis as a precipitating factor.

In order to investigate the role of coronary thrombosis as a precipitating factor of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), we examined coronary angiographic findings in 89 patients with AMI taken within 24 hours of the onset and in 42 patients with prolonged angina attack of impending myocardial infarction (impending MI) taken within 50 hours of the last angina attack. Furthermore, in the patients with impending MI, the effects of intracoronary and intravenous thrombolytic therapy and anticoagulant therapy used to prevent impending MI from developing into AMI, were also studied. (1) In 72 of 89 patients (81%) with AMI, coronary thrombi were detected angiographically. The thrombi were detected most frequently (88%) in angiographs taken within 3 hours of onset. (2) In 23 of 42 patients with impending MI, coronary thrombi were detected angiographically. In 6 patients with coronary thrombi who underwent intracoronary thrombolysis during angina attack, occlusive coronary thrombi in ischemia-related vessels were the observed, and recanalization by thrombolysis with intracoronary urokinase infusion relieved chest pain and improved ECG changes. (3) The incidence of AMI in 42 patients with impending MI who were treated with intracoronary and intravenous thrombolytic therapy and anticoagulant therapy was significantly less than in the conventional therapy group (80 patients) (11.9% vs. 27.5%; p less than 0.05). In 4 of 5 patients with developing AMI, coronary thrombi were detected angiographically in the acute phase of impending MI. These results indicate that coronary thrombosis plays an important role not only in the precipitation of impending MI but also in the development of impending MI to AMI.

Angina Pectoris↗

Severe angioedema induced by angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors: role of precipitating factors.

Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors like captopril, enalapril, lisinopril, trandopril and ramipril may rarely induce a life threatening angioedema. We present two cases of severe angioedema induced by enalapril and ramipril along with possible precipitating factors observed in these patients. The importance of prompt recognition and early management of such cases is emphasized.

Aged↗

Precipitating factors of insomnia.

Insomnia is a prevalent health complaint whose onset is precipitated by a variety of factors. There is an important need to identify and describe these factors to improve our understanding of risk factors and the natural history of insomnia. This article is aimed at identifying and describing the types of precipitating factors related to the onset of insomnia. A total of 345 patients evaluated for insomnia at a sleep-disorders clinic completed a sleep survey and underwent a semistructured clinical interview. As part of the evaluation, the specific precipitating events related to the onset of insomnia were identified. Subsequently, these factors were categorized (work-school, family, physical or psychological health, or indeterminate), and their affective valence (negative, positive, or indeterminate) was coded. The most common precipitating factors of insomnia were related to family, health, and work-school events. Sixty-five percent of precipitating events had a negative valence. These events differed with the age of onset of insomnia but not with the gender of participants. These findings are useful to identify potential risk factors for insomnia and improve our understanding of the natural history of insomnia.

Adolescent↗

Sinus thrombosis after a jump from a small rock and a sneezing attack: minor endothelial trauma as a precipitating factor for cerebral venous thrombosis?

Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) associated with minor or trivial head trauma has only been described in a few cases so far. We report two patients who developed CVT after a sudden intracranial pressure increase and head acceleration. A 49-year-old woman jumped from a small rock, 1 m in height, and developed instantaneous occipital headaches. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed confluens sinuum thrombosis. Risk factors consisted of smoking and oral contraceptives. Our second patient, an 18-year-old woman, experienced instantaneous headaches after a sneezing attack. Superior sagittal and right-sided transverse sinus thrombosis were confirmed by venous computed tomography angiography. She took oral contraceptives as an additional risk factor. In about 20% of CVT cases the cause remains unclear. As minor head trauma may not have been recognized during history taking, this may represent a so far under-recognized precipitating factor for CVT.

Adolescent↗

The stress of a family move as a precipitating factor in children's burn accidents.

The present study focuses on the stress of a family move as a precipitating factor in children's burn accidents in a group of 330 burned children. Data on the type of burn injury (flame versus scald) and the age and sex of the child were related to the amount and type of family stress which the child and his/her family had experienced. Children in the study sample were found to have moved at approximately three times the rate of children in the general population. It was found that children under five, who were scalded, were more likely to have moved than older children who had sustained a flame burn. A critical period at 2-5 months after the move was identified where the child seemed to be especially vulnerable to burn accidents. Possible explanations for this critical period are suggested.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

Surgically induced necrotising sclerokeratitis (SINS)--precipitating factors and response to treatment.

The clinical features, treatment, and visual outcome of 52 eyes from 43 patients who developed scleritis following surgery were reviewed. In all patients the scleral inflammation developed adjacent to a surgical wound. Ninety six per cent had necrotising disease and 23% also had evidence of secondary posterior scleritis. Many different types of ocular surgery were implicated and the majority (75%) of the patients had two or more surgical procedures before the onset of the scleritis. Although cataract extraction through a limbal incision resulted in the largest subgroup, scleritis also followed glaucoma, strabismus, and retinal detachment surgery. The latent period between surgery and the appearance of inflammation was short (mean 9 months) except for a small group in whom scleritis occurred many years after squint surgery. Sixty three per cent of patients had evidence of a systemic disease. Early diagnosis and aggressive medical treatment significantly improved the visual outcome. The precipitating factors, pathogenesis, and course of this condition are discussed.

Adult↗

Precipitating factors in pituitary apoplexy.

Pituitary apoplexy is a rare but life threatening condition caused by sudden haemorrhage or infarction of the pituitary gland. Potential precipitating factors in the occurrence of acute pituitary apoplexy in 30 consecutive patients were identified and compared with the clinical characteristics and outcome of patients with and without associated factors. Six patients had a previously known pituitary adenoma. All patients complained of severe headaches, associated with neuro-ophthalmological symptoms and signs in 83% and altered mental status in 30%. Potential risk factors were identified in nine patients (30%). When there was an associated factor, the clinical presentation was no different than in patients without such factors although altered mental status may be more frequent in patients with associated diseases. In these patients, the visual prognosis was worse and the diagnosis was more difficult to establish. Acute pituitary apoplexy is unpredictable and should be considered in any patient with abrupt neuro-ophthalmological deterioration associated with headache. Patients with pituitary apoplexy often have an associated disease that confounds recognition and treatment despite a typical presentation.

Adenoma↗

Predisposing and precipitating factors for suicide among alcoholics: empirical review and conceptual integration.

Alcohol dependence is a potent risk factor for suicide. Accordingly, alcoholics should be targeted in suicide prevention efforts. This article reviews the literature on suicide among alcoholics and provides a model that may inform research, clinical work, and prevention efforts. In this model, we propose that aggression/impulsivity, severe alcoholism, negative affect, and hopelessness are key predisposing factors for suicide among alcoholics. We propose that major depressive episodes and stressful life events, particularly interpersonal difficulties, are key precipitating factors. We also integrate these constructs in a model that proposes that many acts of suicide among alcoholics may be viewed as acts of reactive aggression executed in the midst of distress over a lost or threatened relationship. Empirical evidence for the model is discussed along with its limitations. The next generation of research on alcoholism and suicide should include a focus on the interpersonal anlage of suicide in this population.

Alcohol Drinking↗

Ulnar nerve compression at the wrist by the accessory abductor digiti minimi muscle: wrist trauma as a precipitating factor.

This paper describes four cases of ulnar tunnel compression syndrome caused by the accessory abductor digiti minimi muscle and stresses on the observation that wrist trauma could be an important precipitating factor. Possible pathophysiological explanations of this phenomenon are offered and the anatomy of the accessory abductor digiti minimi muscle is reviewed.

Adult↗

[Precipitating factors associated with diastolic heart failure in the elderly].

BACKGROUND: Beside basal myocardial dysfunction, acute heart failure involves associated factors, which increase pulmonary capillary pressure or decrease colloid osmotic pressure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of these precipitating factors in a population presenting with acute heart failure with preserved left ventricular systolic function. METHODS: Forty-eight patients (25 men, 78 +/- 10 years) presenting pulmonary edema with a left ventricular ejection fraction > 45% were included. All had a Doppler echocardiography at the time of intravenous loop diuretics initiation. Patients with severe valve disease or symptomatic coronary disease were excluded. RESULTS: A history of heart failure, coronary disease, hypertension and diabetes was present in 62%, 42%, 64% and 33% of patients, respectively. On admission, mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 61 +/- 9% and 79% of patients had critical elevation in Doppler filling pressures. Associated factors were renal failure (creatinine clearance < 30 ml/min) in 33% patients, silent myocardial ischemia (troponin I > 0.5 ng/ml) in 31%, atrial fibrillation in 29%, high systolic blood pressure (> or = 160 mmHg) in 27%, major sepsis in 25%, severe hypoalbuminemia (< or = 2.5 g/dl) in 23%, and severe anemia (< 10 g/dl) in 17%, respectively. Four patients had no aggravating factor, whereas 34 and 10 patients had 1-2 and 3-4 associated factors, respectively. CONCLUSION: Besides diastolic dysfunction, factors leading to a critical decrease in the oncotic pressure such as pulmonary capillary pressure gradient are found in most of the elderly patients presenting acute diastolic heart failure and must be checked systematically.

Aged↗

Sexual intercourse as a precipitating factor of transient global amnesia.

A Japanese female case of transient global amnesia (TGA), who developed an amnesic episode after sexual intercourse, is reported. The mechanism of how TGA in the present case is precipitated by sexual intercourse could be explained by the elevated blood pressure during sexual intercourse that drops rapidly, causing a temporal ischemia in the distribution of the basilar artery. Furthermore, the importance of sexual intercourse as a precipitating factor of TGA is stressed.

Adult↗

Precipitating factors for the chronic fatigue syndrome.

The etiology of the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is unknown but it is usually considered to be postinfectious or postviral. Many infecting agents have been suspected as causative but none has been proven. We investigated precipitating factors in 134 CFS patients through the use of a questionnaire, interview, clinical examination and serology for infecting agents; 35 healthy controls completed a similar questionnaire. CFS started with an apparently infectious illness in 96 (72%) but a definite infection was only found in seven of these 96 (7%). Thirty-eight (28%) had no apparent infectious onset: 15/38 (40%) had noninfectious precipitants (trauma, allergy, surgery). There was no apparent precipitating event in 23/38 (61%). Immunization was not a significant precipitant. Stressful events were very common in the year preceding the onset of CFS (114/134, 85%) but these occurred in only 2/35 (6%) of the controls (p < .0001). The onset of CFS may be associated with preceding stressful events and multiple other precipitants. An infectious illness is not uniformly present at the onset and no single infectious agent has been found; CFS is most likely multifactorial in origin.

Adult↗