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Cluster headaches and sleep disorders.

Cluster headaches are characterized by unilateral paroxysmal attacks of severe pain with associated symptoms. The headaches occur during particular sleep stages and are associated with other chronobiologic factors. Several sleep disorders have been associated with the occurrence of cluster headache; multiple hormonal influences affect the relationship between sleep and headache. Melatonin and other treatments that affect circadian rhythm have been suggested for the treatment of cluster headache. Obstructive sleep apnea can occur in patients with cluster headache; attempts to treat one disorder may influence the other. Sleep disorders such as insomnia and narcolepsy also may be associated with and influence cluster headaches. This article examines the relationship between the various sleep disorders and cluster headache, and reviews current research. Normal and abnormal sleep and details of treatments for specific sleep disorders that may decrease the frequency and severity of cluster headaches also are discussed. The relationship between obstructive sleep apnea, which is the most common sleep disorder, and cluster headache is discussed in detail.

Cluster Headache↗

Headache, panic disorder and depression: comorbidity or a spectrum?

Past epidemiological and clinical research has identified depression as the most common psychiatric disorder associated with headache. The present study carried out in a neurology headache clinic showed that the major associations were with current anxiety disorders, especially panic and related conditions. These findings were particularly true of the subgroup of migraine with aura; in the relatively few patients with mood disorders, depression was nearly always comorbid with panic or other anxiety disorders. Past history of depression was mainly a characteristic of the tension headache group. These data are compatible with the hypothesis that migraine, especially that with aura, panic disorder and some forms of depressive illness are part of the same spectrum.

Adolescent↗

Practical evaluation and diagnosis of headache.

Establishing an open and honest physician-patient relationship is essential for the proper evaluation and management of headache disorders. Obtaining a complete headache and medical history is the most important part of the initial diagnostic evaluation. This history should include information about headache onset, pain intensity, character of the pain, presence of aura, associated autonomic symptoms, and trigger factors. Special attention must be paid to the frequency of analgesic use, both prescription and over-the-counter, to identify analgesic rebound headache. A thorough neurologic examination must also be performed; if it is normal, there is usually no need for special tests. Headaches are classified as either primary or secondary. Primary headaches have no structural or metabolic cause, while secondary headaches are caused by an underlying pathologic or metabolic process. Migraine, tension-type, cluster, and analgesic-rebound headaches are all primary headache disorders. Secondary headaches are caused by conditions such as increased intracranial pressure, pseudotumor cerebri, subdural and intracerebral hematomas, hypertension, meningitis, temporal arteritis, Lyme disease, and brain tumors. Accurate diagnosis of headache is essential to determine the appropriateness of further testing and to guide proper treatment of the patient's condition.

Analgesics↗

The diagnostic headache diary--a headache expert system.

The purpose with the headache expert system was to develop a diagnostic and educational tool for the general practitioners (GP), in order to improve their management of headache disorders. This chapter describes the diagnostic headache diary, an expert system intended for education and diagnosing headache disorders. The diagnostic headache diary can be printed and used by headache patients at home to record their headache attacks and medicine consumption by a day to day basis. It can also be used by the GP at the clinic in order to provide the headache diagnoses. The diagnostic headache diary was written in the programming language Delphi and implemented as a stand-alone Windows 95 program. It was integrated as one of five modules in the headache tutorial described in another chapter of this book. The diagnostic headache diary consists of four modules: Patient data, diary, medication and diagnosis. Configured around a database, the diagnostic headache diary allows entries of several patients and search facilities. The diagnostic headache diary was tested and validated by entering expert-diagnosed data from different headache disorders which where compared to the computer generated diagnoses.

Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted↗

Indomethacin-responsive headache syndromes.

Indomethacin-responsive headache syndromes represent a unique group of primary headache disorders characterized by a prompt and often complete response to indomethacin to the exclusion of other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and medications usually effective in treating other primary headache disorders. Because these headache disorders can easily be overlooked in clinical practice, they likely are more common than previously recognized. Indomethacin-responsive headache syndromes can be divided into several distinct categories: a select group of trigeminal-autonomic cephalgias, valsalva-induced headaches, and primary stabbing headache (ice-pick headache or jabs and jolts syndrome). Each category can be differentiated clinically and by the extent to which the individual headache disorders respond to indomethacin. The paroxysmal and continuous hemicranias invariably respond in an absolute manner to indomethacin, whereas valsalva-induced and ice-pick headaches may respond in an equally dramatic, but somewhat less consistent fashion. Hypnic headache recently has been described as another primary headache disorder that may respond to indomethacin.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal↗

Cluster headache-like disorder in childhood.

This paper reviews the diagnostic features of cluster headache-like disorder and describes its presentation in childhood. Case note summaries of patients with this condition are presented in the context of a brief summary of the literature. Four patients (two girls; aged 12 to 15 years) with cluster headache-like disorder were seen over a period of four years in the paediatric neurology department of Birmingham Children's Hospital. Their histories and clinical courses are described. All had a history of "thrashing around" or bizarre behaviour during attacks, which had distracted attention from the headache and seemed to contribute to delay in diagnosis. It appears that cluster headache-like disorder does occur in childhood but is not common and can be mistaken for other conditions. A history of thrashing around accompanied by headache is very suggestive. Recognition of the symptoms in the general paediatric clinic would allow rapid diagnosis.

Adolescent↗

Evaluation and emergency treatment of headache.

Headache is a common complaint in patients presenting to the emergency department. Most such headaches are benign, but some have a more severe organic cause. Occasionally, patients present with a chronic headache disorder with which they can no longer cope. The new International Headache Society Classification of Headache is reviewed along with the differential diagnosis of benign headache disorders. Headache diagnosis by history is examined in detail followed by a discussion of the emergency presentation of headache patients. Causes for concern are presented, along with a detailed discussion of differential diagnosis, including subarachnoid hemorrhage, meningitis, sinusitis, glaucoma, internal carotid artery dissection, and cerebro-vascular disease. Also discussed are medications used for the symptomatic treatment of headache, including analgesics, NSAIDs, narcotics, and ergotamine preparations. Approaches to the treatment of the severe, persistent headache in the emergency department are outlined and treatment options suggested. Headache medication overuse is discussed and guidelines are presented to recognize the condition and prevent its recurrence.

Analgesics↗

Understanding psychological stress, its biological processes, and impact on primary headache.

Psychological stress is generally acknowledged to be a central contributor to primary headache. Stress results from any challenge or threat, either real or perceived, to normal functioning. The stress response is the body's activation of physiological systems, namely the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, to protect and restore functioning. Chronic activation of the stress response can lead to wear and tear that eventually can predispose an individual to disease. There are multiple ways that stress and headache are closely related. Stress can (a) be a predisposing factor that contributes to headache disorder onset, (b) accelerate the progression of the headache disorder into a chronic condition, and (c) precipitate and exacerbate individual headache episodes. How stress impacts headache is not often understood. However, stress is assumed to affect primary headache by directly impacting pain production and modulation processes at both the peripheral and central levels. Stress can also independently worsen headache-related disability and quality of life. Finally, the headache experience itself can serve as a stressor that compromises an individual's health and well-being. With the prominent role that stress plays in headache, there are implications for the evaluation of stress and the use of stress reduction strategies at the various stages of headache disorder onset and progression. Future directions can help to develop a better empirical understanding of the pattern of the stress and headache connections and the mechanisms that explain the connections. Further research can also examine the interactive effects of stress and other factors that impact headache disorder onset, course, and adjustment.

Analgesics↗

Migrainous disorder and headache of the tension-type not fulfilling the criteria: a follow-up study in children and adolescents.

In this follow-up study in children and adolescents with recurrent headaches classified as migrainous disorder (IHS 1.7) and headache of the tension-type not fulfilling the criteria (IHS 2.3), 28.6% were headache-free and 71.4% still had headaches 2-5 years after the first examination. The majority remained in the same one-digit IHS diagnosis, whereas 20% changed from migraine to tension-type headache or vice versa. The number of IHS criteria fulfilled increased significantly from the first to the second examination. The reason for diagnosing IHS 1.7 and IHS 2.3 most often was a short headache duration or headache characteristics not meeting the criteria. By reducing the minimum headache duration to 1 h, 11 of 58 patients could be diagnosed as migraine without aura. There was a remarkable overlap in the diagnostic criteria for migraine without aura and tension-type headache. In IHS 1.7 and IHS 2.3 this overlap exceeded 80%, with a trend to decrease at the second examination.

Adolescent↗

Pharmacological management of mood and anxiety disorders in headache patients.

There is emerging evidence that treatment of comorbid mood and anxiety disorders can improve headache treatment outcome when implemented within a comprehensive program. Effective treatment for comorbid mood and anxiety disorders requires screening headache patients and accurately diagnosing specific psychiatric disorders when present. Specific dual-action antidepressant, anticonvulsant, and atypical antipsychotic medications can serve as dual agents that simultaneously treat both headaches and a mood or anxiety disorder. Serotonin reuptake inhibitors and most other antidepressant, anxiolytic, and mood-stabilizing medications are generally ineffective for headache prophylaxis. However, they can be safely added to a headache regimen for treatment of a comorbid psychiatric disorder. Treatment of comorbid psychiatric disorders in headache patients requires patient education about the psychiatric disorder, its treatment, possible side-effects, and expected benefits. Clinicians need to be sensitive to possible stigma that some patients fear from a psychiatric diagnosis or its treatment.

Anxiety Disorders↗

Oromandibular disorders and headache. A critical appraisal.

Oromandibular disorders are functional disorders and associated pains in the anatomic region of the temporomandibular joint. Their diagnosis and treatment are controversial because of the lack of conformity concerning these disorders among health care providers. This article provides a clear classification of these disorders and critically reviews their evaluation and treatment.

Diagnosis, Differential↗

Modular headache theory.

Many people experience headaches that do not fulfil the International Headache Society's criteria for a specific headache disorder yet behave biologically like that disorder. Others fulfil criteria for one headache disorder and yet have features of another disorder. To explain these observations, we propose that groups of neurones called modules become activated to produce each symptom of a primary headache disorder, and that each module is linked to other modules that together produce an individual's headache. This theory has implications for the classification, research and treatment of primary and secondary headache patients.

Headache↗

Modular headache theory: a new approach.

Many people experience headaches that do not fulfill the International Headache Society's criteria for a specific headache disorder, yet behave biologically like that disorder. Others fulfill criteria for one headache disorder but have features of another. To explain these observations, we propose that groups of neurons, called modules, become activated to produce each symptom of a primary headache disorder, and that each module is linked to other modules that together produce an individual's headache. Headaches develop phenotypic stability through a process referred to as learned stereotypy. This theory has implications for the classification, research, and treatment of primary and secondary headache patients.

Headache↗

Headache evaluation and management.

Headache is one of the most common complaints in primary care, virtually affecting all persons at some point. Headache may be a symptom of other pathology (secondary headache) or due to a primary headache disorder. Tension headaches, migraines, and cluster headaches are three primary headache syndromes, in order of most frequently occurring to least. The key to effective management of these chronic syndromes is differential diagnosis through history, physical exam, and possibly diagnostic studies. Pharmacologic management may include abortive, adjunctive, and prophylactice medications.

Cluster Headache↗

Evolution of the measurement of quality of life in migraine.

Although headache is among the most common pain complaints seen by physicians, the measurement of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in headache patients is in its earliest stages. Two types of questionnaire have been used to measure HRQoL in headache sufferers: general and disease-specific instruments. General quality-of-life (QoL) instruments use scales to assess QoL with respect to a number of activities within physical, social, psychological, and behavioral life domains. Disease-specific instruments reflect particular limitations or restrictions associated with specific disease states. These instruments are designed to be most sensitive in determining the effects of treatment or the longitudinal course of disease. Data from the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form (SF)-20 and SF-36 generic QoL instruments demonstrated that chronic headache disorders were associated with significant limitations in all eight health domains of patient wellbeing and functioning. The SF-20 outcomes profiles for each of the common benign headache disorders (migraine, tension-type headache, mixed headache, and cluster headache) appear to be unique for the specific headache diagnosis. The SF-20 and SF-36 were also used to compare headache disorders with other chronic illnesses. Chronic headache disorders, including migraine, were found to cause significantly more impairment of function than diabetes, hypertension, osteoarthritis, and low back pain. Preliminary studies of QoL during pharmacologic therapy have suggested that disease specific instruments may be more sensitive than generic instruments for evaluating the longitudinal impact of treatment. Generic QoL instruments, such as the SF-20 or SF-36, may be more useful to define populations being studied than to measure changes in the population over time. The publication of headache-specific QoL instruments, which have been widely used in clinical trials and have been validated, is awaited. Until such time, the SF-36 will remain the standard measure of QoL in headache.

Attitude to Health↗

A dose-effect study of beraprost sodium in intermittent claudication.

We compared the efficacy and safety of three doses of beraprost sodium, an epoprostenol analogue, with placebo in the treatment of intermittent claudication (Fontaine's stage II). One hundred sixty-four patients were randomized to receive either placebo, 20 micrograms beraprost sodium (BPS60 group), 40 micrograms beraprost sodium (BPS120 group), or 60 micrograms beraprost sodium (BPS180 group) three times daily administered orally in a double-blind manner for 12 weeks. Treadmill exercise tests were performed twice during an initial selection phase (D-28 and D0) at week 10 (at trough beraprost concentration) and week 12 (at peak beraprost concentration) of the treatment phase. At week 10, all groups showed an increase in pain-free walking distance, and this distance was greatest in the BPS60 and BPS120 groups (p = 0.055). At week 12, a similar pattern was observed, and the difference was significant between the groups (p = 0.023). The most frequent adverse events reported were gastrointestinal disorders, headaches, skin disorders, and flushes. Patients who received either 60 or 120 micrograms of beraprost sodium daily had an increased pain-free walking distance. Further studies are required to investigate why the highest dose used (180 micrograms daily) showed lower efficacy. Having both vasodilating and antiplatelet properties and being able to increase pain-free walking distance in the short term, beraprost sodium is a promising drug for the treatment of intermittent claudication.

Adult↗

General medical problems among the offspring of depressed parents: a 10-year follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between both parental and offspring depression and the general medical problems of a sample of offspring at high and low risk for depression. METHOD: Offspring (n = 222) from families with either depressed or nondepressed parents were followed up for a period of 10 years. Data collected included psychiatric diagnoses derived from direct semistructured interviews and history of general medical problems and hospital visits. Rates of medical problems and hospitalizations were calculated, and offspring were stratified by depression status of both parent and offspring. RESULTS: In analyses controlled for sociodemographic factors, offspring depression status was associated with a history of genitourinary disorders, headaches, respiratory disorders, other disorders, and hospitalizations in the offspring, and parental depression was associated with a history of unconsciousness and hospitalization in the offspring. After subjects were stratified by parental depression, significant associations between offspring depression and medical problems were found for only those offspring with a depressed parent. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that a history of parental depression increases the risk for medical problems and hospitalization among depressed offspring. The co-occurrence of general medical and psychological problems among offspring of depressed parents may have implications for the treatment of both depression and comorbid medical disorders.

Adolescent↗

[Recent new information on epidemiology of headache].

We reviewed the epidemiology of headache disorders for the most frequent primary headache-syndromes: migraine, tension-type headache and trigemino-autonomic headache syndromes. In the last years scientific data about headache disorders have increased. New studies investigated not only the prevalence of headaches, but also economic costs of this disorder. Epidemiologic headache research also investigates the quality of life.

Autonomic Nervous System Diseases↗