Integrative, Interventional, and Non-invasive Approaches for the Treatment for Migraine During Pregnancy
AbstractPurpose of ReviewWhile most women with migraine improve during pregnancy, a subset may remain unchanged or even become more severe. Given the limited evidence for the use of prescription medications during pregnancy, many look to other treatment modalities. We seek to review complementary and integrative medicine, procedural interventions, and neurostimulation to empower women with safe and effective treatment options during pregnancy.Recent FindingsMigraine treatment during pregnancy remains controversial. While evidence is limited, prospective and retrospective reviews, as well as clinical experience support the ...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - April 1, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Postdural Puncture Headache —Risks and Current Treatment
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis manuscript aims to review the risks and the current treatments for postdural puncture headache (PDPH).Recent FindingsPDPH is a relatively frequent complication after neuraxial blocks. It is typically orthostatic in nature, presenting as a positional and dull aching or throbbing headache, with added dysregulation of auditory and/or visual signals. Certain characteristics, such as female sex and young age, may predispose patients to the development of PDPH, as may factors such as previous PDPH, bearing down during the second stage of labor, and the neuraxial technique itself. Long-term complicat...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - March 30, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
CGRP in Childhood and Adolescence Migraine: (Patho)physiological and Clinical Aspects
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo summarise and analyse the current knowledge of CGRP metabolism in childhood and adolescence and its role in childhood and adolescence migraine.Recent FindingsInfluencing CGRP pathways is nowadays one of the main mechanisms to treat migraine. In adults, several clinical trials with different drug classes have supported this finding. However, only very little is known on these mechanisms in children and adolescents with migraine. Based on a literature search, it can be concluded that substantial parts of the CGRP pathways are already developed and working in the preterm fetus of animals. Newborn a...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - March 30, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Emotional Problems in Pediatric Headache Patients
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe purpose of this review was to summarize current reports regarding emotional problems in children and adolescents with primary headaches. Emotional problems include those related to personality, psychiatric, and neurodevelopmental disorders.Recent FindingsAlexithymia-like characteristics and internalized personality characteristics are considered to worsen primary headaches. Comorbid psychiatric traits such as depression and anxiety have been observed. When neurodevelopmental disorders coexist, it is necessary to pay attention not only to emotional problems but also to the side effects of concom...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - March 28, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
A Review of Underserved and Vulnerable Populations in Headache Medicine in the United States: Challenges and Opportunities
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review will briefly summarize recent literature published on headache disparities in underserved and vulnerable populations. It will also report the personal observations of headache medicine providers working with underserved and vulnerable populations in the USA, specifically in an urban practice dedicated to patients in a safety net program and a rural practice dedicated to Native American patients.Recent FindingsHeadache disorders are recognized as one of the most prevalent neurological conditions. People with headache and migraine encounter several barriers to obtaining appropriate care, ...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - March 26, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Occipital Nerve Stimulation: An Alternative Treatment of Chronic Migraine
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis paper will examine the efficacy and safety of occipital nerve stimulation as a non-pharmacological alternative treatment for migraine.Recent FindingsMigraine is characterized as a primary headache disorder with possible premonitory and aura phases, both of which vary greatly in symptomatology. The most common treatments for chronic migraine are pharmacological and are aimed at both acute relief (e.g., nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, triptans, and ergots) and prophylaxis (e.g., propranolol, valproic acid, and topiramate). For patients with medically refractory migraine, acute relief medic...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - March 14, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Post-COVID Pain Syndromes
AbstractAlthough the number of SARS-CoV-2 new cases may be declining due to the implementation of the vaccine in the USA, there is a rising cohort of people with long-term effects from the virus. These long-term effects include loss of taste, heart palpitations, and chronic pain syndromes. In this commentary, we assess the current literature to appraise the knowledge of long-term COVID-19 effects related to long-term pain syndromes including testicular pain, headache, chronic pain, and chest pain. (Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports)
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - March 10, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Review on Headache Related to Dietary Supplements
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe lifetime prevalence of headaches is 96%. Approximately 11% of the adult population worldwide has a migraine headache. Migraine is a complex disorder that is more than a simple headache. So far, many underlying mechanisms, i.e. inflammatory, vascular, neurogenic have been hypothesized. In recent years evidences proposed that an energy deficit due to changes in mitochondrial function contributes to migraine pathophysiology as an upstream disorder. Recent insights suggested that the coexistence of sensory-stimuli surplus and energy-reserve shortage activate the trigeminovascular system. Some nutri...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - March 7, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Review of Sacroiliac Joint Injection Techniques
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe purpose of the review is to evaluate the current evidence on techniques for sacroiliac joint (SIJ) injections using landmark, ultrasound, fluoroscopy, and computed tomography (CT) guidance.MethodsA literature search was performed to find all relevant retrospective, prospective, and randomized controlled (RCT) studies where SIJ injections were performed under ultrasound, fluoroscopy, and CT guidance.Recent FindingsA total of eight studies were identified with suitable data for inclusion. There were two RCTs, four prospective, and two retrospective studies included. Case reports or case series we...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - March 3, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Cognitive Impairment in Primary and Secondary Headache Disorders
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo critically evaluate the recent literature on cognitive impairment and headache.Recent FindingsNeurocognitive symptoms are prevalent, debilitating, and occur often with both primary and secondary headache disorders.SummaryThis is a “narrative review of the current literature in PubMed on cognitive function and headache.” Migraine is associated with cognitive impairment years before a migraine diagnosis. In young and middle-aged adults, migraine is associated with deficits in attention, executive function, processing speed, and memory. It is unlikely that migraine is associated with dementia. ...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - March 3, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Postcraniotomy Headache: Etiologies and Treatments
AbstractPurpose of ReviewPostcraniotomy headache (PCH) is a highly underappreciated and very common adverse event following craniotomy.Recent FindingsAnalgetic medication with opioids often interferes with neurologic evaluation in the acute phase of recovery and should be kept to a minimal, in general, in the treatment of chronic pain as well. We provide an update on the latest evidence for the management of acute and chronic PCH.SummaryEspecially in the neurosurgical setting, enhanced recovery after surgery protocols need to include a special focus on pain control. Patients at risk of developing chronic pain must be ide...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - March 1, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Neuromodulation Interventions for the Treatment of Painful Diabetic Neuropathy: a Systematic Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewPainful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) is a prevalent and debilitating condition, characterized by severe burning, tingling, and lancinating pain usually located in the distal lower extremities. In addition to manifesting with severe pain, PDN may also be associated with poor quality of life and sleep, mood disorders, burns, falls, and social withdrawal. The authors appraised the current body of literature for evidence on neuromodulation interventions for PDN.Recent FindingsIn patients with refractory PDN unresponsive to conventional medical management (glucose optimization and oral analgesic medication...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - February 28, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Sex Differences in Chronic Migraine: Focusing on Clinical Features, Pathophysiology, and Treatments
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review provides an update on sex differences in chronic migraine (CM), with a focus on clinical characteristics, pathophysiology, and treatments.Recent FindingsApproximately 6.8 –7.8% of all migraineurs have CM, with an estimated prevalence of 1.4–2.2% in the general population. The economic burden caused by CM, including medical costs and lost working ability, is threefold higher than that caused by episodic migraine (EM). Notably, the prevalence of migraine is affecte d by age and sex. Female migraineurs with CM experience higher levels of headache-related disability, including longer he...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - February 26, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Correction to: Intrathecal Baclofen Monotherapy and Polyanalgesia for Treating Chronic Pain in Patients with Severe Spasticity
(Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports)
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - February 26, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Behavioral Management of Episodic Migraine: Maintaining a Healthy Consistent Lifestyle
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo describe the most recent findings related to lifestyle behaviors and migraine.Recent FindingsAn individualized conceptualization of how lifestyle factors impact migraine activity has increased our understanding of the role of behavioral interventions for episodic migraine. Healthy diets of several types have been associated with migraine attack reduction, whereas disruptions in diet like skipping meals are associated with migraine attack onset. Both aerobic activity and lower intensity yoga interventions show promise for migraine prevention. Sleep disruption has been associated with migraine day...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - February 25, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
