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Pain and Therapy May 2024Tension-type headache (TTH) is common but challenging to manage due to limited effectiveness of conventional treatments. This study examines six complementary and... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Tension-type headache (TTH) is common but challenging to manage due to limited effectiveness of conventional treatments. This study examines six complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) interventions through network meta-analysis to identify effective TTH management strategies.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, OVID, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, and CBM databases for randomized controlled trials on CAM for TTH treatment. Headache frequency and intensity were the primary outcomes. Methodological quality was evaluated on the basis of the Cochrane risk of bias tool. We used R software to conduct this Bayesian network meta-analysis. We used mean difference (MD) with 95% credible intervals (CI) to calculate the continuous outcomes and analyzed the percentages of the surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA) curve.
RESULTS
In total, 32 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 2405 participants were analyzed. For reducing headache intensity, the network meta-analysis shows that acupuncture therapy combined with traditional Chinese medicine (AT_TCM), manual therapy (MT), psychological treatment (PT), and traditional Chinese medicine combined with acupuncture and manual therapy (TCM_AT_MT) are superior to Western medicine (WM). In the SUCRA curve, TCM_AT_MT is the best for reducing headache frequency (HF).
CONCLUSIONS
This review, assessed as low-quality evidence by GRADE, cautiously suggests potential benefits of PT over other CAM interventions for TTH and indicates TCM_AT_MT might better reduce HF. It proposes that combining CAM interventions could enhance outcomes. Due to the preliminary nature of these findings, further high-quality RCTs are essential to confirm these suggestions and provide clearer clinical guidance.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42021252073.
PubMed: 38748200
DOI: 10.1007/s40122-024-00600-x -
Annals of Medicine Dec 2024Tension-type headache is the most common type of primary headache and results in a huge socioeconomic burden. This network meta-analysis (NMA) aimed to compare the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
Tension-type headache is the most common type of primary headache and results in a huge socioeconomic burden. This network meta-analysis (NMA) aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of simple analgesics for the treatment of episodic tension-type headache (ETTH) in adults.
METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Chinese BioMedical Literature database and International Clinical Trials Registry Platform databases for eligible randomized clinical trials reporting the efficacy and/or safety of simple analgesics. A Bayesian NMA was performed to compare relative efficacy and safety. The surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) was calculated to rank interventions. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42018090554.
RESULTS
We highlighted six studies including 3507 patients. For the 2 h pain-free rate, the SUCRA ranking was ibuprofen > diclofenac-K > ketoprofen > acetaminophen > naproxen > placebo. All drugs except naproxen reported a higher 2 h pain-free rate than placebo, with a risk ratio (RR) of 2.86 (95% credible interval, CrI: 1.62-5.42) for ibuprofen and 2.61 (1.53-4.88) for diclofenac-K. For adverse events rate, the SUCRA ranking was: metamizol > diclofenac-K > ibuprofen > lumiracoxib > placebo > aspirin > acetaminophen > naproxen > ketoprofen. The adverse event rates of all analgesics were no higher than those of placebo, except for ketoprofen. Moreover, all drugs were superior to placebo in the global assessment of efficacy. In particular, the RR of lumiracoxib was 2.47 (1.57-4.57). Global heterogeneity between the studies was low.
CONCLUSIONS
Simple analgesics are considered more effective and safe as a placebo for ETTH in adults. Our results suggest that ibuprofen and diclofenac-K may be the two best treatment options for patients with ETTH from a comprehensive point of view (both high-quality evidence).
Topics: Humans; Tension-Type Headache; Analgesics; Adult; Network Meta-Analysis; Ibuprofen; Acetaminophen; Bayes Theorem; Treatment Outcome; Diclofenac; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Naproxen; Ketoprofen; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Female; Male
PubMed: 38813682
DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2024.2357235 -
Journal of Oral & Facial Pain and...To answer the question: among observational studies, is there any association between primary headaches and bruxism in adults?
AIMS
To answer the question: among observational studies, is there any association between primary headaches and bruxism in adults?
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A systematic review of observational studies was performed. The search was performed in seven main databases and three gray literature databases. Studies in which samples were composed of adult patients were included. Primary headaches were required to be diagnosed by the International Classification of Headache Disorders. Any diagnostic method for bruxism was accepted. Risk of bias was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool and the Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument (MAStARI) tool. Associations were analyzed by calculating odds ratios (OR) in Review Manager 5.3 software. The evidence certainty was screened by Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation criteria.
RESULTS
Of the 544 articles reviewed, 5 met the inclusion criteria for qualitative analysis. The included studies evaluated both awake and sleep bruxism, as well as tension-type headaches and migraines as primary headaches. Among two migraine studies, one showed an OR of 1.79 (95% CI: 0.96 to 3.33) and another 1.97 (95% CI: 1.5 to 2.55). On the other hand, among three tension-type headache studies, there was a positive association only with awake bruxism, with an OR of 5.23 (95% CI: 2.57 to 10.65). All included articles had a positive answer for more than 60% of the risk of bias questions. The evidence certainty varied between low and very low. Due to high heterogeneity among the studies, it was impossible to perform a meta-analysis.
CONCLUSION
Patients with awake bruxism have from 5 to 17 times more chance of having tension-type headaches. Sleep bruxism did not have any association with tension-type headache, and the association with migraines is controversial.
Topics: Adult; Bruxism; Headache; Humans; Migraine Disorders; Observational Studies as Topic; Odds Ratio; Sleep Bruxism; Tension-Type Headache
PubMed: 34129658
DOI: 10.11607/ofph.2745 -
Medicine Nov 2022Headache disorders are common diseases that cause a social burden. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of various non-pharmacological... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Headache disorders are common diseases that cause a social burden. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of various non-pharmacological treatments to address or prevent acute headaches, including neuromodulation, acupuncture, and aerobic exercises in patients with episodic migraine and tension-type headache (TTH).
METHODS
We performed a systematic search of the electronic databases PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WANFANG MEDICINE ONLINE, and Chinese Medical Journal database using Stata/SE 14.0 to obtain weighted mean differences (WMDs). The outcomes included monthly headache days, headache intensity, headache duration, days per month of acute medication use, and the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey.
RESULTS
Of 872 identified articles, 27 were included in the meta-analysis. Neuromodulation was associated with reduced headache days (WMD: -1.274, 95% CI [-1.914, -0.634], P < .001), duration (WMD: -2.2, 95% CI [-3.32, -0.107], P < .001) and medication consumption (WMD: -1.808, 95% CI [-2.546, -1.071], P < .001) in cases of migraine. Acupuncture was associated with the alleviation of headache days (WMD: -0.677, 95% CI [-0.932, -0.422], P < .001) and intensity (WMD: -0.893, 95% CI [-1.573, -0.212], P = .01) in cases of migraine and acute medication use (WMD: -3.29, 95% CI [-4.86, -1.72], P < .001) in cases of TTH. Aerobic exercise was associated with reduced headache duration (WMD: -5.1, 95% CI [-8.97, -1.22], P = .01) in cases of TTH. The risk of bias for included articles was moderate.
CONCLUSIONS
There is low- and moderate-quality evidence that neuromodulation, acupuncture, and aerobic exercises are associated with attenuated headache symptoms in patients with episodic migraine or TTH. However, high-quality studies are needed to draw more detailed conclusions.
Topics: Humans; Tension-Type Headache; Migraine Disorders; Acupuncture Therapy; Headache; Exercise
PubMed: 36397322
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000030530 -
Clinical and Experimental Dental... Dec 2023The main objective of this systematic review was to assess the effectiveness of intraoral splints in treating migraine and tension-type headaches. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
The main objective of this systematic review was to assess the effectiveness of intraoral splints in treating migraine and tension-type headaches.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The article search was conducted within seven electronic databases (Medline, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL PLUS with full text, Cochrane Library Trials, Web of Science, and Scopus) with no date limits or language restrictions up to June 12, 2022. Strict inclusion and exclusion criteria were set for article selection. At the same time as data extraction, each study's risk of bias (RoB) was evaluated using the Cochrane tool to assess their RoB. Subsequently, the Cochrane Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation was used to evaluate the certainty of the evidence.
RESULTS
Four controlled clinical trials were included. These trials were heterogeneous in terms of (1) diagnosis, (2) design of the intraoral splints, and (3) tools for reporting the results, which made it difficult to compile the data as well as evaluate its quality. Trials reported a reduction in the frequency of headache and pain intensity when using intraoral splints; however, this therapy was not superior to medications.
CONCLUSIONS
The evidence is very low for the use of oral splints as a therapeutic alternative to medication in the treatment of migraine and/or tension-type headache.
Topics: Humans; Tension-Type Headache; Splints; Migraine Disorders
PubMed: 37680032
DOI: 10.1002/cre2.779 -
Journal of the American Dental... Feb 2022The primary objective of this systematic review was to answer the following question systematically: Is there any association between primary headaches (PHs) and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
The primary objective of this systematic review was to answer the following question systematically: Is there any association between primary headaches (PHs) and temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) in adults?
TYPES OF STUDIES REVIEWED
The protocol was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews. The authors performed the search in 6 main databases and 3 gray literature sources. The included articles had to have adult samples. PHs must have been diagnosed using the International Classification of Headache Disorders, and TMDs must have been diagnosed using Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders, Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders, or International Classification of Orofacial Pain. Risk of bias was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument tools. The meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager software, Version 5.4. Certainty of evidence was screened according to Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation.
RESULTS
Nine of 2,574 articles reviewed met the inclusion criteria for qualitative analysis and, of these, 7 met the inclusion criteria for quantitative analysis. Odds ratios (ORs) for painful TMD and tension-type headache (OR, 1.94 [95% CI, 0.56 to 6.76] to OR, 7.61 [95% CI, 1.84 to 31.48]), migraines (OR, 4.14 [95% CI, 1.38 to 12.43] to OR, 5.44 [95% CI, 3.61 to 8.21]), and chronic headaches (OR, 40.40 [95% CI, 8.67 to 188.15] to OR, 95.93 [95% CI, 12.53 to 734.27]) were calculated. Articular TMDs without pain were evaluated in 2 articles, and both did not show positive association with tension-type headache nor migraine. Three studies were classified as moderate risk of bias and 6 as low risk of bias. The certainty of evidence varied between very low and low.
CONCLUSIONS AND PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS
Recognizing the positive association between painful TMD and PHs can help dentists and physicians treat the pain and avoid it, or recommend the patient to a specialist.
Topics: Adult; Facial Pain; Headache; Humans; Migraine Disorders; Temporomandibular Joint Disorders; Tension-Type Headache
PubMed: 34649707
DOI: 10.1016/j.adaj.2021.07.021 -
Pain Research & Management 2024To assess the effectiveness of myofascial release (MFR) techniques on the intensity of headache pain and associated disability in patients with tension-type headache... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effectiveness of myofascial release (MFR) techniques on the intensity of headache pain and associated disability in patients with tension-type headache (TTH), cervicogenic headache (CGH), or migraine.
DESIGN
A systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS
Eight databases were searched on September 15, 2023, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, CNKI, and Wanfang Database. The risk of bias was evaluated utilizing the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2) tool.
RESULTS
Pooled results showed that MFR intervention significantly reduces pain intensity [SMD = -2.01, 95% CI (-2.98, -1.03), = 90%, < 0.001] and improves disability [SMD = -1.3, 95% CI (-1.82, -0.79), = 74%, < 0.001]. Subgroup analysis based on the type of headache revealed significant reductions in pain intensity for CGH [SMD = -2.01, 95% CI (-2.73, -1.29), = 63%, < 0.001], TTH [SMD = -0.86, 95% CI (-1.52, -0.20), = 50%, =0.01] and migraine [SMD = -6.52, 95% CI (-8.15, -4.89), < 0.001] and in disability for CGH [SMD = -1.45, 95% CI (-2.07, -0.83), = 0%, < 0.001]; TTH [SMD = -0.98, 95% CI (-1.32, -0.65), = 0%, < 0.001] but not migraine [SMD = -2.44, 95% CI (-6.04, 1.16), = 97%, =0.18].
CONCLUSION
The meta-analysis results indicate that MFR intervention can significantly alleviate pain and disability in TTH and CGH. For migraine, however, the results were inconsistent, and there was only moderate quality evidence of disability improvement for TTH and CGH. In contrast, the quality of other evidence was low or very low.
Topics: Humans; Post-Traumatic Headache; Myofascial Release Therapy; Migraine Disorders; Headache; Tension-Type Headache; Pain
PubMed: 38585645
DOI: 10.1155/2024/2042069 -
Atencion Primaria Mar 2022The objective of this work was to systematically review the published literature in relation to the estimated indirect costs associated with TTH.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this work was to systematically review the published literature in relation to the estimated indirect costs associated with TTH.
DESIGN
This systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items Statement for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyzes (PRISMA).
DATA SOURCES
The review was performed in two main databases, PubMed and EconLit, and was completed with the gray literature search.
STUDY SELECTION
The basic criterion for the inclusion of studies was that they present at least one measure of indirect costs specific to TTH.
DATA EXTRACTION
12 studies were finally selected for information extraction. Of all the selected articles, the characteristics of the study design, the types of costs included, as well as the measurement instrument, and the main results were synthesized.
RESULTS
The search yielded a total of 568 studies. Heterogeneity was found in the designs and samples/populations of the included studies. Only two studies estimated direct and indirect costs for TTH. Among the most notable results, we find an estimated moderate impact of disability due to TTH (between 0.037 and 0.15 per person, 0.06-0.09% for the population). Productivity and efficiency losses were observed and were very heterogeneous. The willingness to pay for effective treatment would range from $1.32 to $9.20 per month. Quality of life is low, between 28.2 and 28.4 points out of 100, and health-related quality of life seems to improve significantly with treatment.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite the high heterogeneity of the results, we can conclude that tension headache is characterized by a moderate impact on disability, on productivity and efficiency at work or school, and on the quality of life of those who suffer it.
Topics: Humans; Quality of Life; Tension-Type Headache; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 35077913
DOI: 10.1016/j.aprim.2021.102238 -
Neurologia Jan 2020Non-pharmacological treatment of patients with headache, such as dry needling (DN), is associated with less morbidity and mortality and lower costs than pharmacological... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Non-pharmacological treatment of patients with headache, such as dry needling (DN), is associated with less morbidity and mortality and lower costs than pharmacological treatment. Some of these techniques are useful in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to review the level of evidence for DN in patients with headache.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review of randomised clinical trials on headache and DN on the PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and PEDro databases. Methodological quality was evaluated with the Spanish version of the PEDro scale by 2 independent reviewers.
RESULTS
Of a total of 136 studies, we selected 8 randomised clinical trials published between 1994 and 2019, including a total of 577 patients. Two studies evaluated patients with cervicogenic headache, 2 evaluated patients with tension-type headache, one study assessed patients with migraine, and the remaining 3 evaluated patients with mixed-type headache (tension-type headache/migraine). Quality ratings ranged from low (3/10) to high (7/10). The effectiveness of DN was similar to that of the other interventions. DN was associated with significant improvements in functional and sensory outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS
Dry needling should be considered for the treatment of headache, and may be applied either alone or in combination with pharmacological treatments.
PubMed: 31948718
DOI: 10.1016/j.nrl.2019.09.010 -
Neurology Jan 2020Headache associated with ischemic stroke is poorly understood. To gain further insight, we systematically reviewed studies examining the prevalence and characteristics... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
Headache associated with ischemic stroke is poorly understood. To gain further insight, we systematically reviewed studies examining the prevalence and characteristics of new-onset poststroke headache.
METHODS
Medline and PubMed databases were queried. A total of 1,812 articles were identified. Of these, 50 were included in this systematic review. Twenty were included in a meta-analysis and meta-regression.
RESULTS
Headache occurred in 6%-44% of the ischemic stroke population. Most headaches had tension-type features, were moderate to severe, and became chronic in nature. Meta-analysis using an inverse-variance heterogeneity model revealed a pooled prevalence of 0.14 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.07-0.23) with heterogeneity among studies. Metaregression revealed a significant association between prevalence and study location, the source population's national human development index (HDI), and study quality. We found higher prevalence in European (0.22, 95% CI 0.14-0.30) and North American (0.15, 95% CI 0.05-0.26) studies compared with Middle Eastern and Asian studies (0.08, 95% CI 0.01-0.18). However, within each region, populations from countries with higher HDI ( = 0.03) and studies with higher quality ( = 0.001) had lower prevalence. Calculated crude odds ratios (ORs) showed that posterior circulation stroke (pooled OR 1.92, 95% CI 1.4-2.64; n = 7 studies) and female sex (pooled OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.07-1.46; n = 11 studies) had greater odds of headache associated with ischemic stroke.
CONCLUSIONS
Taken together, these data suggest that headache is common at the onset of or shortly following ischemic stroke and may contribute to poststroke morbidity. Better understanding of headache associated with ischemic stroke is needed to establish treatment guidelines and inform patient management.
Topics: Brain Ischemia; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Headache; Humans; Stroke
PubMed: 31694924
DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000008591