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Cephalalgia : An International Journal... Jun 2024This study aimed to identify the potential subgroups of migraines based on the patterns of migraine associated symptoms, vestibular and auditory symptoms using latent...
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to identify the potential subgroups of migraines based on the patterns of migraine associated symptoms, vestibular and auditory symptoms using latent class analysis and to explore their characteristics.
METHOD
A total of 555 patients with migraine participated in the study. Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, photophobia, phonophobia, osmophobia, visual symptoms, vestibular symptoms (dizziness, vertigo), and auditory symptoms (tinnitus, hearing loss, aural fullness) were assessed. Latent class analysis was performed to identify subgroups of migraines. Covariates such as gender, age of migraine onset, frequency of migraine attacks per month, and family history were also considered.
RESULTS
The analysis revealed four latent classes: the Prominent Vestibular; Prominent Nausea; Presenting Symptoms but not prominent or dominant; and Sensory Hypersensitivity groups. Various covariates, such as gender, age of migraine onset, and frequency of migraine attacks, demonstrated significant differences among the four groups. The Sensory Hypersensitivity group showed the presence of multiple sensory symptoms, earlier age of migraine onset, and higher proportion of females. The Prominent Vestibular group had the highest probability of dizziness or vertigo but lacked the presence of auditory symptoms. The Prominent Nausea group exhibited prominent nausea. The Presenting Symptoms but not prominent or dominant group comprised individuals with the highest migraine attacks per month and proportion of chronic migraine.
CONCLUSION
This study identifies four subgroups of migraines based on the patterns of symptoms. The findings suggest potential different but overlapped mechanisms behind the vestibular and auditory symptoms of migraine. Considering the different patterns of migraine-related symptoms may provide deeper insights for patients' prognosis and clinical decision-making.
Topics: Humans; Migraine Disorders; Female; Male; Adult; Middle Aged; Latent Class Analysis; Vertigo; Young Adult; Nausea; Dizziness; Aged; Adolescent; Vestibular Diseases
PubMed: 38887813
DOI: 10.1177/03331024241262488 -
SAGE Open Medical Case Reports 2024Subarachnoid hemorrhage is a neurological emergency in which arterial blood accumulates in the subarachnoid space with cerebral aneurysmal rupture being the most common...
Subarachnoid hemorrhage is a neurological emergency in which arterial blood accumulates in the subarachnoid space with cerebral aneurysmal rupture being the most common cause. Subarachnoid hemorrhage is often misdiagnosed in the emergency department and mortality rates range from 8% to 67%. It may be the manifestation of the chronicity of the migraine. The difference in severity or quality compared to previous headaches, and other symptoms, particularly neck stiffness, but also seizure, syncope, focal neurological deficit, and vomiting are the key factors differentiating subarachnoid hemorrhage from the migraine. We report a case of a 37-year-old female with a previous history of migraines who presented with acute onset of excruciating headaches in the occiput associated with nausea, vomiting, and photophobia in whom a non-contrast computed tomography scan of the head showed hyper-densities involving the bilateral cerebral cortical sulcus and Sylvian fissure and the cerebral angiography showed a complex aneurysm in anterior communicating artery.
PubMed: 38881976
DOI: 10.1177/2050313X241261012 -
Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal =... May 2024Meningitis is still a major public health challenge globally. Both the viral and bacterial forms of the disease have been reported worldwide. In 2023, around 200...
BACKGROUND
Meningitis is still a major public health challenge globally. Both the viral and bacterial forms of the disease have been reported worldwide. In 2023, around 200 children with suspected meningitis were admitted to hospital in Halabja Governorate, Iraq. No outbreak of meningitis had been reported previously in that region.
AIMS
To investigate the aetiology and epidemiology of meningitis among children in Halabja Governorate, Iraq, and expedite clinical management and prevention.
METHODOLOGY
Blood and cerebrospinal fluid specimens were collected from 197 children admitted to Halabja Paediatric and Maternity Teaching Hospital from 1 March to 1 July 2023 and analysed. The sample t-test was used to compare the haematological, serological and biochemical characteristics of the samples.
RESULTS
The majority (76.6%) of the children were aged 2-9 years and 54% were males. The clinical manifestations of the disease were fever (100.0%), headache (89.0%), vomiting (85.7%), and photophobia (72.4%); none of the children had convulsions. The mean values for both neutrophil count and C-reactive protein were statistically significantly raised (P < 0.05) and the red blood cells, white blood cells and neutrophil counts, and lactate dehydrogenase values were statistically significantly raised (P < 0.05). The causative organism was enterovirus (98.5%), with sporadic cases of streptococcal meningitis (1.5%). All the patients recovered fully.
CONCLUSION
The rapid diagnosis of the disease was crucial to the therapeutic and prevention control measures for the outbreak. Although it is still unclear how and where this outbreak started, contaminated drinking water and transmission among children in nurseries and schools are suspected. Further investigations are recommended to determine the source of the enterovirus and identify the virus species and serotypes.
Topics: Humans; Iraq; Child; Child, Preschool; Male; Disease Outbreaks; Female; Meningitis, Viral; Adolescent; Infant; Meningitis, Bacterial
PubMed: 38874294
DOI: 10.26719/2024.30.5.350 -
Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases Jun 2024The low prevalence of rare diseases poses a significant challenge in advancing their understanding. This study aims to delineate the clinical and genetic characteristics...
BACKGROUND
The low prevalence of rare diseases poses a significant challenge in advancing their understanding. This study aims to delineate the clinical and genetic characteristics of patients with rare eye diseases (RED) enrolled in the Spanish Rare Diseases Patient Registry.
METHODS
A total of 864 patients from the registry database were included. Diseases were categorized into inherited retinal dystrophies (n=688); anterior segment diseases (n=48); congenital malformations (n=27); and syndromic diseases with ocular involvement including muscular (n=46), neurological (n=34), or metabolic (n=13); inflammatory diseases (n=4); and tumors (n=4). Data on visual acuity (VA) and/or visual field (VF), symptoms and signs, concurrent diseases in syndromic cases, age of onset and at diagnosis, affected genes, disability rating, inability to work and dependency grade recognition were collected.
RESULTS
A mean diagnostic delay of 7 years from symptom onset was observed. Commonly reported symptoms included photophobia, night blindness, and progressive vision loss (≥57% of patients). Cataract was the most prevalent secondary disease (46%), with pseudophakia being the most common ocular surgery (26%). Hearing loss and cardiovascular diseases were the most prevalent concurrent systemic diseases (≥13%). Certificates of disability, incapacity for work, and dependency were held by 87%, 42%, and 19% of patients, respectively. Among the 719 patients with available VA data, 193 (27%) were blind, and 188 (26%) had moderate to severe visual impairment. Over half of the patients (54%) exhibited VF defects, and 216 (25%) had concentric contraction ≤5° or abolished VF. Most had genetic diseases with autosomal recessive (55%), autosomal dominant (30%), X-linked (9%), and mitochondrial (6%) patterns. One patient had mutations in both recessive USH2A and dominant RHO genes simultaneously. Of the 656 patients (75.7%) who underwent genetic testing, only 461 (70.3%) received a positive result (pathogenic or likely pathogenic mutations explaining the phenotype). We found 62 new gene variants related to RED not previously reported in databases of genetic variants related to specific phenotypes.
CONCLUSIONS
This study delineates the clinical and genotypic profiles of RED in Spain. Genetic diseases, particularly retinal disorders, predominate, but a significant proportion of affected patients remain genetically undiagnosed, hindering potential gene therapy endeavors. Despite notable improvements in reducing diagnosis delays, it is still remarkable. RED frequently lead to disability and blindness among young populations.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Eye Diseases; Registries; Spain; Adult; Rare Diseases; Middle Aged; Adolescent; Child; Young Adult; Child, Preschool; Aged; Infant; Visual Acuity; Retinal Dystrophies
PubMed: 38872169
DOI: 10.1186/s13023-024-03242-6 -
Clinical Practice and Cases in... May 2024A 52-year-old female presented to the emergency department with four days of right periorbital pain, ipsilateral temporal headache, diplopia, and photophobia. Physical...
CASE PRESENTATION
A 52-year-old female presented to the emergency department with four days of right periorbital pain, ipsilateral temporal headache, diplopia, and photophobia. Physical examination of the right eye revealed painful ophthalmoplegia, cranial nerves III and VI paresis, increased intraocular pressure, and mild proptosis. Magnetic resonance venogram and magnetic resonance imaging orbits with contrast demonstrated an abnormal signal surrounding the right cavernous sinus/petrous apex. Tolosa-Hunt syndrome (THS) was diagnosed. Per neurology recommendations, the patient was placed on a steroid regimen over the course of three weeks. She was discharged on hospital day nine following resolution of symptoms. She had no recurrence of symptoms or residual deficits noted at her two-week follow-up appointment.
DISCUSSION
With an estimated annual incidence of one case per million, THS is a sinister etiology of unilateral headache, painful ophthalmoplegia, and oculomotor palsy. Tolosa-Hunt syndrome is caused by granulomatous inflammation in the cavernous sinus and is highly responsive to corticosteroids. Magnetic resonance imaging studies of the cavernous sinus and orbital apex are highly sensitive for THS and characteristically show enlargement and focal-enhancing masses within the affected cavernous sinus.
PubMed: 38869347
DOI: 10.5811/cpcem.2582 -
The Ocular Surface Jun 2024Filamentary keratitis (FK) is a clinical sign of underlying ocular and systemic conditions. FK can cause significant irritation, tearing, and photophobia in the eye. It... (Review)
Review
Filamentary keratitis (FK) is a clinical sign of underlying ocular and systemic conditions. FK can cause significant irritation, tearing, and photophobia in the eye. It is a refractory debilitating condition caused by dry eye that affects the day-to-day activities of patients. The etiopathogenesis of FK is not well known; there are numerous predisposing causes. The condition starts as a sub-epithelial or Bowman's membrane dysfunction and leads to the shedding of epithelial cells that take a strand-like form and attach to the cornea. These strands are surrounded by mucin and continue to elongate to become filaments. The filament formation is further aided by the shearing action caused by eyelid movements. Several management approaches, such as addressing the underlying causes of filamentary keratitis, administering copious lubricants, topical corticosteroids, mucolytic agents, bandage contact lenses, punctal plugs, and mechanical removal of filaments are available. The prognosis is fair, and most cases resolve with occasional recurrences. Traditionally FK has been treated with lubricants, mechanical removal, and bandage contact lenses. The newer treatments are topical immunomodulators especially that treat filamentary keratitis associated with aqueous deficient dry eye. The review describes the treatment as well as pathogenesis.
PubMed: 38857689
DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2024.06.001 -
CNS & Neurological Disorders Drug... Jun 2024Recently, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor antagonists (rimegepant, and ubrogepant), and selective serotonin... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Safety and Efficacy of Calcitonin Gene-related Peptide Receptor Antagonists and Selective Serotonin Receptor Agonist in the Management of Migraine: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
Recently, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor antagonists (rimegepant, and ubrogepant), and selective serotonin receptor agonists (lasmiditan) in the management of migraine. However, the exact safety and efficacy profile of these drugs is unclear so far.
METHODS
The study's primary objective was to determine the exact safety and efficacy profile. The overall estimate was calculated in terms of risk ratios using a suitable model. The subgroup analysis was also performed to check the effect of individual drugs on the outcome, whereas sensitivity analysis was performed to check the effects of outliers on the outcome. All the analyses were performed using Rev Man 5. The drugs have shown significant improvement in efficacy parameters (pain freedom, most bothersome symptoms, phonophobia, nausea, and photophobia).
RESULTS
The subgroup analysis results have shown significant improvement in all efficacy parameters in the rimegepant and ubrogepant groups. The effect of ubrogepant on safety parameters was found to be non-significant, indicating a better safety profile of ubrogepant than lasmiditan.
CONCLUSION
The sensitivity analysis results have shown no effect of outliers on the efficacy parameters. Based on the available evidence, recently approved drugs are effective in the treatment of migraine, however, associated with few adverse drug reactions.
PubMed: 38847252
DOI: 10.2174/0118715273304677240529062909 -
American Journal of Medical Genetics.... Jun 2024Primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) is one of the leading causes of visual damage and blindness, severely affecting the quality of life of affected children. It is...
Primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) is one of the leading causes of visual damage and blindness, severely affecting the quality of life of affected children. It is characterized by cupping of the optic disc and loss of ganglion cells due to elevated intraocular pressure. While most PCG patients exhibit epiphora, photophobia, and buphthalmos with corneal opacity, variability in phenotypic manifestations is not uncommon. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of PCG affected individuals becomes relevant to preserve visual function throughout their lives. Most PCG cases are sporadic or autosomal recessive; however, an incompletely dominant autosomal dominant form arising from mutations in the TEK gene has recently been demonstrated. Here, we describe the clinical and mutational features of a cohort of Mexican patients with TEK-related PCG. Our results support the involvement of the TEK gene as an important cause of the disease in our ethnic group and expand the mutational spectrum causing PCG by reporting 10 novel disease-causing variants.
PubMed: 38847211
DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.63716 -
Neurology and Therapy May 2024Vestibular migraine (VM) is a prevalent vestibular disorder characterized by episodic vertigo. However, the relationship between photophobia and visual triggers in VM...
INTRODUCTION
Vestibular migraine (VM) is a prevalent vestibular disorder characterized by episodic vertigo. However, the relationship between photophobia and visual triggers in VM remains unexplored. We investigated the correlation of photophobia during the VM attack with interictal photosensitivity and visually triggering dizziness in patients with VM.
METHODS
We enrolled patients diagnosed with VM, with or without photophobia, across seven specialized vertigo and headache clinics in China. Healthy individuals were also included as a control group. Using a cross-sectional survey design, we collected data related to light intensity and dizziness frequency triggered by flicker, glare, and eyestrain using the Headache Triggers Sensitivity and Avoidance Questionnaire.
RESULTS
A total of 366 patients were recruited. The photosensitivity and frequency of dizziness induced by flicker, glare, and eyestrain observed in patients with VM and photophobia were significantly elevated compared with those in patients without photophobia and control participants (P < 0.001). A significant positive correlation was observed between photosensitivity levels and dizziness frequency triggered by flicker, glare, and eyestrain in patients with VM and photophobia (P < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
This study unequivocally established a positive association of ictal photophobia with interictal photosensitivity and visually triggering dizziness, strongly advocating the need for further research on exposure-based therapies for managing VM.
CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrial.gov Identifier, NCT04939922, retrospectively registered, 14th June 2021.
PubMed: 38819614
DOI: 10.1007/s40120-024-00631-8 -
Cureus Apr 2024Benign intracranial hypertension (BIH) in children is recognized as elevated intracranial pressure without hydrocephalus or intracranial mass. It manifests differently...
Benign intracranial hypertension (BIH) in children is recognized as elevated intracranial pressure without hydrocephalus or intracranial mass. It manifests differently in adults, with no apparent predilection for sex or weight. Headache, papilledema, and possibly sixth nerve palsy with visual field defects are the typical symptoms of this syndrome. Vitamin A toxicity is a rare cause of BIH. We report the case of a previously healthy 13-year-old girl presenting with photophobia, a frontal headache, and vomiting. She had bilateral papilledema discovered by fundoscopy. Both magnetic resonance imaging and brain CT were normal. At admission, a lumbar puncture (LP) revealed an opening pressure of 26 cm HO with normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis. The diagnosis of BIH was established, and treatment with acetazolamide was started, with good clinical results. Regular eye evaluations showed a regression of papilledema. Elevated serum vitamin A levels were the only positive findings. Within two weeks, the patient was discharged without any symptoms. This study aims to attract the attention of clinicians to the importance of evaluating vitamin A toxicity in the context of papilledema and oculomotor problems in a child who has undergone normal neuroradiological investigations.
PubMed: 38817456
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.59401