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Frontiers in Neurology 2023Strength-based exercise is widely used to treat tension-type headache, but the evidence of its benefit is unclear. This study aims to analyze the efficacy of a...
BACKGROUND
Strength-based exercise is widely used to treat tension-type headache, but the evidence of its benefit is unclear. This study aims to analyze the efficacy of a strength-based exercise program in patients with chronic tension-type headaches.
METHODS
A randomized controlled trial with a 12-week strength-based exercise program, with chronic tension-type headache. The headache characteristics (which were the primary outcomes: frequency, duration, and intensity), cervical muscle thickness at rest or contraction of multifidus and longus-colli muscle, cervical range of motion, pain pressure threshold of temporalis, upper trapezius, masseter, tibialis muscle and median nerve, and cervical craniocervical flexion test were assessed at baseline and 12-weeks of follow-up in the intervention group ( = 20) and the control group ( = 20) was performed on 40 patients (85% women, aged 37.0 ± 13.3 years).
RESULTS
Between baseline and week-12 of follow-up the intervention group showed statistically significant differences compared to control group in the following primary outcomes: duration and intensity of headaches. In addition, the intervention group improved the thickness of deep cervical muscles, reduced the peripheral sensitization, and improved the strength of deep cervical flexors.
CONCLUSION
A 12-week strength training of neck and shoulder region induced changes in pain intensity and duration, and physical-related factors in patients with TTH. Future interventions are needed to investigate if normalization of pain characteristics and physical factors can lead to an increase of headache-related impact.
PubMed: 37789886
DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1256303 -
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders Sep 2021Migraine and cervicogenic headache (CGH) are common headache disorders, although the large overlap of symptoms between them makes differential diagnosis challenging. To... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Migraine and cervicogenic headache (CGH) are common headache disorders, although the large overlap of symptoms between them makes differential diagnosis challenging. To strengthen differential diagnosis, physical testing has been used to examine for the presence of musculoskeletal impairments in both conditions. This review aimed to systematically evaluate differences in physical examination findings between people with migraine, CGH and asymptomatic individuals.
METHODS
The databases MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, EMBASE were searched from inception until January 2020. Risk of bias was assessed with the Downs and Black Scale for non-randomized controlled trials, and with the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool for diagnostic accuracy studies. When possible, meta-analyses with random effect models was performed.
RESULTS
From 19,682 articles, 62 studies were included in this review and 41 were included in the meta-analyses. The results revealed: a) decreased range of motion [°] (ROM) on the flexion-rotation test (FRT) (17.67, 95%CI:13.69,21.65) and reduced neck flexion strength [N] (23.81, 95%CI:8.78,38.85) in CGH compared to migraine; b) compared to controls, migraineurs exhibit reduced flexion ROM [°] (- 2.85, 95%CI:-5.12,-0.58), lateral flexion ROM [°] (- 2.17, 95% CI:-3.75,-0.59) and FRT [°] (- 8.96, 95%CI:-13.22,-4.69), reduced cervical lordosis angle [°] (- 0.89, 95%CI:-1.72,-0.07), reduced pressure pain thresholds over the cranio-cervical region [kg/cm], reduced neck extension strength [N] (- 11.13, 95%CI:-16.66,-5.6) and increased activity [%] of the trapezius (6.18, 95%CI:2.65,9.71) and anterior scalene muscles (2.87, 95%CI:0.81,4.94) during performance of the cranio-cervical flexion test; c) compared to controls, CGH patients exhibit decreased neck flexion (- 33.70, 95%CI:-47.23,-20.16) and extension (- 55.78, 95%CI:-77.56,-34.00) strength [N].
CONCLUSION
The FRT and neck flexion strength could support the differential diagnosis of CGH from migraine. Several physical tests were found to differentiate both headache types from asymptomatic individuals. Nevertheless, additional high-quality studies are required to corroborate these findings.
STUDY REGISTRATION
Following indications of Prisma-P guidelines, this protocol was registered in PROSPERO on 21/05/2019 with the number CRD42019135269 . All amendments performed during the review were registered in PROSPERO, indicating the date and what and why was changed.
Topics: Humans; Migraine Disorders; Neck Muscles; Physical Examination; Post-Traumatic Headache; Range of Motion, Articular
PubMed: 34479514
DOI: 10.1186/s12891-021-04595-w -
Surgical Neurology International 2021Occipital condylectomy is often necessary to gain surgical access to various neurological pathologies. As the lateral limit of the craniovertebral junction (CVJ),... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Occipital condylectomy is often necessary to gain surgical access to various neurological pathologies. As the lateral limit of the craniovertebral junction (CVJ), partial condylectomy can lead to iatrogenic craniocervical instability. What was once considered an inoperable location is now the target of various complex neurosurgical procedures such as tumor resection and aneurysm clipping.
METHODS
In this study, we will review the anatomical structure of the CVJ and provide the first comprehensive assessment of studies investigating craniovertebral stability following condylectomy with the transcondylar surgical approaches. Furthermore, we discuss future considerations that must be evaluated to optimize the chances of preserving craniocervical stability postcondylectomy.
RESULTS
The current findings postulate upward of 75% of the occipital condyle can be resected without significantly affecting mobility of the CVJ. The current findings have only examined overall dimensions and have not established a significant correlation into how the shape of the occipital condyles can affect mobility. Occipitocervical fusion should only be considered after 50% condyle resection. In terms of indicators of anatomical stability, components of range of motion (ROM) such as the neutral zone (NZ) and the elastic zone (EZ) have been discussed as potential measures of craniocervical mobility. These components differ by the sense that the NZ has little ligament tension, whereas the EZ does represent ROM where ligaments experience tension. NZ is a more sensitive indicator of instability when measuring for instability postcondylectomy.
CONCLUSION
Various transcondylar approaches have been developed to access this region including extreme-lateral and far-lateral condylectomy, with hopes of preserving as much of the condyle as possible and maintaining postoperative craniocervical stability.
PubMed: 34513147
DOI: 10.25259/SNI_456_2021 -
BioMed Research International 2021Neck pain (NP) is a common work-related disorder, with high prevalence in the profession of teaching. The daily duties of a school teacher involve head-down postures... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Neck pain (NP) is a common work-related disorder, with high prevalence in the profession of teaching. The daily duties of a school teacher involve head-down postures while reading and writing, which expose them to the risk of developing NP. Deep cervical flexor (DCF) muscles have been reported to have lower endurance in patients with cervical impairment, which has additionally been associated with disability. There is limited evidence regarding the efficacy of training of DCF muscles in occupational NP. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of DCF muscle training on pain, muscle endurance, and functional disability using pressure biofeedback in school teachers with NP.
METHODS
Sixty-five teachers (age, 25-45 years) with more than 5 years of teaching experience participated in this study. They were randomly divided into two groups: the experimental (E) and control (C) groups. In the E group, the subjects underwent DCF muscle training using pressure biofeedback in addition to conventional exercises for neck pain, while those in the C group underwent conventional exercises only. Pain, muscle endurance, and disability were measured at day 0 (before the treatment) and days 14 and 42 after the treatment. Endurance of DCF muscles was measured by the craniocervical flexion test using pressure biofeedback, pain intensity was measured using the numeric pain rating scale, and functional disability was assessed using the neck disability index questionnaire. This study was performed in accordance with CONSORT guidelines.
RESULTS
On day 0, there were no significant differences in the age, pain, muscle endurance, and disability levels between the groups. After initiating the intervention, although there were improvements in both groups, there was a statistically significant improvement in muscle endurance, pain, and disability in subjects who received additional training with pressure biofeedback.
CONCLUSIONS
Besides increasing muscle endurance, specific training of DCF muscles in addition to conventional exercises can improve neck pain and functional disability. These results should be further correlated clinically. A dedicated time for exercises at school could help prevent the development of NP in teachers. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03537300 May 24, 2018 (retrospectively registered).
Topics: Adult; Biofeedback, Psychology; Chronic Pain; Disabled Persons; Exercise; Exercise Therapy; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Neck Muscles; Neck Pain; Occupational Diseases; Pain Management; Pain Measurement; Posture; School Teachers
PubMed: 33521131
DOI: 10.1155/2021/7190808 -
Nagoya Journal of Medical Science May 2021was first reported in 2000. Its characteristics such as isolation frequency, specimen types, and antimicrobial susceptibilities are poorly understood, because... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
was first reported in 2000. Its characteristics such as isolation frequency, specimen types, and antimicrobial susceptibilities are poorly understood, because identification is difficult using conventional methods. We performed a retrospective observational study of 13 and 317 strains of and , respectively, isolated from consecutive patients at Nagoya University Hospital from January 2017 to December 2018. We analyzed patients' backgrounds, types of specimens, and antimicrobial susceptibilities. Antimicrobial susceptibilities were compared with those of . The frequencies of isolation of and were 3.9% and 96%, respectively. was not detected in specimens associated with mucous membranes, such as sputum and secretions from the craniocervical region, which were frequent for . was mainly detected in the skin (61.5%). All isolates were susceptible to anti-MRSA drugs, as well as to numerous other antibiotics, including those that are orally administered. For example, was significantly more susceptible to penicillin G, ceftriaxone, and ciprofloxacin than (respective susceptibilities: 66.7% vs 5.4%, 50.0% vs 4.0%, 66.7% vs 5.9%). There was no significant difference between meropenem and erythromycin, although susceptibility to each was relatively high (100.0% vs 31.7%, 50.0% vs 11.9%). was susceptible to numerous orally administered antibiotics and more susceptible to antimicrobial drugs than . was detected less frequently than and was infrequently detected in specimens associated with mucous membranes. These characteristics will aid the selection of optimal antimicrobial therapies.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Corynebacterium; Corynebacterium Infections; Humans; Pharmaceutical Preparations; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 34239175
DOI: 10.18999/nagjms.83.2.269 -
Gaceta Medica de Mexico 2013Eagle's Syndrome is an entity that is rarely clinically and anatomopathologically identified, and is defined as the elongation of the styloid process and/or the...
Eagle's Syndrome is an entity that is rarely clinically and anatomopathologically identified, and is defined as the elongation of the styloid process and/or the calcification of the styloid ligament. It produces intense pain in the craniocervical region and limitation of cervical movements. It can be mistaken for temporomandibular joint dysfunction. The diagnosis of this entity can be done by physical examination with palpation of the styloid process in the tonsillar fossa, and radiological studies help confirm the diagnosis.
Topics: Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Ossification, Heterotopic; Temporal Bone
PubMed: 24108342
DOI: No ID Found -
Anatomy & Cell Biology Sep 2023This study was conducted to investigate the clinical and anatomical importance of the relevant region from the perspective of surgical approaches by determining the...
This study was conducted to investigate the clinical and anatomical importance of the relevant region from the perspective of surgical approaches by determining the morphometric analysis of the craniocervical junction and foramen magnum (FM) region and determining their distances from important anatomical points. This research was carried out with 59 skulls found at the Anatomy Laboratories of Erciyes and Ankara Medipol University. Metric measurements of FM and condyle, FM shape, condyle-fossa relationship, and pharyngeal tubercle (PT) were made in mm-based dry bone samples of unknown age and sex. The distance between the anterior notches and the FM was 87.01±4.35, the distance between the anterior notches and the PT was 77.70±4.24, the distance between the PT-sphenooccipital junction was 13.23±2.42, and the FM index was 81.86±7.47. The anteroposterior and transverse lengths of FM were determined as 33.80±2.99 and 27.72±2.30, respectively. The morphometric and morphological data available regarding the craniocervical junction showed significant differences between populations. Comprehensive knowledge of this topic will provide a better approach to treat Arnold Chiari Malformation, FM meningiomas, and other posterior cranial fossa lesions. Therefore, we believe that FM and craniocervical junction morphology will be a guide not only for anatomists, but also for radiologists, neurosurgeons, ENT surgeons, and orthopedists.
PubMed: 37460407
DOI: 10.5115/acb.23.006 -
Developmental Medicine and Child... Aug 2022To determine the rates of medical investigations, complications, interventions, and outcomes in children with achondroplasia.
AIM
To determine the rates of medical investigations, complications, interventions, and outcomes in children with achondroplasia.
METHOD
Children and adolescents with achondroplasia born between 2000 and 2019, aged between 0 and 18 years of age, and seen at The Children's Hospital at Westmead skeletal dysplasia clinic were included. Data were collected retrospectively from clinical records. Standard descriptive statistics were used for analysis.
RESULTS
The study included 108 participants, 58 males and 50 females. Ninety-nine participants (91.7%) entered the study at birth. The other nine (8.3%) participants entered the study after birth (mean age = 2 years 4 months, SD = 1 year 8 months). The median age of exit from the study was 8 years 8 months (IQR = 8 years 9 months) with a median follow-up of 8 years 8 months (IQR = 8 years 9 months). Fifty-two (48%) participants presented with craniocervical stenosis, 15 (13.9%) with hydrocephalus, 66 (61.1%) with hearing impairment, 44 (40.7%) with sleep-disordered breathing, 46 (42.6%) with lower-limb malalignment, 24 (22.2%) with thoracolumbar kyphosis, 10 (9.3%) with symptomatic spinal stenosis, 12 (11.1%) with obesity, and 16 (14.8%) who had at least one admission for respiratory illness. Two children died during the study period.
INTERPRETATION
We report contemporary rates of medical complications in an Australian population of children with achondroplasia. Recommendations for surveillance in clinical practice are discussed. This information will help guide clinicians with their expectant management of achondroplasia and provide prognostic information to the families of children with achondroplasia.
Topics: Achondroplasia; Adolescent; Australia; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Kyphosis; Male; Retrospective Studies; Spinal Stenosis
PubMed: 35238031
DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.15194