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Frontiers in Pain Research (Lausanne,... 2023Occipital nerve stimulation (ONS) has been investigated as a potential treatment for disabling headaches and has shown promise for disorders such as chronic migraine and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Occipital nerve stimulation (ONS) has been investigated as a potential treatment for disabling headaches and has shown promise for disorders such as chronic migraine and cluster headache. Long term outcomes stratified by headache subtype have had limited exploration, and literature on outcomes of this neuromodulatory intervention spanning 2 or more years is scarce.
MEASURES
We performed a narrative review on long term outcomes with ONS for treatment of headache disorders. We surveyed the available literature for studies that have outcomes for 24 months or greater to see if there is a habituation in response over time. Review of the literature revealed evidence in treatment of occipital neuralgia, chronic migraine, cluster headache, cervicogenic headache, short lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks (SUNHA) and paroxysmal hemicrania. While the term "response" varied per individual study, a total of 17 studies showed outcomes in ONS with long term sustained responses (as defined per this review) in the majority of patients with specific headache types 177/311 (56%). Only 7 studies in total (3 cluster, 1 occipital neuralgia, 1 cervicogenic headache, 1 SUNHA, 1 paroxysmal hemicrania) provided both short-term and long-term responses up to 24 months to ONS. In cluster headache, the majority of patients (64%) were long term responders (as defined per this review) and only a minority of patients 12/62 (19%) had loss of efficacy (e.g., habituation). There was a high number 313/439 (71%) of adverse events per total number of patients in the studies including lead migration, requirements of revision surgery, allergy to surgical materials, infection and intolerable paresthesias.
CONCLUSIONS
With the evidence available, the response to ONS was sustained in the majority of patients with cluster headache with low rates of loss of efficacy in this patient population. There was a high percent of adverse events per number of patients in long term follow-up and likely related to the off-label use of leads typically used for spinal cord stimulation. Further longitudinal assessments of outcomes in occipital nerve stimulation with devices labelled for use in peripheral nerve stimulation are needed to evaluate the extent of habituation to treatment in headache.
PubMed: 37021077
DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2023.1054764 -
Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases Jul 2008Cluster headache (CH) is a primary headache disease characterized by recurrent short-lasting attacks (15 to 180 minutes) of excruciating unilateral periorbital pain... (Review)
Review
Cluster headache (CH) is a primary headache disease characterized by recurrent short-lasting attacks (15 to 180 minutes) of excruciating unilateral periorbital pain accompanied by ipsilateral autonomic signs (lacrimation, nasal congestion, ptosis, miosis, lid edema, redness of the eye). It affects young adults, predominantly males. Prevalence is estimated at 0.5-1.0/1,000. CH has a circannual and circadian periodicity, attacks being clustered (hence the name) in bouts that can occur during specific months of the year. Alcohol is the only dietary trigger of CH, strong odors (mainly solvents and cigarette smoke) and napping may also trigger CH attacks. During bouts, attacks may happen at precise hours, especially during the night. During the attacks, patients tend to be restless. CH may be episodic or chronic, depending on the presence of remission periods. CH is associated with trigeminovascular activation and neuroendocrine and vegetative disturbances, however, the precise cautive mechanisms remain unknown. Involvement of the hypothalamus (a structure regulating endocrine function and sleep-wake rhythms) has been confirmed, explaining, at least in part, the cyclic aspects of CH. The disease is familial in about 10% of cases. Genetic factors play a role in CH susceptibility, and a causative role has been suggested for the hypocretin receptor gene. Diagnosis is clinical. Differential diagnoses include other primary headache diseases such as migraine, paroxysmal hemicrania and SUNCT syndrome. At present, there is no curative treatment. There are efficient treatments to shorten the painful attacks (acute treatments) and to reduce the number of daily attacks (prophylactic treatments). Acute treatment is based on subcutaneous administration of sumatriptan and high-flow oxygen. Verapamil, lithium, methysergide, prednisone, greater occipital nerve blocks and topiramate may be used for prophylaxis. In refractory cases, deep-brain stimulation of the hypothalamus and greater occipital nerve stimulators have been tried in experimental settings. The disease course over a lifetime is unpredictable. Some patients have only one period of attacks, while in others the disease evolves from episodic to chronic form.
Topics: Cluster Headache; Humans; Hypothalamus; Oxygen Inhalation Therapy; Vasoconstrictor Agents
PubMed: 18651939
DOI: 10.1186/1750-1172-3-20 -
Neurology India 2021Migraine is a common disabling primary headache condition. Although strives have been made in treatment, there remains an unmet need for safe, effective acute, and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Migraine is a common disabling primary headache condition. Although strives have been made in treatment, there remains an unmet need for safe, effective acute, and preventative treatments. The promising concept of neuromodulation of relevant neuronal targets in a noninvasive fashion for the treatment of primary headache disorders has led to the trial of numerous devices over the years.
OBJECTIVE
We aimed to review the evidence on current neuromodulation treatments available for the management of primary headache disorders.
METHODS
Randomized controlled trial as well as open-label and real-world studies on central and peripheral cephalic and noncephalic neuromodulation modalities in primary headaches were critically reviewed.
RESULTS
The current evidence suggests a role of single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation, supraorbital nerve stimulation, and remote noncephalic electrical stimulation as migraine abortive treatments, with stronger evidence in episodic rather than in chronic migraine. Single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation and supraorbital nerve stimulation also hold promising evidence in episodic migraine prevention and initial positive evidence in chronic migraine prevention. More evidence should clarify the therapeutic role of the external vagus nerve stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation in migraine. However, external vagus nerve stimulation may be effective in the acute treatment of episodic but not chronic cluster headache, in the prevention of hemicrania continua and paroxysmal hemicrania but not of short-lasting neuralgiform headache attacks. The difficulty in setting up sham-controlled studies has thus far prevented the publication of robust trials. This limitation along with the cost of these therapies has meant that their use is limited in most countries.
CONCLUSION
Neuromodulation is a promising nonpharmacological treatment approach for primary headaches. More studies with appropriate blinding strategies and reduction of device cost may allow more widespread approval of these treatments and in turn increase clinician's experience in neuromodulation.
Topics: Cluster Headache; Headache; Humans; Migraine Disorders; Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation; Vagus Nerve Stimulation
PubMed: 34003164
DOI: 10.4103/0028-3886.315998 -
British Journal of Pain Aug 20121. Trigeminal autonomic cephalgias (TACs) are headaches/facial pains classified together based on:a suspected common pathophysiology involving the trigeminovascular...
1. Trigeminal autonomic cephalgias (TACs) are headaches/facial pains classified together based on:a suspected common pathophysiology involving the trigeminovascular system, the trigeminoparasympathetic reflex and centres controlling circadian rhythms;a similar clinical presentation of trigeminal pain, and autonomic activation. 2. There is much overlap in the diagnostic features of individual TACs. 3. In contrast, treatment response is relatively specific and aids in establishing a definitive diagnosis. 4. TACs are often presentations of underlying pathology; all patients should be imaged. 5. The aim of the article is to provide the reader with a broad introduction to, and an overview of, TACs. The reading list is extensive for the interested reader.
PubMed: 26516482
DOI: 10.1177/2049463712456355 -
The Journal of Headache and Pain Dec 2016The differential diagnosis of strictly unilateral hemicranial pain includes a large number of primary and secondary headaches and cranial neuropathies. It may arise from... (Review)
Review
The differential diagnosis of strictly unilateral hemicranial pain includes a large number of primary and secondary headaches and cranial neuropathies. It may arise from both intracranial and extracranial structures such as cranium, neck, vessels, eyes, ears, nose, sinuses, teeth, mouth, and the other facial or cervical structure. Available data suggest that about two-third patients with side-locked headache visiting neurology or headache clinics have primary headaches. Other one-third will have either secondary headaches or neuralgias. Many of these hemicranial pain syndromes have overlapping presentations. Primary headache disorders may spread to involve the face and / or neck. Even various intracranial and extracranial pathologies may have similar overlapping presentations. Patients may present to a variety of clinicians, including headache experts, dentists, otolaryngologists, ophthalmologist, psychiatrists, and physiotherapists. Unfortunately, there is not uniform approach for such patients and diagnostic ambiguity is frequently encountered in clinical practice.Herein, we review the differential diagnoses of side-locked headaches and provide an algorithm based approach for patients presenting with side-locked headaches. Side-locked headache is itself a red flag. So, the first priority should be to rule out secondary headaches. A comprehensive history and thorough examinations will help one to formulate an algorithm to rule out or confirm secondary side-locked headaches. The diagnoses of most secondary side-locked headaches are largely investigations dependent. Therefore, each suspected secondary headache should be subjected for appropriate investigations or referral. The diagnostic approach of primary side-locked headache starts once one rule out all the possible secondary headaches. We have discussed an algorithmic approach for both secondary and primary side-locked headaches.
Topics: Algorithms; Cluster Headache; Cranial Nerve Diseases; Diagnosis, Differential; Facial Pain; Headache; Headache Disorders, Primary; Humans; Neck Pain; Neuralgia; Paroxysmal Hemicrania; Referral and Consultation; Trigeminal Autonomic Cephalalgias
PubMed: 27770404
DOI: 10.1186/s10194-016-0687-9 -
Neurotherapeutics : the Journal of the... Apr 2018Trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia (TAC) encompasses 4 unique primary headache types: cluster headache, paroxysmal hemicrania, hemicrania continua, and short-lasting... (Review)
Review
Trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia (TAC) encompasses 4 unique primary headache types: cluster headache, paroxysmal hemicrania, hemicrania continua, and short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing and short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with cranial autonomic symptoms. They are grouped on the basis of their shared clinical features of unilateral headache of varying durations and ipsilateral cranial autonomic symptoms. The shared clinical features reflect the underlying activation of the trigeminal-autonomic reflex. The treatment for TACs has been limited and not specific to the underlying pathogenesis. There is a proportion of patients who are refractory or intolerant to the current standard medical treatment. From instrumental bench work research and neuroimaging studies, there are new therapeutic targets identified in TACs. Treatment has become more targeted and aimed towards the pathogenesis of the conditions. The therapeutic targets range from the macroscopic and structural level down to the molecular and receptor level. The structural targets for surgical and noninvasive neuromodulation include central neuromodulation targets: posterior hypothalamus and, high cervical nerves, and peripheral neuromodulation targets: occipital nerves, sphenopalatine ganglion, and vagus nerve. In this review, we will also discuss the neuropeptide and molecular targets, in particular, calcitonin gene-related peptide, somatostatin, transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 receptor, nitric oxide, melatonin, orexin, pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide, and glutamate.
Topics: Brain; Electric Stimulation; Humans; Treatment Outcome; Trigeminal Autonomic Cephalalgias
PubMed: 29516437
DOI: 10.1007/s13311-018-0618-3 -
Current Pain and Headache Reports 2014The trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias include cluster headache, paroxysmal hemicrania, short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks, and hemicrania continua.... (Review)
Review
The trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias include cluster headache, paroxysmal hemicrania, short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks, and hemicrania continua. While the majority responds to conventional pharmacological treatments, a small but significant proportion of patients are intractable to these treatments. In these cases, alternative choices for these patients include oral and injectable drugs, lesional or resectional surgery, and neurostimulation. The evidence base for conventional treatments is limited, and the evidence for those used beyond convention is more so. At present, the most evidence exists for nerve blocks, deep brain stimulation, occipital nerve stimulation, sphenopalatine ganglion stimulation in chronic cluster headache, and microvascular decompression of the trigeminal nerve in short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks.
Topics: Autonomic Nerve Block; Deep Brain Stimulation; Evidence-Based Medicine; Humans; Microvascular Decompression Surgery; Serotonin Receptor Agonists; Treatment Outcome; Trigeminal Autonomic Cephalalgias
PubMed: 24974071
DOI: 10.1007/s11916-014-0438-z -
Cephalalgia : An International Journal... Jul 2022Headaches with marked, specific response to indomethacin occur in children, but the phenotypic spectrum of this phenomenon has not been well-studied. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Headaches with marked, specific response to indomethacin occur in children, but the phenotypic spectrum of this phenomenon has not been well-studied.
METHODS
We reviewed pediatric patients with headache showing ≥80% improvement with indomethacin, from seven academic medical centers.
RESULTS
We included 32 pediatric patients (16 females). Mean headache onset age was 10.9 y (range 2-16 y). Headache syndromes included hemicrania continua (n = 13), paroxysmal hemicrania (n = 10), primary stabbing headache (n = 2), short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing (n = 1), primary exercise headache (n = 1) and primary cough headache (n = 1). Adverse events were reported in 13, most commonly gastrointestinal symptoms, which often improved with co-administration of gastro-protective agents.
CONCLUSION
Indomethacin-responsive headaches occur in children and adolescents, and include headache syndromes, such as primary cough headache, previously thought to present only in adulthood. The incidence of adverse events is high, and patients must be co-treated with a gastroprotective agent.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Child; Female; Headache; Humans; Indomethacin; Neuralgia; Paroxysmal Hemicrania; Tears
PubMed: 35302385
DOI: 10.1177/03331024221076483 -
Journal of Neurosciences in Rural... 2016Alcoholic drinks (ADs) have been reported as a migraine trigger in about one-third of the migraine patients in retrospective studies. Some studies found that ADs trigger... (Review)
Review
Alcoholic drinks (ADs) have been reported as a migraine trigger in about one-third of the migraine patients in retrospective studies. Some studies found that ADs trigger also other primary headaches. The studies concerning the role of ADs in triggering various types of primary headaches published after the International Headache Society classification criteria of 1988 were reviewed, and the pathophysiological mechanisms were discussed. Many studies show that ADs are a trigger of migraine without aura (MO), migraine with aura (MA), cluster headache (CH), and tension-type headache (TH). While data on MO and CH are well delineated, those in MA and TH are discordant. There are sparse reports that ADs are also triggers of less frequent types of primary headache such as familial hemiplegic migraine, hemicrania continua, and paroxysmal hemicrania. However, in some countries, the occurrence of alcohol as headache trigger is negligible, perhaps determined by alcohol habits. The frequency estimates vary widely based on the study approach and population. In fact, prospective studies report a limited importance of ADs as migraine trigger. If ADs are capable of triggering practically all primary headaches, they should act at a common pathogenetic level. The mechanisms of alcohol-provoking headache were discussed in relationship to the principal pathogenetic theories of primary headaches. The conclusion was that vasodilatation is hardly compatible with ADs trigger activity of all primary headaches and a common pathogenetic mechanism at cortical, or more likely at subcortical/brainstem, level is more plausible.
PubMed: 27114660
DOI: 10.4103/0976-3147.178654 -
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and... Apr 1990Episodic paroxysmal hemicrania was delineated as a clinical entity only two years ago, separating patients whose attacks remained grouped in bouts lasting weeks, from... (Review)
Review
Episodic paroxysmal hemicrania was delineated as a clinical entity only two years ago, separating patients whose attacks remained grouped in bouts lasting weeks, from those who started irregularly and lapsed into chronicity or began and continued in the chronic state. A further case of the episodic variety and a review of the nine previously recorded cases is reported. The division into episodic and chronic variants of paroxysmal hemicrania conforms with the classification of cluster headache. The similarity of the two conditions is emphasised although the response to indomethacin in paroxysmal hemicrania is a special feature.
Topics: Adult; Cluster Headache; Female; Humans; Migraine Disorders; Periodicity
PubMed: 2187950
DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.53.4.343