The Objective Assessment of Event-Related Potentials: An Influence of Chronic Pain on ERP Parameters / 神经科学通报·英文版

The article presents an original method for the automatic assessment of the quality of event-related potentials (ERPs), based on the calculation of the coefficient ε, which describes the compliance of recorded ERPs with some statistically significant parameters. This method was used to analyze the neuropsychological EEG monitoring of patients suffering from migraines. The frequency of migraine attacks was correlated with the spatial distribution of the coefficients ε, calculated for EEG channels. More than 15 migraine attacks per month was accompanied by an increase in calculated values in the occipital region. Patients with infrequent migraines exhibited maximum quality in the frontal areas. The automatic analysis of spatial maps of the coefficient ε demonstrated a statistically significant difference between the two analyzed groups with different means of migraine attack numbers per month.

The effectiveness and safety of cranial nerve block in migraine: a critical review / A eficácia e segurança do bloqueio de nervos cranianos na enxaqueca: uma revisão crítica

Cranial nerve blocks (CNBs) have been used for the acute and preventive treatment of a variety of headaches, including migraine. The effectiveness of CNBs in migraine is usually observed beyond the duration of the nerve block, possibly due to central pain modulation. The most used target is the greater occipital nerve. Other commonly targeted nerves are the lesser occipital nerve and various branches of the trigeminal nerve, including the supratrochlear, supraorbital, and auriculotemporal nerves. CNBs are generally safe and well-tolerated procedures that can be performed in either emergency or outpatient settings. There is currently no guideline standardizing CNBs in migraine. In clinical practice, as well as the few published studies, the results are encouraging, justifying further studies in the area. In the present study we critically review the literature about the safety and efficacy of CNBs in the treatment of migraine attacks and in the preventive treatment of migraine.

Bloqueios de nervos cranianos (BNCs) têm sido usados ​​para o tratamento agudo e preventivo de uma variedade de dores de cabeça, incluindo enxaqueca. A eficácia dos BNC na enxaqueca é geralmente observada além da duração do bloqueio nervoso, possivelmente devido à modulação central da dor. O alvo mais utilizado é o nervo occipital maior. Outros nervos comumente alvo são o nervo occipital menor e vários ramos do nervo trigêmeo, incluindo os nervos supratroclear, supraorbital e auriculotemporal. Os CNBs são geralmente procedimentos seguros e bem tolerados que podem ser realizados em ambientes de emergência ou ambulatoriais. Atualmente não há nenhuma diretriz padronizando BNCs na enxaqueca. Na prática clínica, assim como nos poucos estudos publicados, os resultados são animadores, justificando novos estudos na área. No presente estudo revisamos criticamente a literatura sobre a segurança e eficácia dos BNC no tratamento de crises de enxaqueca e no tratamento preventivo da enxaqueca.

Prolotherapy in the treatment of chronic migraine ­ Case report / Proloterapia no tratamento da enxaqueca crônica ­ Relato de caso

Introduction:Chronic migraine is a socioeconomic and individual burden since it is the largest cause of disability in people under 50 years of age. Although there are several prophylactic drug alternatives, some patients are vulnerable to refractoriness with significant damage to their quality of life. Prolotherapy, a subcutaneous injection of dextrose in peripheral nerves, advocates as a promising tool in the management of this pathology. Case report:A patient with refractory chronic migraine to drug therapy who was submitted to neurofascial prolotherapy. Weekly administration of a 2 ml solution of 1% ropivacaine and 10% glucose in the head peripheral nerves for 6 weeks. Reduced disability and frequency of migraine attacks for a period of 8 weeks after interventions. Conclusion: Prolotherapy proved itself to be a notable technique for reducing the number of days in a month that a patient with refractory chronic migraine to standardized therapy has had headaches. However, placebo group studies are needed to determine the efficacy of the procedure.

Introdução: A enxaqueca crônica representa um fardo socioeconômico e individual, pois é a maior causa de incapacidade em pessoas com menos de 50 anos de idade. Embora existam diversas alternativas de medicamentos profiláticos, alguns pacientes são vulneráveis ​​à refratariedade com prejuízos significativos à sua qualidade de vida. A proloterapia, uma injeção subcutânea de dextrose nos nervos periféricos, é defendida como uma ferramenta promissora no manejo desta patologia. Relato de caso: Paciente com enxaqueca crônica refratária à terapia medicamentosa que foi submetido à proloterapia neurofascial. Administração semanal de 2 ml de solução de ropivacaína a 1% e glicose a 10% nos nervos periféricos da cabeça durante 6 semanas. Redução da incapacidade e frequência de ataques de enxaqueca por um período de 8 semanas após as intervenções. Conclusão: A proloterapia provou ser uma técnica notável para reduzir o número de dias em um mês que um paciente com enxaqueca crônica refratária à terapia padronizada teve dores de cabeça. No entanto, são necessários estudos em grupo placebo para determinar a eficácia do procedimento.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) concentrations outside migraine attacks in peripheral blood as a potential biomarker for chronic migraine / Concentrações de peptídeo relacionado ao gene da calcitonina (CGRP) fora dos ataques de enxaqueca no sangue periférico como um potencial biomarcador para enxaqueca crônica

Introduction: Chronic migraine is a debilitating condition that affects a significant portion of the population. Accurate diagnosis and treatment of chronic migraine remain a challenge due to the lack of objective biomarkers. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a neuropeptide involved in the pathophysiology of migraine and has been proposed as a potential biomarker for migraine. Methods: We measured CGRP levels in peripheral blood samples collected from 142 participants with chronic or episodic migraine and 24 healthy controls during ictal periods, i.e., outside migraine attacks. We compared CGRP levels between the three groups and assessed the correlation between CGRP levels and clinical features of chronic migraine. Conclusion: Our study provides evidence that CGRP levels in peripheral blood during ictal periods may serve as a potential biomarker for chronic migraine. Further studies are needed to validate these findings and to explore the clinical utility of CGRP as a biomarker for chronic migraine.

Introdução: A enxaqueca crônica é uma condição debilitante que afeta uma parcela significativa da população. O diagnóstico preciso e o tratamento da enxaqueca crónica continuam a ser um desafio devido à falta de biomarcadores objetivos. O peptídeo relacionado ao gene da calcitonina (CGRP) é um neuropeptídeo envolvido na fisiopatologia da enxaqueca e foi proposto como um potencial biomarcador para enxaqueca. Métodos: Medimos os níveis de CGRP em amostras de sangue periférico coletadas de 142 participantes com enxaqueca crônica ou episódica e 24 controles saudáveis ​​durante períodos ictais, ou seja, fora das crises de enxaqueca. Comparamos os níveis de CGRP entre os três grupos e avaliamos a correlação entre os níveis de CGRP e as características clínicas da enxaqueca crônica. Conclusão: Nosso estudo fornece evidências de que os níveis de CGRP no sangue periférico durante os períodos ictais podem servir como um potencial biomarcador para enxaqueca crônica. Mais estudos são necessários para validar estes resultados e explorar a utilidade clínica do CGRP como biomarcador para enxaqueca crónica.

The state of the art in treating patients with a dual diagnosis of chronic migraine and medication-overuse headache / O estado da arte no tratamento de pacientes com diagnóstico duplo de enxaqueca crônica e cefaléia por uso excessivo de medicamentos

Migraine is a common, highly prevalent genetic neurological disorder. Its most burdensome form is the chronic migraine, which is clinically defined by the presence of headache on ≥15 days/month for longer than three months, with eight or more typical migraine days. Medication-overuse headache (MOH) is a secondary headache disorder associated with the overuse of symptomatic headache medications on ≥10 days/month for longer than 3 months. Chronic migraine and medication-overuse headache often coexist and most chronic migraineurs have medication overuse headache. Despite that, general practitioners and health professionals do not know about MOH. This review aims at presenting insights, recent knowledge, and guidance regarding the approach and treatments for patients with a dual diagnosis of chronic migraine and medication-overuse headache.

A enxaqueca é um distúrbio neurológico genético comum e altamente prevalente. Sua forma mais grave é a enxaqueca crônica, que é clinicamente definida pela presença de cefaleia ≥15 dias/mês por mais de três meses, com oito ou mais dias típicos de enxaqueca. A cefaleia por uso excessivo de medicamentos (MOH) é uma cefaleia secundária associada ao uso excessivo de medicamentos sintomáticos para cefaleia em ≥10 dias/mês por mais de 3 meses. A enxaqueca crônica e a cefaleia por uso excessivo de medicamentos geralmente coexistem e a maioria dos pacientes com enxaqueca crônica apresenta cefaleia por uso excessivo de medicamentos. Apesar disso, os clínicos gerais e os profissionais de saúde não conhecem o MS. Esta revisão tem como objetivo apresentar insights, conhecimentos recentes e orientações sobre a abordagem e tratamentos para pacientes com diagnóstico duplo de enxaqueca crônica e cefaleia por uso excessivo de medicamentos.

Changes in the rest-activity rhythm in migraine patients are associated with anxiety symptoms

Objective: To characterize rest-activity rhythm in chronic migraine (CM) and to investigate the relationship between this rhythm and depressive and anxiety symptoms in patients with CM. Methods: This was a study of adults aged 20 to 40 years. The rest-activity rhythm of patients with CM (n=23) and non-headache controls (NH, n=23) was assessed by actigraphy for 15 days, and they completed the following assessments: Visual Analogue Scale for pain intensity; Headache Diary; Headache Impact Test-6; Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire; Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index; Epworth Sleepiness Scale; Beck Depression Inventory; and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Results: Patients with CM showed less activity over 24 hours and more fragmented sleep. Reduced interdaily stability of the rest-activity rhythm was observed, with less robustness of this rhythm in the CM group. Multiple linear regressions revealed a significant association between the rest-activity rhythm and trait anxiety variables in patients with CM, specifically regarding the relative amplitude of the cycle, activity throughout 24 hours and during sleep, and robustness of the rest-activity rhythm. Conclusions: Our findings provide evidence that the robustness of the rest-activity rhythm, activity throughout 24 hours, and sleep fragmentation are associated with trait anxiety in patients with CM. Clinical trial registration: Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (registration number: RBR-4M5J4S).

Effectiveness of peripheral nerve blockage on the symptoms of both diseases in patients with fibromyalgia and chronic migraine coexistence

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Peripheral nerve blockage treatments reduce central sensitization and are effective in patients with migraine. We wanted to evaluate the efficacy of peripheral nerve blockage in patients with fibromyalgia and migraine whose etiology may be responsible for central sensitization, and their associations are common. METHODS: The files of patients with chronic migraine who had peripheral nerve blockage treatment in our clinic and had fibromyalgia were scanned. The patients underwent bilateral great occipital nerve, lesser occipital nerve, and supraorbital nerve blockage at baseline and in the second week. The revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, Migraine Disability Assessment Scale, Visual Analog Scale scores, the number of days in pain, and the number of analgesics taken in the last month were recorded. RESULTS: In the third month, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, Migraine Disability Assessment Scale, and Visual Analog Scale scores were significantly lower from baseline. While Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire scores in the third month were significantly lower than in the first month, no significant difference was observed between Visual Analog Scale scores. In the third month, the number of days in pain and the number of analgesics taken in the last month was significantly lower than the baseline but higher than the first month. CONCLUSION: Peripheral nerve blockage has been found to be an effective treatment for the symptoms of both diseases in patients with migraine and fibromyalgia coexistence.

Cefalea por abuso de medicamentos y sus marcadores clínicos / Medication overuse headache and its specific clinical markers

Resumen Introducción: Los marcadores clínicos de la cefalea por uso excesivo de medicación (CMA) se basan en la clasificación de las cefaleas desarrollada por la Sociedad Internacional de Cefaleas (IHS). Esta clasificación incluye sólo dos criterios: la frecuencia de los días de cefalea debe ser de 15 o más días al mes durante al menos tres o más meses; - y el número de días de uso excesivo de la medicación debe ser de 10 o 15 días al mes dependiendo del tipo de medicación. Sin embargo, los pacientes suelen tener otros marcadores clínicos asociados distintos, que la mayoría de los médicos pasan por alto durante la evaluación inicial. Metodología: Este estudio es un estudio prospectivo, longitudinal y observacional de 76 pacientes ingresados en la Unidad de Cefaleas del hospital DIPRECA. Todos ellos fueron diagnosticados de HMO según los criterios establecidos por su ICHD III beta.(1) Los pacientes recibieron un tratamiento estándar que incluía desintoxicación y medicación preventiva y fueron seguidos durante 6 meses. Se registraron los síntomas de interés en cada visita de seguimiento clínico y se administraron escalas de evaluación como Zung, MIDAS, HIT-6. Resultados: Los medicamentos sobreutilizados incluyeron antiinflamatorios no esteroideos (AINE), triptanes y cornezuelos. Los síntomas clínicos más significativos asociados fueron: despertar por la mañana con dolor de cabeza, despertar al paciente al amanecer por dolor de cabeza, dificultades de atención, depresión, dolor cervical y síndrome de dolor miofascial. Todos los síntomas mejoraron significativamente al iniciar el tratamiento, al igual que la calidad de vida medida por las escalas MIDAS y HIT-6. Discusión: Al evaluar a los pacientes con HMO, hay que tener en cuenta tanto los criterios diagnósticos de la ICHD III beta como los síntomas comunes y específicos que se observan en la mayoría de los casos de HMO.

Introduction: Clinical markers of medication overuse headache (MOH) are based on headache classification developed by the International Headache Society (IHS). This classification include only two criteria: frequency of headache days must be 15 or more days per month for at least three or more months; - and the number of days of overuse medication must be either 10 or 15 days per month depending on the type of medication. However, patients often have others distinct associated clinical markers, which are overlooked by most physicians during the initial evaluation. Methodology: This study is a prospective, longitudinal and observational study of 76 patients admitted to DIPRECA´s hospital Headache Unit. They were all diagnosed with, MOH according to the criteria established by the his ICHD III beta.(1) Patients were given standard treatment including detoxification and preventive medications and followed for 6 months. Symptoms of interest were recorded in at each clinical monitoring visit and assessment scales such as Zung, MIDAS, HIT-6 were administered. Results: Overused medications included nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), triptans and ergots. The most significant clinical symptoms associated were: awaking in the morning with headache, awaking the patient at dawn by headache, attention difficulties, depression, cervical pain and myofascial pain syndrome. All symptoms significantly improved when treatment began, as did quality of life as measured by MIDAS and HIT-6 scales. Discussion: In evaluating patients with MOH consider both the ICHD III beta diagnostic criteria and the common and specific symptoms seen in most cases of MOH.

Guideline on the preventive treatment of chronic migraine, chronic tension type headache, hemicrania continua and new daily persistent headache on behalf of the Colombian Association of Neurology / Guía de la Asociación Colombiana de Neurología para el tratamiento preventivo de la migraña crónica, cefalea tipo tensión crónica, hemicránea continua y cefalea diaria persistente de novo

SUMMARY INTRODUCTION: Chronic daily headache is a high impact entity in the general population. Although chronic migraine and tension-type headache are the most frequent conditions, it is necessary to consider hemicrania continua and new daily persistent headache as part of the differential diagnoses to perform a correct therapeutic approach. OBJECTIVE: To make recommendations for the treatment of chronic daily headache of primary origin METHODOLOGY: The Colombian Association of Neurology, by consensus and Grade methodology (Grading of recommendations, assessment, development and evaluation), presents the recommendations for the preventive treatment of each of the entities of the daily chronic headache of primary origin group. RESULTS: For the treatment of chronic migraine, the Colombian Association of Neurology recommends onabotulinum toxin A, erenumab, topiramate, flunarizine, amitriptyline, and naratriptan. In chronic tension-type headache the recommended therapeutic options are amitriptyline, imipramine, venlafaxine and mirtazapine. Topiramate, melatonin, and celecoxib for the treatment of hemicrania continua. Options for new daily persistent headache include gabapentin and doxycycline. The recommendations for inpatient treatment of patients with chronic daily headache and the justifications for performing neural blockades as a therapeutic complement are also presented. CONCLUSION: The therapeutic recommendations for the treatment of chronic daily headache based on consensus methodology and Grade System are presented.

RESUMEN INTRODUCCIÓN: La cefalea crónica diaria es una entidad de alto impacto en la población general. Aunque la migraña crónica y la cefalea tipo tensión son las condiciones más frecuentes, es necesario considerar la hemicránea continua y la cefalea diaria persistente de novo como parte de los diagnósticos diferenciales para realizar un enfoque terapéutico correcto. OBJETIVO: Hacer recomendaciones para el tratamiento de la cefalea crónica diaria de origen primario METODOLOGÍA: La Asociación Colombiana de Neurología, mediante consenso y metodología GRADE (Grading of Reccomendations, Assesment, Development and Evaluation), presenta las recomendaciones para el tratamiento preventivo de cada una de las entidades del grupo de la cefalea crónica diaria de origen primario. RESULTADOS: Para el tratamiento de la migraña crónica, la Asociación Colombiana de Neurología recomienda onabotulinum toxina A, erenumab, galcanezumab, fremanezumab, topiramato, flunarizina, amitriptilina y naratriptan. En cefalea tipo tensional crónica las opciones terapéuticas recomendadas son amitriptilina, imipramina, venlafaxina y mirtazapina. Para el tratamiento de la hemicránea continua topiramato, melatonina y celecoxib. Las opciones para cefalea diaria persistente de novo incluyen gabapentin y doxiciclina. Se presentan adicionalmente las recomendaciones para el tratamiento intrahospitalario de los pacientes con cefalea crónica diaria y las justificaciones para la realización de bloqueos neurales como complemento terapéutico. CONCLUSIÓN: se presentan las recomendaciones terapéuticas para el tratamiento de la cefalea crónica diaria basado en metodología de consenso y sistema GRADE.

Cognitive impairment in chronic migraine: a cross-sectional study in a clinic-based sample / Comprometimento cognitivo na enxaqueca crônica: um estudo transversal em uma amostra clínica

Abstract Cognitive impairment has been described in all phases of a migraine attack and interictally. However, the prevalence and phenotype of such impairment in chronic migraine (CM) have not yet been studied. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate both the prevalence of the objective cognitive deficit in patients with CM and the factors underlying its etiology. Methods: 144 patients with CM and 44 age-matched patients with low-frequency episodic migraine (EM) (a maximum of 4 headache days per month) participated in this study. Neuropsychiatric characteristics were measured with the HADS Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Cognitive function was assessed with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), and the Perceived Deficits Questionnaire (PDQ-20). Results: Compared to EM, CM subjects demonstrated higher subjective and objective cognitive impairment across all tests. CM patients had 4 times higher odds of achieving a RAVLT score in the lower quartile range compared to EM (Odds Ratio [OR] 3.8; 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 1.5‒9.6; р=0.005). In the MoCA, CM patients demonstrated the most striking impairment in memory/delayed recall (65.3%), attention (46.5%), abstraction (30.6%), and language (27.1%). Chronic headache and level of education, but not gender, depression or anxiety, were independent predictors of cognitive impairment. Conclusions: Cognitive impairment is prevalent in the CM population during their mildest possible pain and may be caused by a central sensitization. Timely preventive treatment of EM is warranted.

Resumo O comprometimento cognitivo foi descrito em todas as fases de um ataque de enxaqueca, de maneira intermitente. Entretanto, a prevalência e o fenótipo desse comprometimento na enxaqueca crônica (EC) não foram estudados. Objetivos: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a prevalência do déficit cognitivo objetivo em pacientes com EC e fatores subjacentes à sua etiologia. Métodos: 144 pacientes com CM e 44 pacientes pareados por idade com enxaqueca episódica (EE) de baixa frequência (máximo de 4 dias de dor de cabeça por mês) foram incluídos. As características neuropsiquiátricas foram medidas pela Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). A função cognitiva foi avaliada por meio da Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), o Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), o Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) e o Perceived Deficits Questionnaire (PDQ-20). Resultados: Em comparação com a EE, os indivíduos com EC demonstraram um comprometimento cognitivo subjetivo e objetivo maior em todos os testes. Os pacientes com CM tiveram 4 vezes mais chances de alcançar um escore RAVLT na faixa quartil inferior, em comparação com EE (Odds Ratio [OR] 3,8; intervalo de confiança de 95% [IC95%] 1,5‒9,6; p=0,005). No MoCA, os pacientes com EC demonstraram o maior prejuízo na memória/atraso na recordação (65,3%), atenção (46,5%), abstração (30,6%) e linguagem (27,1%). Dor de cabeça crônica e nível de escolaridade, mas não o sexo, depressão ou ansiedade, foram preditores independentes de comprometimento cognitivo. Conclusões: O comprometimento cognitivo é prevalente na população com enxaqueca crônica mesmo durante uma dor muito leve e pode ser causado pela sensibilização central. O tratamento preventivo oportuno da enxaqueca episódica se faz necessário.

Long-term safety and efficacy of onabotulinumtoxinA for the prevention of chronic migraine in a South Korean population: COMPEL study

@#The international, multicenter Chronic Migraine OnabotulinumtoxinA Prolonged Efficacy Open Label (COMPEL) study evaluated long-term safety and efficacy of onabotulinumtoxinA in individuals with chronic migraine (CM). This post hoc analysis evaluates the safety and efficacy of onabotulinumtoxinA in South Korean patients for up to 108 weeks of treatment. OnabotulinumtoxinA 155 U was administered every 12 weeks for 9 treatment cycles (108 weeks). The primary efficacy measure was change from baseline in heads he-day frequency for the 28-day period ending at week 108. Additional outcome measures included change in 6-item Headache Impact Test (HIT-6) scores and measures of migrainerelated disability and quality of life. Safety and tolerability were assessed from the frequency of adverse events (AEs). Of 716 patients in the United States, South Korea, and Australia, 80 were from South Korean study sites; 58 (72.5%) South Koreans and 315 (49.5%) non-Koreans completed the study. Within-group improvements in all efficacy measures from baseline to week 108 were statistically significant (P<0.05). Mean change in headache-day frequency (SD) at week 108 was similar for South Koreans and non-Koreans (–11.8 [7.8] vs –10.6 [6.2]; P=0.115). However, at week 108, the South Korean subgroup showed significantly greater reductions in moderate to severe headache days (–10.8[7.0] vs –9.3 [5.9]; P=0.040) and in HIT-6 scores (–9.8 [8.6] vs –6.7 [7.0]; P<0.001). Treatment related AEs occurred less frequently in South Koreans than non-Koreans (7.5% vs 19.7%). In the COMPEL study, onabotulinumtoxinA was an effective and well-tolerated preventive treatment for South Koreans with CM.

Evaluation of the effect of botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT/A) on daily activity performance in chronic migraine patients using VAS, MIDAS AND HIT-6 tests

@#Background & Objectives: According to ICHD-III beta 2013 criteria, chronic migraine is defined as having headaches more than 15 times a month, for a period of more than 3 months, at least 8 must have migrainous features or good response to migraine-specific treatment; there must also be a history of 5 or more migraine attacks. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of Botulinum Neurotoxin A (BONT/A) on headache and daily activities in chronic migraine patients using VAS, MIDAS and HIT-6 tests. Methods: Twenty five patients admitted to Hospital Department of Neurology were reviewed retrospectively. In order to evaluate the severity of headache and effects on daily performance, MIDAS (Migraine Disability Assessment Test), VAS (Visual Analogue Scale for Pain) and HIT-6 results after the baseline assessment, first and second administration of (BONT/A) were examined retrospectively from patients’ records. Results: VAS, MIDAS and HIT-6 scores were compared after baseline assessment and the first and second administrations. Results showed that VAS, MIDAS and HIT-6 scores decreased. This difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). Correlation analysis was conducted and significant correlations between scores on these three tests were found.Conclusions: The results showed that BoNT/A is an important and effective treatment option for chronic migraine patients not responding to migraine-specific prophylactic treatment and having alterations in daily life due to frequency and severity of pain.

Magnetic Resonance Image Texture Analysis of the Periaqueductal Gray Matter in Episodic Migraine Patients without T2-Visible Lesions

OBJECTIVE: The periaqueductal gray matter (PAG), a small midbrain structure, presents dysfunction in migraine. However, the precise neurological mechanism is still not well understood. Herein, the aim of this study was to investigate the texture characteristics of altered PAG in episodic migraine (EM) patients based on high resolution brain structural magnetic resonance (MR) images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The brain structural MR images were obtained from 18 normal controls (NC), 18 EM patients and 16 chronic migraine (CM) patients using a 3T MR system. A PAG template was created using the International Consortium Brain Mapping 152 gray matter model, and the individual PAG segment was developed by applying the deformation field from the structural image segment to the PAG template. A grey level co-occurrence matrix was used to calculate the texture parameters including the angular second moment (ASM), contrast, correlation, inverse difference moment (IDM) and entropy. RESULTS: There was a significant difference for ASM, IDM and entropy in the EM group (998.629 ± 0.162 × 10−3, 999.311 ± 0.073 × 10−3, 916.354 ± 0.947 × 10−5) compared to that found in the NC group (998.760 ± 0.110 × 10−3, 999.358 ± 0.037 × 10−3 and 841.198 ± 0.575 × 10−5) (p < 0.05). The entropy was significantly lower among the patients with CM (864.116 ± 0.571 × 10−5) than that found among patients with EM (p < 0.05). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.776 and 0.750 for ASM and entropy in the distinction of the EM from NC groups, respectively. ASM was negatively related to disease duration (DD) and the Migraine Disability Assessment Scale (MIDAS) scores in the EM group, and entropy was positively related to DD and MIDAS in the EM group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The present study identified altered MR image texture characteristics of the PAG in EM. The identified texture characteristics could be considered as imaging biomarkers for EM.

Clinical observation on the treatment of Middle-Aged Chronic Migraine with Qiye Shenan tablet and Sumatriptan / 中国生化药物杂志

Objective To observe the clinical effect of Qiye Shenan tablet combined with sumatriptan in the treatment of middle-aged and elderly patients with chronic migraine.MethodsA total of 124 elderly patients with chronic migraine treated in our hospital from July 2015 to December 2015 were selected.The patients were divided into two groups according to the principle of randomization, with 62 cases in each group.The control group was treated with sumatriptan, The observation group was treated with Qiye Shenan tablet on this basis.The curative effect of the two groups, the relevant indicators and adverse reactions were analyzed.ResultsThe effective rate was 95.16% in the observation group, which was higher than that in the control group (80.65%, P<0.05).After treatment, the VAS score and the main symptom scores of the observation group were (1.86±0.42,3.48±0.59), respectively, which were lower than those in the control group (3.19±0.50,5.06±0.64) (P<0.05).The level of nitric oxide (NO) in the observation group was (33.04±3.86)μmol/L, which was lower than that in the control group (40.92±4.28)μmol/L(P<0.05).The adverse reaction rate was 11.29% in the observation group, which was lower than that in the control group (17.74%), but there was no significant difference between the two groups.ConclusionQiye Shenan tablet can improve the therapeutic effect of chronic migraine in the elderly, reduce the pain of the patients and improve the related symptoms, and the safety of medication.

Mechanism of neural plasticity of acupuncture on chronic migraine / 中国针灸

Chronic migraine is one of neurological disorders with high rate of disability, but sufficient attention has not been paid in this field. A large number of clinical studies have shown traditional Chinese acupuncture is a kind of effective treatment with less side effects. Through the analysis of literature regarding acupuncture and migraine published from 1981 to 2017 in CNKI and PubMed databases, the mechanism of neural plasticity of acupuncture on chronic migraine was explored. It was believed the progress of chronic migraine involved the changes of neural plasticity in neural structure and function, and the neural plasticity related with neural sensitization during the process of chronic migraine was discussed from three aspects of electrophysiology, molecular chemistry and radiography. Acupuncture could treat and prevent chronic migraine via the mechanism of neural plasticity, but there was no related literature, hindering the further spreading and development of acupuncture for chronic migraine.

Clinical effect of Quantianma capsules combined with flupentixol and melitracen tablets on chronic migraine / 中国生化药物杂志

Objective To analyse the clinical effect of Quantianma capsules combined with flupentixol and melitracen tablets on chronic migraine. Methods 130 patients with chronic migraine were treated with flupentixol and melitracen tablets, were divided into control group and observation group, 65 patients in each group. The observation group were given to Quantianma capsules. Results The effective rate of observation group with 90.77% was higher than control group with 73.85%(P<0.05). After treatment, the number of migraine attacks, duration time, VAS score, HAMA and HAMD score and mean flow velocity of cerebral artery of two groups were lower than pre-treatment and observation group were lower than that of control group(P<0.05). Adverse reactions were similar in the two groups. Conclusion Quantianma capsules can improve the efficacy of treatment of chronic migraine combined with flupentixol and melitracen tablets and improve condition with few adverse effects.

Clinical effect of Quantianma capsules combined with flupentixol and melitracen tablets on chronic migraine / 中国生化药物杂志

Objective To analyse the clinical effect of Quantianma capsules combined with flupentixol and melitracen tablets on chronic migraine. Methods 130 patients with chronic migraine were treated with flupentixol and melitracen tablets, were divided into control group and observation group, 65 patients in each group. The observation group were given to Quantianma capsules. Results The effective rate of observation group with 90.77% was higher than control group with 73.85%(P<0.05). After treatment, the number of migraine attacks, duration time, VAS score, HAMA and HAMD score and mean flow velocity of cerebral artery of two groups were lower than pre-treatment and observation group were lower than that of control group(P<0.05). Adverse reactions were similar in the two groups. Conclusion Quantianma capsules can improve the efficacy of treatment of chronic migraine combined with flupentixol and melitracen tablets and improve condition with few adverse effects.

The Polymorphism of Regulatory Region of NOS3 Gene (rs2070744, Genotype CC) Protect Patients from Chronic Migraine.

Aims: There is evidence that endothelial nitric oxide synthase has a role in migraine pathophysiology. In our research, the role of SNP rs2070744 (c.-813C>T) in promoter region of NOS3 gene in the episodic and chronic forms of migraine is considered. Place and Duration of Study: University Headache Clinic between June 2012 and November 2014 and Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biology of Lomonosov Moscow State University between October 2013 and March 2016. Methodology: The study included 138 patients with migraine (44 with chronic and 96 with episodic migraine). The control group included 348 unexamined subjects. Genotypes were determined using real-time PCR with allelic discrimination test. Statistical processing was performed using Fisher test and Pearson's chi-squared test. Results: Our study evaluated the link of CC genotype of rs2070744 with migraine (Fisher’s p=0.026) and episodic migraine (Fisher’s p=0.022). Conclusion: Genotype CC of SNP rs2070744 in the regulatory region of NOS3 gene is more specific for episodic migraine and may prevents the chronification of migraine.

REVISIÓN SISTEMÁTICA: ESTIMULACIÓN TRANSCRANEAL DE CORRIENTE DIRECTA EN MIGRAÑA CRÓNICA / SYSTEMATIC REVIEW: TRANSCRANIAL DIRECT CURRENT STIMULATION IN CHRONIC MIGRAINE / REVISÃO SISTEMÁTICA: ESTIMULAÇÃO TRANSCRANIAL DE TENSÃO DIRETA ATUAL NA ENXAQUECA CRÔNICA

La tDCS (Transcranial Direct-Current Stimulation), es una técnica no invasiva, indolora, segura y de bajo costo, capaz de modificar por medio de corrientes eléctricas directas la actividad de la corteza cerebral. El objetivo de esta revisión sistemática es describir la respuesta que se ha obtenido con el tratamiento de tDCS en pacientes con enfermedad de CM (Chronic Migraine). Método: Se efectuó una búsqueda de la bibliografía médica en las bases de datos Scielo, Springer y Pubmed. Se incluyeron las publicaciones donde se encontrara el termino -Estimulación Transcraneal con Corriente Directa- Migraña Crónica-. Se excluyeron investigaciones acerca de otras patologías, tratamientos implementados en CM con fármacos, Terapia de Electroshock, Estimulación Magnética Transcraneal y Estimulación Vagal. Resultados: De un total de 21 publicaciones consultadas, cumplieron los criterios de inclusión y exclusión para la presente revisión 3 referencias. Conclusiones: Los resultados de esta revisión sugieren que el uso de la tDCS es un método seguro que disminuye gradualmente la intensidad del dolor en los episodios de CM.

tDCS (Transcranial Direct-Current Stimulation) is a non-invasive, painless, safe and inexpensive technique, capable of changing through direct current electrical activity of the cerebral cortex. The objective of this systematic review is to describe the response obtained with tDCS treatment in patients with CM disease (Chronic Migraine). Method: A search of the medical literature in Scielo, Springer, and Pubmed data bases. Publications where the term - Transcranial Direct-Current Stimulation, Chronic Migraine was found were included. Research on other diseases, drug implemented in CM, Electroshock Therapy, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Vagal stimulation treatments were excluded. Results: From a total of 21 publications, 3 references met the inclusion and exclusion criteria for this review. Conclusions: The results of this review suggest that the use of tDCS is a safe method that gradually decreases the intensity of pain episodes CM.

A TDCS (Transcranial Direct-Current Stimulation) é uma atividade corrente contínua não invasivo, indolor, segura e baixo custo, capaz de mudança através de tensão eléctrica direta a atividade córtex cerebral. O objetivo desta revisão sistemática é para descrever a resposta que foi obtida com o tratamento TDCS em pacientes com doença CM (Chronic Migraine). Método: A pesquisa da literatura médica nas bases de dados Scielo, Springer e Pubmed. Se incluíram Publicações onde se encontrou o termo -Estimulación Transcranial com corrente contínua enxaqueca Crônica. Foram excluídas investigações sobre outras doenças, tratamentos implementados em CM com medicamentos, a terapia de eletrochoque, Estimulação Magnética Transcraniana e estimulação vagal. Resultados: De um total de 21 publicações consultadas, preencheram os critérios de inclusão e exclusão para esta revisão 3 referências. Conclusões: Os resultados desta revisão sugerem que o uso da TDCS é um método seguro que, gradualmente, diminui a intensidade dos episódios de dor da CM.

A importância de ácido láctico na enxaqueca e na fibromialgia / The importance of lactic acid in migraines and fibromyalgia

Resumo Introdução: O ácido láctico é um subproduto do metabolismo muscular e do sistema nervoso central. As alterações no metabolismo estão relacionadas com diversas condições fisiológicas e patológicas. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a relação entre a enxaqueca e a fibromialgia com os níveis de ácido láctico no sangue. Métodos: Foram estudados 93 pacientes, divididos em cinco grupos: 1) fibromialgia (n = 20); 2) enxaqueca episódica (n = 20); 3) enxaqueca crônica (n = 20); 4) fibromialgia e enxaqueca episódica (n = 13); e 5) fibromialgia e enxaqueca crônica (n = 20), além de 20 indivíduos saudáveis (grupo controle). Os níveis sanguíneos de ácido láctico foram medidos em quatro momentos : em repouso, durante o exercício aeróbico, durante a atividade física anaeróbica e durante o descanso depois do exercício anaeróbico. Resultados: O ácido láctico aumentou em todos os grupos durante a atividade física anaeróbica, sem predominância em qualquer grupo. Durante a atividade física aeróbica, todos os grupos apresentaram um aumento nos níveis de ácido láctico, mas esse aumento foi mais expressivo nos grupos de enxaqueca crônica e enxaqueca crônica com fibromialgia, sem significância estatística. Conclusões: Não foram encontradas anormalidades que envolvessem o metabolismo do ácido láctico na enxaqueca episódica e crônica, na presença ou não de fibromialgia.

Abstract Background: Lactic acid is a byproduct of both muscle metabolism and the central nervous system. Changes in metabolism are related to various physiological and pathological conditions. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between migraine and fibromyalgia with the levels of lactic acid in the blood. Methods: We study 93 patients divided into five groups: (1) patients with fibromyalgia (n = 20); (2) episodic migraine (n = 20); (3) chronic migraine (n = 20); (4) fibromyalgia and episodic migraine (n = 13); and (5) fibromyalgia and chronic migraine (n = 20), and 20 healthy subjects (control group). Blood levels of lactic acid were measured at four different time points: at rest, during aerobic exercise, during anaerobic physical activity and while resting after anaerobic exercise. Results: Lactic acid increased in all groups during anaerobic physical activity without predominance for either group. During aerobic physical activity, all groups increased lactic acid levels, but the increase was more expressive in the chronic migraine group and the chronic migraine with fibromyalgia group without statistical significance. Conclusions: We did not found abnormalities involving the metabolism of lactic acid in episodic and chronic migraine with or without fibromyalgia.