Continuous Unilateral Cephalalgia Due to Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Case Report / Cefaleia unilateral contínua por lúpus eritematoso sistêmico: relato de caso

BACKGROUND: Hemicrania continua is a rare form of cephalalgia featuring a chronic and persistent headache in only one side of the head. OBJECTIVES: In this report, we present a case of a patient with hemicrania continua and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS: We collected patient data through the electronic medical record. Afterward, we reviewed the literature regarding hemicrania continua and its pathophysiology and correlation with neurovascular alterations, inflammation, and SLE. RESULTS: A 42-year-old woman visited the emergency department due to worsening constant unilateral cephalalgia that had been present for the past 6 months. The patient reported a highly intense (10/10) headache in the entire left hemicrania that radiated to the left shoulder. During physical examination, she presented with nystagmus, vertigo, and aggravated cephalalgia associated to body movement and, despite having no optic nerve thickening. In addition, she had jaundice, tachycardia, and splenomegaly. Complimentary exams found deep anemia, depletion in complement system and anti-nuclear factors, suggesting a possible hemolytic anemia (AIHA) due to SLE. Treatment was initiated with hydrocortisone and prednisone, associated with amitriptyline, fluoxetine and diazepam, reaching full remission. CONCLUSION: These syndromes have aggravated each other, and possibly the explanation for the cephalalgia remission was the control of AIHA and SLE. It features a rare case in literature and thus warrants discussion.

INTRODUÇÃO: Hemicrania contínua é uma forma rara de cefaléia caracterizada por cefaleia crônica e persistente em apenas um lado da cabeça. OBJETIVOS: Neste relato apresentamos o caso de um paciente com hemicrania contínua e lúpus eritematoso sistêmico (LES). MÉTODOS: Coletamos dados dos pacientes por meio do prontuário eletrônico. Posteriormente, revisamos a literatura sobre a hemicrania contínua e sua fisiopatologia e correlação com alterações neurovasculares, inflamação e LES. RESULTADOS: Uma mulher de 42 anos recorreu ao serviço de urgência devido ao agravamento da cefaleia unilateral constante, presente nos últimos 6 meses. O paciente relatou cefaleia de alta intensidade (10/10) em toda a hemicrânia esquerda com irradiação para o ombro esquerdo. Ao exame físico apresentava nistagmo, vertigem e cefaléia agravada associada à movimentação corporal e, apesar de não apresentar espessamento do nervo óptico. Além disso, ela apresentava icterícia, taquicardia e esplenomegalia. Os exames complementares evidenciaram anemia profunda, depleção do sistema complemento e fatores antinucleares, sugerindo uma possível anemia hemolítica (AIHA) por LES. Iniciou-se tratamento com hidrocortisona e prednisona, associadas a amitriptilina, fluoxetina e diazepam, atingindo remissão completa. CONCLUSÃO: Essas síndromes agravaram-se mutuamente e possivelmente a explicação para a remissão da cefaléia foi o controle da AIHA e do LES. Apresenta um caso raro na literatura e, portanto, merece discussão.

Profile of hospital admissions for migraine and headache disorders in children and adolescents in Brazil between 2013 and 2023 / Perfil das internações hospitalares por distúrbios de enxaqueca e cefaleia em crianças e adolescentes no Brasil entre 2013 e 2023

INTRODUCTION: Migraine is a chronic neurological disease, with a prevalence of 15.2% in Brazil. It is defined as an abnormal neurovascular reaction that occurs in a genetically vulnerable individual. Clinically manifests itself in recurrent episodes of headache associated with other symptoms, dependent on triggering factors. OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiological profile of hospital admissions of children and adolescents for migraine and other headache disorders. METHODS: This was a retrospective and descriptive epidemiological study carried out with data extracted from the Brazilian Unified Health System's Hospital Information System (SIH/SUS), indexed to the Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System (DATASUS). Hospital admissions were selected based on age groups, with an emphasis on children under nine years old and adolescents between 10 and 19 years old, residing in Brazil, between July 2013 and June 2023. RESULTS: Of 93,821 hospital admissions, there were 16,149 hospitalizations (17.2%) of children and adolescents (62.5% women and 37.5% men) due to migraine and other headache disorders. There was a predominance of the age group between 15 and 19 years old (50.2%), with a higher number of cases in the Southeast region (35.9%) and of brown ethnicity (42.6%). Over 10 years, there was a progressive increase in the number of hospital admissions, reaching a peak in 2019 (1,925/16,149; 11.9%), followed by a decline in 2020 and increasing again in subsequent years. Twenty-four deaths were found (24/16,149; 0.1%), 13 men and 11 women, with a predominance in the age group of 15 to 19 years (45.8%), coming from the Northeast region (58.3 %) and of brown ethnicity (58.4%). Deaths occurred predominantly in the years 2022 and 2023 (46.6%). CONCLUSIONS: There is an increase in the number of hospital admissions of children and adolescents due to migraine and other headache disorders with a consequent increase in the number of deaths.

INTRODUÇÃO: A enxaqueca é uma doença neurológica crônica, com prevalência de 15,2% no Brasil. É definida como uma reação neurovascular anormal que ocorre em um indivíduo geneticamente vulnerável. Manifesta-se clinicamente por episódios recorrentes de cefaleia associados a outros sintomas, dependentes de fatores desencadeantes. OBJETIVO: Descrever o perfil epidemiológico das internações hospitalares de crianças e adolescentes por enxaqueca e outras cefaleias. MÉTODOS: Estudo epidemiológico retrospectivo e descritivo realizado com dados extraídos do Sistema de Informações Hospitalares do Sistema Único de Saúde (SIH/SUS), indexados ao Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde (DATASUS). As internações hospitalares foram selecionadas com base em faixas etárias, com ênfase em crianças menores de nove anos e adolescentes entre 10 e 19 anos, residentes no Brasil, entre julho de 2013 e junho de 2023. RESULTADOS: De 93.821 internações hospitalares, ocorreram 16.149 internações (17,2%) de crianças e adolescentes (62,5% mulheres e 37,5% homens) por enxaqueca e outras cefaleias. Houve predomínio da faixa etária entre 15 e 19 anos (50,2%), com maior número de casos na região Sudeste (35,9%) e de etnia parda (42,6%). Ao longo de 10 anos, houve um aumento progressivo no número de internações hospitalares, atingindo um pico em 2019 (1.925/16.149; 11,9%), seguido de uma queda em 2020 e voltando a aumentar nos anos subsequentes. Foram encontrados 24 óbitos (24/16.149; 0,1%), 13 homens e 11 mulheres, com predomínio na faixa etária de 15 a 19 anos (45,8%), procedentes da região Nordeste (58,3%) e de cor parda. etnia (58,4%). Os óbitos ocorreram predominantemente nos anos de 2022 e 2023 (46,6%). CONCLUSÕES: Há um aumento no número de internações hospitalares de crianças e adolescentes por enxaqueca e outras cefaleias com consequente aumento no número de mortes.

Magnetic resonance imaging texture analysis of the temporomandibular joint for changes in the articular disc in individuals with migraine headache / Análise de textura por ressonância magnética da articulação temporomanbibular com alterações no disco articular em individuos com cefaleia migranea

Objective: the aim of this study was to analyse the performance of the technique of texture analysis (TA) with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of temporomandibular joints (TMJs) as a tool for identification of possible changes in individuals with migraine headache (MH) by relating the findings to the presence of internal derangements. Material and Methods: thirty MRI scans of the TMJ were selected for study, of which 15 were from individuals without MH or any other type of headache (control group) and 15 from those diagnosed with migraine. T2-weighted MRI scans of the articular joints taken in closed-mouth position were used for TA. The co-occurrence matrix was used to calculate the texture parameters. Fisher's exact test was used to compare the groups for gender, disc function and disc position, whereas Mann-Whitney's test was used for other parameters. The relationship of TA with disc position and function was assessed by using logistic regression adjusted for side and group. Results: the results indicated that the MRI texture analysis of articular discs in individuals with migraine headache has the potential to determine the behaviour of disc derangements, in which high values of contrast, low values of entropy and their correlation can correspond to displacements and tendency for non-reduction of the disc in these individuals. Conclusion: the TA of articular discs in individuals with MH has the potential to determine the behaviour of disc derangements based on high values of contrast and low values of entropy (AU)

Objetivo: o objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o desempenho da técnica de análise de textura (AT) em exames de ressonância magnética (RM) das articulações temporomandibulares (ATM) como ferramenta para identificação de possíveis alterações em indivíduos com cefaléia migrânea (CM) relacionando os achados com a presença de desarranjos internos. Material e Métodos: trinta exames de RM das ATM foram selecionados para estudo, sendo 15 de indivíduos sem cefaleia migrânea ou qualquer outro tipo de cefaléia (grupo controle) e 15 diagnosticados com CM. As imagens de RM ponderadas em T2 das articulações realizadas na posição de boca fechada foram usadas para AT. A matriz de co-ocorrência foi usada para calcular os parâmetros de textura. O teste exato de Fisher foi usado para comparar os grupos quanto ao sexo, função do disco e posição do disco, enquanto o teste de Mann-Whitney foi usado para os demais parâmetros. A relação da AT com a posição e função do disco foi avaliada por meio de regressão logística ajustada para lado e grupo. Resultados: a AT por RM dos discos articulares em indivíduos com cefaleia migrânea tem o potencial de determinar o comportamento dos desarranjos discais, em que altos valores de contraste, baixos valores de entropia e sua correlação podem corresponder a deslocamentos e tendência a não redução do disco nesses indivíduos. Conclusão: a análise de textura dos discos articulares em indivíduos com CM tem potencial para determinar o comportamento dos desarranjos do disco com base em altos valores de contraste e baixos valores de entropia. (AU)

Prevalencia del síndrome del edificio enfermo en trabajadores de la industria manufacturera / Prevalence of sick building syndrome in manufacturing industry workers

El síndrome del edificio enfermo, se refiere a un conjunto de síntomas generales en mucosa (ocular y/o respiratoria) y piel que presentan los ocupantes de edificaciones con calidad ambiental deficientes, exponiendo a sus ocupantes a factores de riesgos físicos, mecánicos, químicos, biológicos y psicosociales, que puede afectar negativamente la salud y productividad de las personas. Con el propósito de determinar la frecuencia de los síntomas de los ocupantes de una industria manufacturera del Perú, se realizó estudio transversal aplicándose a 237 trabajadores, estratificados por áreas laborales, el cuestionario sugerido por el Instituto Nacional de Higiene y Seguridad en el Trabajo, además de evaluar la condición ambiental mediante la determinación de bioaerosoles cultivables y contables. Los resultados mostraron prevalencia superior al 20% en síntomas como: sequedad en ojos y garganta, picor en garganta congestión nasal, dolor de cabeza y debilidad general. Se tomaron, cuantificaron y caracterizaron 164 muestras de bioaerosoles, los microrganismos encontrados con mayor porcentaje fueron, Aspergillus sp. 54,68% (68) en el área administrativa, mientras que en las áreas de producción y almacén predomino Penicillium sp. con 87,10% (108) y 62,21% (77) respectivamente. Otros géneros encontrados en mayor porcentajes, en las tres áreas fueron: Trichoderma, Acremonium, Monilia, Cladosporium, entre otros. Los hallazgos se correlacionan con lo reportado en diversas investigaciones, la presencia de mencionados hongos, sugiere que existe una inadecuada calidad ambiental y aunada a la prevalencia obtenida en cuanto a sintomatología, se puede clasificar la edificación objeto de estudio con el Síndrome del edificio enfermo(AU)

Sick building syndrome refers to a set of general mucosal (ocular and/or respiratory) and skin symptoms presented by occupants of buildings with poor environmental quality, exposing their occupants to physical, mechanical, chemical, biological and psychosocial, which can negatively affect the health and productivity of people. In order to determine the frequency of the symptoms of the occupants of a manufacturing industry in Peru, a cross-sectional study was carried out, applying to 237 workers, stratified by work areas, the questionnaire suggested by the National Institute of Hygiene and Safety at Work, in addition to to evaluate the environmental condition by determining cultivable and countable bioaerosols. The results showed a prevalence greater than 20% in symptoms such as: dry eyes and throat, itchy throat, nasal congestion, headache and general weakness. 164 samples of bioaerosols were taken, quantified and characterized, the microorganisms found with the highest percentage were Aspergillus sp. 54.68% (68) in the administrative area, while in the production and storage areas, Penicillium sp. with 87.10% (108) and 62.21% (77) respectively. Other genera found in higher percentages in the three areas were: Trichoderma, Acremonium, Monilia, Cladosporium, among others. The findings correlate with what has been reported in various investigations, the presence of these fungi suggests that there is an inadequate environmental quality and, together with the prevalence obtained in terms of symptoms, the building under study can be classified with the Sick Building Syndrome(AU)

"Migrânea" and "enxaqueca": not opposite, but complementary words / "Migrânea" e "enxaqueca": palavras não contrapostas, mas complementares

ABSTRACT In this opinion paper, the authors discuss historical and etymological aspects of the term "migrânea" and refute the most common criticisms regarding its adoption by the Brazilian Headache Society in the official translation of the International Classification of Headache Disorders.

RESUMO Neste artigo de opinião, os autores discutem aspectos históricos e etimológicos do termo "migrânea" e refutam as críticas mais comuns à sua adoção, pela Sociedade Brasileira de Cefaleia, na tradução oficial da Classificação Internacional das Cefaleias.

Zeus' pain: did he experience a thunderclap headache? / A dor de Zeus: fora ele acometido por uma cefaleia em trovoada?

Zeus is known as the king of the gods and god of the sky. His attributes are lightning and thunder and he is often depicted about to hurl them. According to Greek mythology, Zeus molested the titan Metis and decided to swallow her when she was pregnant, which resulted in an excruciating headache, only relieved after a craniotomy performed using Hephaestus' axe. The result of this procedure was the birth of Athena, Zeus' daughter. We conducted a combined analysis of some writings such as the classical mythological poem Theogony by Hesiod, and some other books that examine and retell myths and legends of ancient Greece, with medical papers on this topic, trying to characterize Zeus' headache. Would it be possible to fit Zeus' headache into the group of thunderclap headaches?

Zeus é conhecido como rei dos deuses e deus dos céus. Tem como atributos os raios e os trovões e é frequentemente representado prestes a lançá-los. De acordo com a mitologia grega, Zeus molestou a titã Métis e resolveu engoli-la grávida, o que resultou em uma cefaleia excruciante, apenas aliviada após uma craniotomia realizada por meio do machado de Hefesto. O fruto deste procedimento foi Atena, filha de Zeus. Realizamos uma análise combinada utilizando escritos mitológicos clássicos como o poema Teogonia de Hesíodo, além de outros livros sobre mitologia e artigos médicos que tratam deste tema, para tentar caracterizar a cefaleia de Zeus. Seria possível enquadrar a cefaleia de Zeus no grupo das cefaleias em trovoada?

Neurological Symptoms of Intracranial Hypotension

Intracranial hypotension usually arises in the context of known or suspected leak of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This leakage leads to a fall in intracranial CSF pressure and CSF volume. The most common clinical manifestation of intracranial hypotension is orthostatic headache. Post-dural puncture headache and CSF fistula headache are classified along with headache attributed to spontaneous intracranial hypotension as headache attributed to low CSF pressure by the International Classification of Headache Disorders. Headache attributed to low CSF pressure is usually but not always orthostatic. The orthostatic features at its onset can become less prominent over time. Other manifestations of intracranial hypotension are nausea, spine pain, neck stiffness, photophobia, hearing abnormalities, tinnitus, dizziness, gait unsteadiness, cognitive and mental status changes, movement disorders and upper extremity radicular symptoms. There are two presumed pathophysiologic mechanisms behind the development of various manifestations of intracranial hypotension. Firstly, CSF loss leads to downward shift of the brain causing traction on the anchoring and supporting structures of the brain. Secondly, CSF loss results in compensatory meningeal venodilation. Headaches presenting acutely after an intervention or trauma that is known to cause CSF leakage are easy to diagnose. However, a high degree of suspicion is required to make the diagnosis of spontaneous intracranial hypotension and understanding various neurological symptoms of intracranial hypotension may help clinicians.

The Present and Future of Vagus Nerve Stimulation

Epilepsy is one of the major chronic neurological diseases affecting many patients. Resection surgery is the most effective therapy for medically intractable epilepsy, but it is not feasible in all patients. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an adjunctive neuromodulation therapy that was approved in 1997 for the alleviation of seizures; however, efforts to control epilepsy by stimulating the vagus nerve have been studied for over 100 years. Although its exact mechanism is still under investigation, VNS is thought to affect various brain areas. Hence, VNS has a wide indication for various intractable epileptic syndromes and epilepsy-related comorbidities. Moreover, recent studies have shown anti-inflammatory effects of VNS, and the indication is expanding beyond epilepsy to rheumatoid arthritis, chronic headaches, and depression. VNS yields a more than 50% reduction in seizures in approximately 60% of recipients, with an increase in reduction rates as the follow-up duration increases. The complication rate of VNS is 3–6%, and infection is the most important complication to consider. However, revision surgery was reported to be feasible and safe with appropriate measures. Recently, noninvasive VNS (nVNS) has been introduced, which can be performed transcutaneously without implantation surgery. Although more clinical trials are being conducted, nVNS can reduce the risk of infection and subsequent device failure. In conclusion, VNS has been demonstrated to be beneficial and effective in the treatment of epilepsy and various diseases, and more development is expected in the future.

Differences in Characteristics and Comorbidity of Cluster Headache According to the Presence of Migraine

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Cluster headache (CH) can present with migrainous symptoms such as nausea, photophobia, and phonophobia. In addition, an overlap between CH and migraine has been reported. This study aimed to determine the differences in the characteristics of CH according to the presence of comorbid migraine. METHODS: This study was performed using data from a prospective multicenter registry study of CH involving 16 headache clinics. CH and migraine were diagnosed by headache specialists at each hospital based on third edition of the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3). We interviewed patients with comorbid migraine to obtain detailed information about migraine. The characteristics and psychological comorbidities of CH were compared between patients with and without comorbid migraine. RESULTS: Thirty (15.6%) of 192 patients with CH had comorbid migraine, comprising 18 with migraine without aura, 1 with migraine with aura, 3 with chronic migraine, and 8 with probable migraine. Compared to patients with CH without migraine, patients with CH with comorbid migraine had a shorter duration of CH after the first episode [5.4±7.4 vs. 9.0±8.2 years (mean±standard deviation), p=0.008], a lower frequency of episodic CH (50.0% vs. 73.5%, p=0.010), and a higher frequency of chronic CH (13.3% vs. 3.7%, p=0.033). Psychiatric comorbidities did not differ between patients with and without comorbid migraine. The headaches experienced by patients could be distinguished based on their trigeminal autonomic symptoms, pulsating character, severity, and pain location. CONCLUSIONS: Distinct characteristics of CH remained unchanged in patients with comorbid migraine with the exception of an increased frequency of chronic CH. The most appropriate management of CH requires clinicians to check the history of preceding migraine, particularly in cases of chronic CH.

Ultrasound-guided greater occipital nerve block with botulinum toxin for patients with chronic headache in the occipital area: a randomized controlled trial / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound-guided greater occipital nerve (GON) block has been frequently used to treat various types of headaches, and botulinum toxin has recently begun to be used in patients with headache. Our study presents the long-term effect of botulinum toxin on GON block using ultrasound in patients with chronic headache in occipital area. METHODS: Patients with occipital headache were divided into two groups (bupivacaine: BUP group [n = 27], botulinum toxin: BTX group [n = 27]), and ultrasound-guided GON block was performed at the C2 level. GON was detected with ultrasound and distance from GON to midline, from the skin surface to GON, and size of GON were measured in both groups. Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores and Likert scale were assessed at pretreatment and at 1, 4, 8, and 24 weeks after treatment in both groups. RESULTS: The distance from GON to midline was 18.9 ± 4.4 mm (right) and 17.3 ± 3.8 mm (left). The depth from the skin was 12.9 ± 1.5 mm (right) and 13.4 ± 1.6 mm (left). GON size was 3.1 mm on both sides. The VAS score and patient satisfaction score (Likert scale) in 4, 8, and 24 weeks after injection were superior for the BTX than the BUP group. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound-guided GON block using BTX is effective in reducing short-term and long-term pain in patients with chronic headache in the occipital area.

The Present and Future of Vagus Nerve Stimulation

Epilepsy is one of the major chronic neurological diseases affecting many patients. Resection surgery is the most effective therapy for medically intractable epilepsy, but it is not feasible in all patients. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an adjunctive neuromodulation therapy that was approved in 1997 for the alleviation of seizures; however, efforts to control epilepsy by stimulating the vagus nerve have been studied for over 100 years. Although its exact mechanism is still under investigation, VNS is thought to affect various brain areas. Hence, VNS has a wide indication for various intractable epileptic syndromes and epilepsy-related comorbidities. Moreover, recent studies have shown anti-inflammatory effects of VNS, and the indication is expanding beyond epilepsy to rheumatoid arthritis, chronic headaches, and depression. VNS yields a more than 50% reduction in seizures in approximately 60% of recipients, with an increase in reduction rates as the follow-up duration increases. The complication rate of VNS is 3–6%, and infection is the most important complication to consider. However, revision surgery was reported to be feasible and safe with appropriate measures. Recently, noninvasive VNS (nVNS) has been introduced, which can be performed transcutaneously without implantation surgery. Although more clinical trials are being conducted, nVNS can reduce the risk of infection and subsequent device failure. In conclusion, VNS has been demonstrated to be beneficial and effective in the treatment of epilepsy and various diseases, and more development is expected in the future.

Abus médicamenteux et céphalées chroniques à Brazzaville: profil et parcours thérapeutique des patients

Introduction: les céphalées par abus médicamenteux (CAM) restent le type de céphalées le moins étudié en Afrique.Méthodes: dans le but de rapporter l'expérience Brazzavilloise, nous avons mené une étude longitudinale durant 4 ans, de septembre 2010 à août 2014, en consultation de neurologie à Brazzaville. Nous avons inclus tous les patients présentant des céphalées primaires chroniques selon la classification International Classification of Headache Disorders-2 (ICHD-2). Tout patient présentant des céphalées secondaires ou n'ayant pas donné son consentement a été exclu. Les patients ont été divisés en deux groupes: ceux ayant évolué vers une CAM, et ceux qui ne présentent pas des critères d'abus médicamenteux (sans-CAM). Les variables d'études ont été sociodémographiques, les caractéristiques de la céphalée primaire initiale et la prise en charge de la CAM.Résultats: sur 212 patients inclus, 193 ont constitué notre population d'étude. L'âge moyen de 42±14 ans, dont 66,32% de femmes. La fréquence des CAM était de 35,75%. Les facteurs associés identifiés étaient: l'âge jeune (p=0,003), l'utilisation de l'association antiinflammatoire non stéroïdien (AINS) et paracétamol (p=0,0001) et l'automédication (p<0,0001). Par contre, le niveau d'instruction supérieur (p<0,0001) et l'utilisation de l'AINS seul (0,002) étaient protecteurs contre la survenue de la CAM. Le sevrage ambulatoire a été le plus pratiqué, l'amitriptyline reste le médicament le plus utilisé.Conclusion: les CAM sont fréquentes en consultation de neurologie en Afrique et méritent d'être identifiées pour une meilleure prise en charge

The Development of Evidence-Based Guideline for Diagnosis and Management of Headache in Korea

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to develop the clinical guideline for headache by the systematic review and synthesis of existing evidence-based guidelines. The purpose of developing the guideline was to improve the appropriateness of diagnosis and treatment of headache disorder, and consequently, to improve patients’ pain control and quality of life. The guideline broadly covers the differential diagnosis and treatment of tension-type headache, migraine, cluster headache, and medication-overuse headache. METHODS: This is a methodological study based on the ADAPTE methodology, including a systematic review of the literature, quality assessment of the guidelines using the Appraisal of Clinical Guidelines for REsearch & Evaluation II (AGREE II) Instrument, as well as an external review using a Delphi technique. The inclusion criteria for systematic search were as follows: topic-relevant, up-to-date guidelines including evidence from within 5 years, evidence-based guidelines, guidelines written in English or Korean, and guidelines issued by academic institutions or government agencies. RESULTS: We selected five guidelines and conducted their quality assessment using the AGREE II Instrument. As a result, one guideline was found to be eligible for adaptation. For 13 key questions, a total of 39 recommendations were proposed with the grading system and revised using the nominal group technique. CONCLUSION: Recommendations should be applied to actual clinical sites to achieve the ultimate goal of this guideline; therefore, follow-up activities, such as monitoring of guideline usage and assessment of applicability of the recommendations, should be performed in the future. Further assessment of the effectiveness of the guideline in Korea is needed.

A Study on Psychological and Physical Health of Families of Victims One Year after the Sewol Ferry Disaster / 정신신체의학

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess physical illnesses, psychological difficulties, and daily life function of victims' family members one year after the Sewol ferry disaster, in order to establish a basis of strategies to promote their mental health and resilience. METHODS: We statistically analyzed self-reported data collected from a survey conducted between March 22 and 28, 2015 with 139 family members of victims. RESULTS: All respondents complained about one or more psychological difficulties, and 95.4% of them had newly diagnosed or exacerbated physical illnesses. An increased number of psychological difficulties was associated with a greater tendency to present physical illnesses including chronic headache, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, obstetrico-gynecological, genitourinary, and cardiovascular disease. In addition, the majority of respondents reported a decrease in life functioning. Specifically, 71.9% reported interpersonal avoidance and 63.9% reported difficulty in returning to work. CONCLUSIONS: Not only psychological trauma but also physical illness and daily functioning should be evaluated in detail and actively addressed in the bereaved family members after a catastrophe.

Neuroimaging Findings of First-Visit Headache Patients

BACKGROUND: Neuroimaging can play a crucial role in discovering potential abnormalities to cause secondary headache. There has been a progress in the fields of headache diagnosis and neuroimaging in the past two decades. We sought to investigate neuroimaging findings according to headache disorders, age, sex, and imaging modalities in first-visit headache patients. METHODS: We used data of consecutive first-visit headache patients from 9 university and 2 general referral hospitals. The International Classification of Headache Disorders, third edition, beta version was used in headache diagnosis. We finally enrolled 1,080 patients undertook neuroimaging in this study. RESULTS: Among 1,080 patients (mean age: 47.7±14.3, female: 60.8%), proportions of headache diagnosis were as follows: primary headaches, n=926 (85.7%); secondary headaches, n=110 (10.2%); and cranial neuropathies and other headaches, n=43 (4.1%). Of them, 591 patients (54.7%) received magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Neuroimaging abnormalities were found in 232 patients (21.5%), and their proportions were higher in older age groups and male sex. Chronic cerebral ischemia was the most common finding (n=88, 8.1%), whereas 76 patients (7.0%) were found to have clinically significant abnormalities such as primary brain tumor, cancer metastasis, and headache-relevant cerebrovascular disease. Patients underwent MRI were four times more likely to have neuroimaging abnormalities than those underwent computed tomography (33.3% vs. 7.2%, p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the findings of neuroimaging differed according to headache disorders, age, sex, and imaging modalities. MRI can be a preferable neuroimaging modality to identify potential causes of headache.

Comprehensive review and update on chronic migraine

Chronic migraine (CM) is a common and disabling neurologic disorder. CM is defined as more than 15 days a month over a 3-month period, including at least 8 days per month on which their headaches and associated symptoms meet diagnostic criteria for migraine. Quality of life is highly compromised in patients with this condition, and comorbidities are more frequent than with episodic migraine. The diagnosis requires a carefully-conducted patient interview and neurologic examination, sometimes combined with additional diagnostic tests, to differentiate CM from secondary headache disorders and other primary chronic headaches. CM typically develops from episodic migraine over months to years. Several factors are associated with an increased risk of episodic migraine developing into CM, including the frequent use of abortive migraine drugs. Through identification of risk factors for progression to CM, clinicians can educate patients about modifiable risk factors and can begin appropriate individualized preventive therapy. There is a high frequency of medication overuse in CM. The first step in the management of CM complicated by medication overuse is withdrawal of the overused drugs and detoxification treatment. This article provides an overview of CM, including its epidemiology, risk factors for its development, and information on its pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management.

Efficacy of bilateral greater occipital nerve block in postdural puncture headache: a narrative review

The Epidural blood patch is considered the gold standard for managing postdural puncture headache when supportive measures fail. However, it is a procedure which can lead to another inadvertent dural puncture. Other potential adverse events that could occur during a blood patch are meningitis, neurological deficits, and unconsciousness. The bilateral greater occipital nerve block has been used for treating chronic headaches in patients with PDPH with a single injection. This minimally invasive, simple procedure can be considered for patients early, along with other supportive treatment, and an epidural blood patch can be avoided.

Essential Clinical Tips about Ultrasound Guided Cervical Intervention

This report suggests indications, detailed procedures, clinical efficacy and safety of ultrasound (US) guided cervical interventions, such as selective nerve root block (SNRB), medical branch block (MBB), facet joint intra-articular (FJIA) injection, third occipital nerve (TON) block and greater occipital nerve (GON) block. Comparing with fluoroscopy guided transforaminal and interlaminar epidural blocks, US guided cervical interventions have similar clinical effects and superior safety. For cervical axial pain and cervicogenic headache US guided MBB or FJIA injection can be performed. Usual targets of injection are upper cervical (C2–3) for cervicogenic headache and lower cervical (C5–6) for axial neck pain. Clinical effect of US guided MBB is reported to be similar to fluoroscopy guided MBB. Instead of upper cervical (C2–3) facet joint injection, TON block is usually performed. The accuracy of US guided TON block and MBB is reported as high with confirmation of fluoroscopy. GON block can be performed for occipital neuralgia, migraine, chronic daily headache, etc. US guided GON block is much safe and supposed to be highly accurate compared with blind technique. Ultrasonography guided cervical interventions are effective to reduce pain and most of all safe procedure. We need to use ultrasonography guided intervention actively in the field of clinic.