Hemicrania continua: functional imaging and clinical features with diagnostic implications.

This review focuses on summarizing 2 pivotal articles in the clinical and pathophysiologic understanding of hemicrania continua (HC). The first article, a functional imaging project,identifies both the dorsal rostral pons (a region associated with the generation of migraines) and the posterior hypothalamus(a region associated with the generation of cluster and short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with conjunctival injection and tearing [SUNCT]) as active during HC. The second article is a summary of the clinical features seen in a prospective cohort of HC patients that carry significant diagnostic implications. In particular, they identify a wider range of autonomic signs than what is currently included in the International Headache Society criteria (including an absence of autonomic signs in a small percentage of patients), a high frequency of migrainous features, and the presence of aggravation and/or restlessness during attacks. Wide variations in exacerbation length, frequency, pain description, and pain location (including side-switching pain) are also noted. Thus, a case is made for widening and modifying the clinical diagnostic criteria used to identify patients with HC.

Hemicrania Continua: Functional Imaging and Clinical Features With Diagnostic Implications.

This review focuses on summarizing 2 pivotal articles in the clinical and pathophysiologic understanding of hemicrania continua (HC). The first article, a functional imaging project, identifies both the dorsal rostral pons (a region associated with the generation of migraines) and the posterior hypothalamus (a region associated with the generation of cluster and short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with conjunctival injection and tearing [SUNCT]) as active during HC. The second article is a summary of the clinical features seen in a prospective cohort of HC patients that carry significant diagnostic implications. In particular, they identify a wider range of autonomic signs than what is currently included in the International Headache Society criteria (including an absence of autonomic signs in a small percentage of patients), a high frequency of migrainous features, and the presence of aggravation and/or restlessness during attacks. Wide variations in exacerbation length, frequency, pain description, and pain location (including side-switching pain) are also noted. Thus, a case is made for widening and modifying the clinical diagnostic criteria used to identify patients with HC.

Epidemiology and cultural differences in tension-type headache.

Tension-type headache (TTH) is the most prevalent headache worldwide Stovner et al. (Cephalalgia 27:193-210, 2007••); Robbins and Lipton (Semin Neurol 30:107-19, 2010••); Jensen and Stovner (Lancet Neurol 7:354-361, 2008). Despite being the most prevalent primary headache type, there is still a relative lack of epidemiologic data when compared to that for migraine Robbins and Lipton (Semin Neurol 30:107-19, 2010••). Out of the available data, it is apparent that there are wide variations and differences in tension-type headache epidemiology across different cultures Stovner et al. (Cephalalgia 27:193-210, 2007••). This review will focus on reviewing and comparing the epidemiology of episodic and chronic TTH in adult populations across varying continental regions. This will include prevalence, cultural variations and differences in study methodologies, common precipitants and prognosis. Possible explanations for such widely varying prevalence rates among different cultures and regions will also be discussed.