Legal Update: Using the Guides for Permanent Partial Disability Determinations

1997 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 6-6
Author(s):  
Christopher R. Brigham

Abstract Rating the impairment related to various chronic painful conditions, including headaches, is challenging and is addressed in the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment (AMA Guides) in a section of the chapter on pain. Primary headache disorders include migraines, tension-type headaches, and cluster headaches caused by disturbances in the central nervous system. Headaches occur with varying intensities and frequencies but follow three broad patterns: 1) minimal, slight, moderate, and marked headache; 2) cycles or episodes that may last from moments to years; and 3) consistent and persistent pain that may last years, decades, or a lifetime. Physicians should estimate impairment related to headache pain according to the procedures discussed in section 15.8, including a multidimensional assessment of an individual's capabilities, including biological, psychological, and social aspects and excluding the existence of a separate comorbid pathologic process. The AMA Guides does not provide specific numeric values for impairment of headache or for pain itself. For patients who have a primary headache disorder, the physician should clearly understand the frequency and severity of the condition, the approach to treatment, and the effects of headaches on activities of daily living. The discussion of headaches in the AMA Guides emphasizes the importance of careful evaluation over merely assigning a numeric value to an impairment.

Author(s):  
Rami Massie ◽  
Denis Sirhan ◽  
Frederick Andermann

Cluster headache is recognized by the International Headache Society as a primary headache disorder, consisting of seasonal and daily attacks of severe unilateral periorbital pain accompanied by autonomic symptoms. As with other primary headache disorders, intracranial lesions can rarely mimic cluster headaches, in particular if it presents in an atypical fashion. We report a patient with chronic cluster-like headache secondary to a clival based epidermoid cyst. This is the first such association reported in the literature.A 39-year-old man with no significant past medical history and no current medications was referred with a three-year history of strictly right-sided headaches. Two to three times daily, he suffered attacks of excruciating pressure-like pain in the periorbital and frontal area on the right. These lasted between 10 and 90 minutes and occasionally woke him from sleep. They were always accompanied by numbness of the upper part of his face, increased lacrimation, rhinorrhea and ptosis on that side. Occasionally, he had nausea and vomiting as well. Since the onset of symptoms, attacks occurred almost daily and never remitted for more than four weeks. He tried methysergide, gabapentin, carbamazepine, lithium carbonate and corticosteroids without success. Later, his attacks have occasionally involved the left side.


2015 ◽  
Vol 06 (04) ◽  
pp. 494-498 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomer Tzadok ◽  
Ronen Toledano ◽  
Lior Fuchs ◽  
Carmi Bartal ◽  
Victor Novack ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Background: Headache is a frequent symptom of many systemic diseases that do not involve cranial structures. In this observational study, we assessed factors associated with headache in the acute presentation of systemic conditions in a nonsurgical emergency department (ED). Methods: Consecutive patients, admitted to Soroka University Medical Center ED due to noncephalic illness, were prospectively surveyed using a structured questionnaire focused on the prevalence and characteristics of headache symptoms. Medical data were extracted from the patient's charts. Results: Between 1 and 6/2012, 194 patients aged 64.69 ± 19.52 years, were evaluated. Headache was reported by 83 (42.7%) patients and was more common among patients with febrile illness (77.5% vs. 22.5%, P < 0.001). Respiratory illness and level of O2saturation were not associated with headache. Headache in the presentation of a noncephalic illness was associated with younger age (58 vs. 69, P < 0.001) and with suffering from a primary headache disorder (48.2% vs. 10.8%, P < 0.001). Headache was also associated with higher body temperature and lower platelets count. Conclusions: Headache is a common symptom in acute noncephalic conditions and was found to be associated with younger age and febrile disease on presentation. Patients who present with primary headache disorders are more prone to have headache during acute illness. Acute obstructive respiratory disease, hypercarbia or hypoxemia were not associated with headache.


Author(s):  
Tad Seifert

The prevalence of primary headache disorders in the general population provides a unique challenge in the evaluation of headache occurring in the context of sport. Sport-related and exercise-related headaches are not uncommon, but there is limited epidemiological data on these types of headaches in athletes. Any primary headache type can occur in the setting of sports. These scenarios are challenging in the return to play context, as it is often unclear whether an athlete has an exacerbation of a primary headache disorder, new onset headache unrelated to trauma, or has suffered a genuine concussive injury. Through careful evaluation, the practitioner can distinguish primary headache disorders from posttraumatic headaches following concussion. This chapter reviews primary headache disorders, posttraumatic headaches, and other secondary headache disorders.


Cephalalgia ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 33 (16) ◽  
pp. 1349-1357 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dagny Holle ◽  
Steffen Naegel ◽  
Mark Obermann

Background Hypnic headache (HH) is a rare primary headache disorder that is characterised by strictly sleep-related headache attacks. Purpose Because of the low prevalence of this headache disorder, disease information is mainly based on case reports and small case series. This review summarises current knowledge on HH in regard to clinical presentation, pathophysiology, symptomatic causes and therapeutic options. Method We review all reported HH cases since its first description in 1988 by Raskin. Broadened diagnostic criteria were applied for patient selection that slightly deviate from the current ICHD-II criteria. Patients were allowed to describe the headache character to be other than dull. Additionally, accompanying mild trigemino-autonomic symptoms were permitted. Conclusions Mainly elderly patients are affected, but younger patients and even children might also suffer from HH. Headache attacks usually last between 15 and 180 minutes, but some patients report headache attacks up to 10 hours. Almost all patients report motor activity during headache attacks. Cerebral MRI and 24-hour blood pressure monitoring should be performed in the diagnostic work-up of HH. Other primary headache disorders such as migraine and cluster headache may also present with sleep-related headache attacks and should be considered first. Caffeine taken as a cup of strong coffee seems to be the best acute and prophylactic treatment option.


2017 ◽  
Vol 48 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 138-146 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jasem Yousef Al-Hashel ◽  
Samar Farouk Ahmed ◽  
Raed Alroughani

Background: Only an insignificant quantum of data exists on the prevalence of primary headaches among those living in Kuwait. We aimed to determine the prevalence of primary headaches among the Kuwaiti population. Methods: This community-based study included Kuwaiti population aged 18-65 years. Using systematic random sampling, data was collected by the Headache-Attributed Restriction, Disability, Social Handicap and Impaired Participation questionnaire. Responses to the diagnostic questions were transformed into diagnoses algorithmically to confirm the diagnosis of primary headache. Results: A total of 15,523 patients were identified of whom 9,527 (61%) were diagnosed with primary headache disorder; a female predominance of 62.2% was observed. The mean age was 34.84 ± 10.19. Tension-type headache (TTH) was the most prevalent at 29% followed by episodic migraine (23.11%), chronic migraine (5.4%), and medication overuse headache (2.4%). Primary headache prevalence declined steadily from 71% in those aged 18-30 years to 23% in those over 50 (p < 0. 037). The female:male ratio was 1.7:1. Frequency and severity of primary headache were correlated significantly with lost work days (r = 0.611, p < 0.001 and r = 0.102, p = 0.001, respectively). Conclusions. In Kuwait, primary headache disorder is more frequent in young adults and females. TTH followed by episodic migraine were the more prevalent types of headache. Higher frequency and severe headaches were associated with increasing social and work-related burden.


Cephalalgia ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (6) ◽  
pp. 1188-1198 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Brooke Walters Pellegrino ◽  
Rachel E Davis-Martin ◽  
Timothy T Houle ◽  
Dana P Turner ◽  
Todd A Smitherman

Objective To quantitatively synthesize extant literature on perceived triggers of primary headache disorders. Methods A meta-analytic review of headache trigger survey studies was conducted. Endorsement rates, assessment method, and headache and sample characteristics were extracted from included articles. Separate random-effects models were used to assess trigger endorsement rates and post-hoc meta-regressions examined potential moderator variables. Results 85 articles from 1958 to 2015 were included, involving 27,122 participants and querying 420 unique triggers (collapsed into 15 categories). Four-fifths (0.81; 95% CI .75 to .86) of individuals with migraine or tension-type headache endorsed at least one trigger. Rates increased with the number of categories queried (OR: 1.18, 1.08–1.30) and year of publication (OR: 1.04, 1.00–1.08). The triggers most commonly endorsed were stress (.58, .53–.63) and sleep (.41, .36–.47). Conclusions Extreme heterogeneity characterizes the headache trigger literature. Most individuals with a primary headache disorder perceive their attacks to be triggered by one or more precipitants, the most common of which are stress and sleep. However, trigger endorsement is influenced by method of assessment. Enhancing methodological consistency and prioritizing experimental studies would improve our understanding of headache triggers.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jasem Yousef Al-Hashel ◽  
Raed Alroughani ◽  
Sameera Shuaibi ◽  
Abdelrahman AlAshqar ◽  
Fajer AlHamdan ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Primary headache disorders have being increasingly reported in younger populations. They can have significant effects on their quality of life and academic achievement and may cause significant distress to their families. Aims and Objectives To assess the burden of primary headache disorder and its impact on the quality of life on school student in Kuwait. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among Kuwaiti primary and middle school students of both genders in randomly selected schools located in two governorates in 2018/2019 academic year. Headache-Attributed Restriction, Disability, Social Handicap and Impaired Participation (HARDSHIP) questionnaire for children and adolescents was used to assess the impact of primary headaches on the quality of life. Results 1091 questionnaires were completed by primary and middle school students of both genders; of whom 466 students (girls 321 (68.88%) were diagnosed with primary headache disorders with mean age 11.98 + 2.03 years. In the month prior to the survey, the effect of the headache was variable. The students lost a mean of 1.99 + 2.015 days of school while they could not perform their usual activities for a mean of 2.84 + 4.28 days. Their parents lost a mean of 2 + 2.03 days of work because of headaches of their children and parents prohibited 5.7% of the students to engage in any activity due to their headaches. Difficulties in concentrations were reported as never sometimes (39.1%), often (24.8%), and always (26%). Majority of the students (?%) experienced a feeling of sadness ranging from sometimes to always. Most of the students (?%) struggled to cope with the headache and 22.4% were never able to cope. Additionally, 19.4% of students reported they did not want others noticing their headache. Conclusion Primary headache disorder can have a significant impact on the quality of life in children. It can affect their engagement in activities and academic achievement. Implementing strategies to properly manage schoolchildren with primary headaches can have profound effects on their quality of life.


BMC Neurology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
S. M. R. Bandara ◽  
S. Samita ◽  
A. M. Kiridana ◽  
H. M. M. T. B. Herath

Abstract Background Migraine is a primary headache disorder and is the most common disabling primary headache disorder that occurs in children and adolescents. A recent study showed that paranasal air suction can provide relief to migraine headache. However, in order to get the maximum benefit out of it, an easy to use effective air sucker should be available. Aiming to fulfil the above requirement, a randomized, double blind control clinical trial was conducted to investigate the efficacy of a recently developed low–pressure portable air sucker. Methods Eighty-six Sri Lankan school children of age 16–19 years with migraine were enrolled for the study. They were randomly allocated into two groups, and one group was subjected to six intermittent ten-second paranasal air suctions using the portable air sucker for 120 s. The other group was subjected to placebo air suction (no paranasal air suction). The effect of suction using portable air sucker was the primary objective but side of headache, type of headache, and gender were also studied as source variables. The primary response studied was severity of headache. In addition, left and right supraorbital tenderness, photophobia, phonophobia, numbness over the face and scalp, nausea and generalized tiredness/weakness of the body were studied. The measurements on all those variables were made before and after suction, and the statistical analysis was performed based on before and after differences. As a follow–up, patients were monitored for 24-h period. Results There was a significant reduction in the severity of headache pain (OR = 25.98, P < 0.0001), which was the primary outcome variable, and other migraine symptoms studied, tenderness (left) (OR = 289.69, P < 0.0001), tenderness (right) (OR > 267.17, P < 0.0001), photophobia (OR = 2115.6, P < 0.0001), phonophobia (OR > 12.62, P < 0.0001) nausea (OR > 515.59, P < 0.0001) and weakness (OR = 549.06, P < 0.0001) except for numbness (OR = 0.747, P = 0.67) in the treatment group compared to the control group 2 min after the suction. These symptoms did not recur within 24-h period and there were no significant side effects recorded during the 24-h observation period. Conclusion This pilot study showed that low–pressure portable air sucker is effective in paranasal air suction, and suction for 120 s using the sucker can provide an immediate relief which can last for more than 24-h period without any side effects. Trail registration Clinical Trial Government Identification Number – 1548/2016. Ethical Clearance Granted Institute – Medical Research Institute, Colombo, Sri Lanka (No 38/2016). Sri Lanka Clinical Trial Registration No: SLCTR/2017/018. Date of registration = 29/ 06/2017. Approval Granting Organization to use the device in the clinical trial– National Medicines Regulatory Authority Sri Lanka (16 Jan 2018), The device won award at Geneva international inventers exhibition in 2016 and President award in 2018 in Sri Lanka. It is a patented device in Sri Lanka and patent number was SLKP/1/18295. All methods were carried out in accordance with CONSORT 2010 guidelines.


Author(s):  
Anna K. Eigenbrodt ◽  
Håkan Ashina ◽  
Sabrina Khan ◽  
Hans-Christoph Diener ◽  
Dimos D. Mitsikostas ◽  
...  

AbstractMigraine is a disabling primary headache disorder that directly affects more than one billion people worldwide. Despite its widespread prevalence, migraine remains under-diagnosed and under-treated. To support clinical decision-making, we convened a European panel of experts to develop a ten-step approach to the diagnosis and management of migraine. Each step was established by expert consensus and supported by a review of current literature, and the Consensus Statement is endorsed by the European Headache Federation and the European Academy of Neurology. In this Consensus Statement, we introduce typical clinical features, diagnostic criteria and differential diagnoses of migraine. We then emphasize the value of patient centricity and patient education to ensure treatment adherence and satisfaction with care provision. Further, we outline best practices for acute and preventive treatment of migraine in various patient populations, including adults, children and adolescents, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and older people. In addition, we provide recommendations for evaluating treatment response and managing treatment failure. Lastly, we discuss the management of complications and comorbidities as well as the importance of planning long-term follow-up.


2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 12-17
Author(s):  
Muhammad Tayeb ◽  
Md Hasanuzzaman ◽  
Abul Mansur Md Rezaul Karim ◽  
Mohammad Sanaullah ◽  
Md Ashraful Islam

Background : Migraine is primary headache disorder characterized by recurring attacks of pain and associated symptoms. The management modality is still unsatisfactory due to poor understanding of its cause and pathogenesis. To assess the efficacy and safety of low dose Topiramate vs Propranolol in migraine prophylaxis. Materials and methods : A randomized clinical trial including 130 patients with frequent migraine headache >5 attacks per month was performed in the out patients Department of Medicine and Neurology, CMCH for a period of 12 weeks. The patients were randomly divided into two treatment groups – treated by Topiramate 50mg/day and Propranolol 80mg/day respectively. Topiramate started with 25mg/day for 7 days then increased up to 50mg/day in two divided dose. Propranolol started with 40mg/day for 7 days then increased up to 80mg/day in two divided dose. The patients were assessed at 0, 8 and 12 weeks of the study. Results: The Topiramate group showed a reduction in the mean (±SD) of frequency of migraine attack from 6.95(±2.88) to 1.75(±1.08) episode per month, headache days per month from 7.62(±4.14) to 1.83(±1.10), intensity of headache per attack from 8.98(±1.05) to 6.10(±2.50) based on VAS scale, duration of headache per episode from 11.56(±9.16) to 5.40(±2.97) per hour and MIDAS score from 16.19(±3.91) to 8.14(±3.93). In patient treated with Propranolol, the mean (±SD) of monthly frequency of migraine attack declined from 7.09(±2.87) to 1.92(±0.98) episode per month, headache days per month from 8.17(±4.52) to 1.86(±o.83), intensity of headache per attack from 8.47(±1.10) to 6.03(±2.05) based on VAS scale, duration of headache per episode from 11.16(±8.08) to 5.97(±3.45), MIDAS score from 15.48(±3.55) to7.77(±3.49). Pre- and post-treatment values were significantly different for individual groups but no significant difference observed between groups. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that both low dose Topiramate and propranolol could significantly reduce migraine frequency, intensity and duration. Chatt Maa Shi Hosp Med Coll J; Vol.18 (2); July 2019; Page 12-17


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document