Headache

Author(s):  
Kurt F. Dittrich

Having a solid grasp of headaches is essential for the pain provider. This required knowledge should include understanding the anatomy and physiology of headaches; knowing how to classify headaches using the second edition of the International Classification of Headache Disorders; recognizing the physical, psychological, and social factors that may contribute to headaches; and understanding the role of counseling and nonpharmacological treatment options. It is essential to understand the pharmacological aspects of headache management as well as some of the nuances of the specific medications most often used. A pain provider should be able to recognize when signs and symptoms of a headache warrant further investigation as well as when to offer alternative treatment options to patients. The questions in this chapter are designed to assist in gathering this knowledge base and assist the pain provider in analyzing the headache condition.

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gary S. Firestein ◽  
Anna-Karin H. Ekwall

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is among the most common forms of chronic inflammatory arthritis. It affects approximately 1% of adults and is two to three times more prevalent in women than in men. There are no specific laboratory tests for RA; diagnosis depends on a constellation of signs and symptoms that can be supported by serology and radiographs. The disease evolves over many years as a consequence of repeated environmental stress causing inflammation and immune activation followed by a breakdown of tolerance in individuals with a specific genetic background. This review describes the definition of RA; its etiology, including genetics, infections, the role of smoking and citrullination of proteins, and epigenetic mechanisms; and its pathogenesis, including synovial histopathology, bone and cartilage damage, adaptive and innate immunity, and the role of cytokines and intracellular signaling. Tables include the 1987 American Rheumatism Association criteria for the classification of RA and the 2010 American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism classification for RA. Figures show citrullinated proteins in airway cells, a section of a proliferative synovium from a patient with a classic RA, and scalloped regions of erosion at the junction between a proliferative inflamed rheumatoid synovium and the bone. This review contains 3 highly rendered figures, 2 tables, and 71 references.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 111-116
Author(s):  
V. A. Golovacheva ◽  
A. A. Golovacheva ◽  
L. M. Antonenko

Migraine is a nervous system disorder that affects 7.7% of children and can debut before the age of 3 years. As they get older, the incidence of migraine increases, and among adolescents, its prevalence reaches 15%. The disease can significantly reduce the child's daily activity, school performance. Migraine is the most common cause of headache in children and adolescents, but it is not always diagnosed; it is not uncommon for patients with migraine to be misdiagnosed and given ineffective treatment. An effective approach to the diagnosis of migraine in children is presented, diagnostic criteria for migraine according to the 3rd edition of International Classification of Headache Disorders are described. Special disorders in childhood are described – episodic syndromes in children associated with migraine. Migraine treatment in children includes four main approaches: 1) lifestyle recommendations; 2) migraine attack treatment; 3) nonpharmacological treatment; 4) migraine preventive pharmacotherapy. All of the listed approaches for the treatment of migraine in childhood are discussed in detail.


2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (02) ◽  
pp. 219-235
Author(s):  
Elise Brimble ◽  
Maura R.Z. Ruzhnikov

AbstractMetabolic disorders represent rare but often treatable causes of seizures and epilepsy of neonatal onset. As seizures are relatively common in the neonatal period, systemic clues to a specific diagnosis may be lacking or shrouded by acute illness. An important role of the consulting pediatric neurologist is to identify neonates with a possible metabolic or otherwise genetic diagnosis. In this review, the authors describe presenting signs and symptoms, a diagnostic framework, and disorder-specific treatment options for inborn errors of metabolism that may present in the neonatal period. Specific attention is given to the neurologic aspects of each condition, including the electroclinical phenotype and findings on brain imaging. As expedited diagnosis and prompt initiation of available therapies have been demonstrated to result in improved epilepsy and developmental outcomes, this work acts as a framework to guide evaluation when an inherited metabolic disorder is suspected. In addition to informing treatment, a definitive diagnosis allows for appropriate counseling regarding prognosis, any associated screening or preventive measures, and family planning.


2018 ◽  
pp. 279-286
Author(s):  
Trevor Van Oostrom

Persistent idiopathic facial pain (PIFP) is an enigmatic condition which has caused a great deal of suffering yet has been difficult to define and remains a challenging disorder to treat. In addition, the presentation of PIFP has considerable overlap with many other causes of facial pain making the malady a diagnostic challenge. The condition is often resistant to treatment and patients often have comorbid syndromes or psychological factors. This chapter reviews the history and development of the current diagnostic criteria of PIFP according to the latest edition of the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD). Using a case-based approach, the pathophysiology, epidemiology, differential diagnosis, and treatment options of PIFP are explored.


2007 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. E5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clemens M. Schirmer ◽  
Thomas R. Hedges

✓ The term “papilledema” indicates swelling of the optic discs secondary to increased intracranial pressure. Papilledema can be caused by an intracranial mass lesion or by other factors. Visual symptoms frequently accompany papilledema, which can lead to permanent visual loss if left untreated. Starting with an illustrative case, the authors review the pathophysiology of the visual signs and symptoms of papilledema. They also briefly review potential treatment options, focusing on the role of the neurosurgeon in the treatment of patients with papilledema.


2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (01) ◽  
pp. 014-023
Author(s):  
Rakesh Navuluri ◽  
Matthew Hoyer ◽  
Murat Osman ◽  
Jonathan Fergus

AbstractAcute pathology of the biliary tract including cholangitis and cholecystitis can lead to biliary sepsis if early decompression is not performed. This article provides an overview of the presenting signs and symptoms and role of interventional radiology in the management of patients with acute cholangitis or acute cholecystitis. It is especially important to understand the role of IR in the context of other treatment options including medical management, endoscopy, and surgery.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (19) ◽  
pp. 10580
Author(s):  
Mohammad Paydar ◽  
Asal Kamani Fard

More than one hundred and fifty cities around the world have expanded their emergency cycling and walking infrastructures to increase their resilience in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the role of mobile apps is prominent in respect to developing a smart city during this pandemic, which raises the questions of how mobile apps contribute to the improvement of walking/cycling behavior and how such a relationship is influenced by the situation imposed by COVID-19. The role of mobile apps in the three relevant fields of physical activity, transport, and urban planning are reviewed. Next, the associations between walking/cycling behaviors and their contributing factors and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on these relationships are reviewed. Studies on physical activity have emphasized the role of motivational social factors in improving the function of mobile apps. In regard to transport, mobile apps have the potential to facilitate data collection in macroscale environments. In addition, mobile apps may facilitate people’s recognition of positive/negative environmental aspects, and this may in turn lead to greater pedestrian/cyclists’ awareness and better organization of their walking/cycling behavior. Moreover, based on a participatory approach, the classification of current mobile apps and certain suggestions on the development of future mobile apps are presented. Finally, complementary suggestions are provided for maintaining and improving the use of mobile apps to improve the level of walking/cycling.


2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 322-328
Author(s):  
Ian Peate

To understand liver cancer and to provide care that is patient-centred, safe and effective, the healthcare assistant and the assistant practitioner (HCA and AP) need to know about the normal structure and function of the liver. This article provides an overview and insight regarding primary liver cancer. A brief overview of the anatomy and physiology of the liver is provided, along with a discussion of liver cancer. The signs and symptoms of the condition are described and treatment options discussed. The HCA and AP have a role to play as members of the multidisciplinary team who offer care to those people with liver cancer and their families. A glossary of terms is provided, as well as multiple-choice questions to aid retention and recall, and 3 CPD reflective questions.


2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalie C. Palavra ◽  
Sharon L. Naismith ◽  
Simon J. G. Lewis

Mild Cognitive Impairment in Parkinson’s Disease (PD-MCI) is common and may be associated with accelerated progression to dementia. Considering the importance of this emerging entity, new diagnostic criteria have recently been proposed. Early recognition and accurate classification of PD-MCI could offer opportunities for novel therapeutic interventions. This review discusses current definitions for PD-MCI, the screening tools used, the pattern of cognitive deficits observed, and the predictors of cognitive decline and transition to Parkinson’s Disease Dementia. Emerging biomarkers, which may aid diagnosis, are also explored and the role of novel treatment options is considered.


Cephalalgia ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 033310242110407
Author(s):  
Marcin Straburzyński ◽  
Magdalena Nowaczewska ◽  
Sławomir Budrewicz ◽  
Marta Waliszewska-Prosół

Background The genesis of headache in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is currently unclear and the multitude of disease symptoms often further hinders locating the source of pain. Interestingly, many subjects with COVID-19 have symptoms of acute rhinosinusitis. The relation between nasal symptoms and headache in SARS-CoV-2 infection remains unknown. Methods This bi-center longitudinal study evaluated symptoms in consecutive COVID-19 patients in the participating practices. The first assessment was performed during the initial consultation after infection confirmation. That was followed up by a second consultation after a median 9 days. Results 130 patients were included in the study (80 women, 50 men; mean age 46.9 years). Headache was highly prevalent at the first visit (72%) and significantly associated with acute rhinosinusitis symptoms. The odds ratio for headache in subjects with rhinosinusitis was 3.5. Headache could be attributed to systemic viral infection in 96% and to acute rhinosinusitis in 51% of cases according to 3rd edition of the International Classification of Headache Disorders. Criterium C.3 (exacerbation of headache by pressure applied over paranasal sinuses) and C.4 (ipsilaterality of headache and sinusitis) had low sensitivity in headache attributed to acute rhinosinusitis. Conclusions Nasal inflammation is associated with headache in COVID-19, although the pain mechanism lies probably in a systemic reaction to the virus. 3rd edition of the International Classification of Headache Disorders criteria for headache attributed to acute rhinosinusitis need adjusting to the current understanding of acute sinonasal infection.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document