Combined Pharmacological and Short-Term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy for Probable Medication Overuse Headache: A Pilot Study

Cephalalgia ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 293-299 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Altieri ◽  
R Di Giambattista ◽  
L Di Clemente ◽  
D Fagiolo ◽  
E Tarolla ◽  
...  

We studied the effects of short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (STPP) and pharmacological therapy in 26 consecutive patients with probable medication overuse headache (pMOH). Patients underwent a standard in-patient detoxification protocol, lasting a mean of 7 days. Eleven patients overused non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), five a combination of NSAIDs and triptans, four triptans, four a combination of NSAIDs, and three triptans and ergot derivates. Preventive therapy was initiated during detoxification. The STPP protocol comprised the Brief Psychodynamic Investigation (BPI) and psychoanalysis-inspired psychotherapy. All patients (groups A and B) underwent the BPI and pharmacological therapy. Half of the patients (group B) also not randomly underwent psychoanalysis-inspired psychotherapy. We found a significant interaction between time and group for headache frequency and medication intake. At 12-month follow-up, a statistically greater decrease in headache frequency and medication intake was observed in group B than in group A ( P = 0.0108 and P = 0.0097, respectively). The relapse rate was much lower in group B patients at both 6 and 12 months [15.3%, odds ratio (OR) 0.11, P = 0.016, and 23%, OR 0.18, P = 0.047, respectively] than in group A. The risk of developing chronic migraine (CM) during follow-up was higher in group A than in group B at 6 (OR 2.0, P = 0.047) and 12 months (OR 2.75, P = 0.005). Our study suggests that STPP in conjunction with drug withdrawal and prophylactic pharmacotherapy relieves headache symptoms in pMOH, reducing both long-term relapses and the burden of CM.

Cephalalgia ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 29 (8) ◽  
pp. 855-863 ◽  
Author(s):  
MG Bøe ◽  
R Salvesen ◽  
Å Mygland

Several studies have shown the benefit of withdrawal therapy when medication overuse headache (MOH) is suspected. Our aim was to compare the effect of withdrawal therapy in patients followed by a neurologist (group A, n = 42) and a primary care physician (PCP) (group B, n = 38). Patients were randomized to A or B, and follow-up was at 3, 6 and 12 months. Calculated mean headache (MH at 6 months + MH at 12 months)/2 (primary end-point) was similar; A 1.04 (0.87, 1.21) and B 1.02 (0.82, 1.21) ( P = 0.87). The number of patients with 50% improvement of headache days was also similar; 14/42 in group A vs. 12/34 in B ( P = 0.86) at 3 months, 15/42 vs. 11/33 ( P = 0.83) at 6 months and 15/42 vs. 14/38 ( P = 0.92) at 12 months. Days without headache during the last 9 months of follow-up were 123 (96, 150) in group A and 137 (112, 161) in B ( P = 0.62). After 3 months one-third were classified as MOH. Patients with MOH improved similarly in group A and B, and so did patients without MOH. Within 1 year 7/42 in A and 9/38 in B had recurrent medication overuse ( P = 0.43). In summary, there were no significant differences in follow-up results between the two groups.


Cephalalgia ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 36 (14) ◽  
pp. 1356-1365 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Bottiroli ◽  
M Viana ◽  
G Sances ◽  
N Ghiotto ◽  
E Guaschino ◽  
...  

Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychological factors associated with a negative outcome following detoxification in a 2-month follow-up in medication-overuse headache. Methods All consecutive patients entering the detoxification program were analysed in a prospective, non-randomised fashion. Psychiatric conditions and personality characteristics were assessed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Disorders (SCID-I) and the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI)-2. χ2 tests, one-way analyses of variance, and odds ratios (ORs) were used. Results A total of 248 patients completed the follow-up: 156 stopped overuse and their headaches reverted to an episodic pattern (Group A); 23 kept overusing without any benefit on headache frequency (Group B); and 51 stopped overuse without any benefit on headache frequency (Group C). The prognostic factors for the outcome of Group B were higher scores on the correction (OR 1.128; p = 0.036), depression (OR 1.071; p = 0.05), hysteria (OR 1.106; p = 0.023), and overcontrolled hostility (OR 1.182; p = 0.04) MMPI-2 scales, whereas those for Group C were psychiatric comorbidities (OR 1.502; p = 0.021) and higher scores on the hysteria scale (OR 1.125; p = 0.004). Conclusions The outcome of detoxification is influenced by psychological factors that should be considered when considering treatment strategies.


2011 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 258-270 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jörg Klekamp

Object The treatment of tethered cord syndromes in adults is discussed regarding the natural history and surgical indications. The author analyzes data obtained in patients who were diagnosed with a tethered cord in adulthood and either underwent surgical or conservative therapy between 1991 and 2009. Methods Since 1991, data obtained in 2515 patients with spinal cord pathologies were entered into the spinal cord database, and prospective follow-up was performed through outpatient visits and questionnaires. Of the 2515 patients, 85 adults with a tethered cord syndrome formed the basis of this study. The tethering effect was caused either by a split cord malformation, a thick filum terminale, a conus medullaris lipoma with extradural extension, or various combinations of these mechanisms. The mean age of the patients was 46 ± 13 years (range 23–74 years) and the mean follow-up duration was 61 ± 62 months. Two groups were distinguished based on the absence (Group A, 43 patients) or presence (Group B, 42 patients) of an associated lipoma or dysraphic cyst (that is, dermoid, epidermoid, or neurenteric cyst). Surgery was recommended for patients with symptoms only. Short-term results were determined within 3 months of surgery, whereas long-term outcomes (clinical recurrences) were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier statistics. Results For all patients, pain was the most common major complaint. Severe neurological deficits were rare. In Group A, 20 of 43 patients underwent surgery, whereas in Group B 23 of 42 patients underwent surgery. Among individuals who did not undergo surgery, 17 patients refused surgery and 25 patients underwent recommended conservative treatment. Short-term postoperative results indicated a significant improvement of pain and a stabilization of neurological symptoms. Long-term results showed a good prognosis in patients in whom first-time (that is, nonrevision) surgery achieved successful untethering, with a 10-year rate of neurological stabilization in 89% of Group A and a 10-year rate of neurological stabilization in 81% of Group B patients. The benefit of secondary operations in Group B was limited, with eventual clinical deterioration occurring in all patients within 10 years. For patients treated conservatively, follow-up information could be obtained in 33 of 42 patients. Twenty-eight patients remained in stable clinical condition. Only 5 of the conservatively treated patients experienced clinical deterioration over time; in 4 of these individuals with deterioration, surgery had been recommended but was refused by the patient. The clinical recurrence rate in all conservatively treated patients was 21% after 10 years. With a recommendation for surgery this figure rose to 47% within 5 years. Conclusions Surgery in adult patients with a tethered cord syndrome should be reserved for those with symptoms. In surgically treated patients, pain relief can often be achieved, and long-term neurological stabilization tends to persist more often than it does in conservatively treated patients. A conservative approach is warranted, however, in adult patients without neurological deficits. Revision surgery in patients with complex dysraphic lesions should be performed in exceptional cases only.


QJM ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 113 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M N Penjameen ◽  
E M Elfekky ◽  
R R Elias ◽  
A I Nassar

Abstract Background Thrombus aspiration (TA) might have a potential role in STEMI patients with heavy thrombus burden. The objective of several prospective trials whether routine TA in STEMI patients, contributes to a reduced mortality. After the first promising results, mainly based on the single center (TAPAS trial), results of the largest randomized trials to date (TASTE) study and (TOTAL) study, have not shown any significant differences in all-cause mortality, re-hospitalizations or stent thrombosis after a maximum of one-year follow-up period Objectives The aim of this prospective study is to study the in-hospital & short term out-come of using manual thrombus aspiration in STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI & showing large thrombus burden. Results The study included 209 patients referred to (CCU) of (Ain Shams University hospitals) with diagnosis of STEMI, who had under-gone primary PCI, with evidence of heavy thrombus burden . All the patients received DAPT, 99% had received GPIIbIIIa antagonists. The patients were divided into 2 groups: group (A) included 73 patients, who had under-gone manual thrombus aspiration followed by PCI to culprit lesion +/- other vessels & and group (B) included 136 patients, who had under-gone primary PCI of culprit lesion+/- other vessels, using the standard technique, without thrombus aspiration, within the period from 11/2016 till 7/2018(21 months),and they were followed up during hospital stay & for one month following hospital discharge. No stents were used in 13.7% of group (A), but no stents were used on 3.7% of group (B) (p value= 0.007). TIMI III flow had been achieved in 94.5% of group (A), 80.1% of group (B)(p value = (0.020) . MBG 3 had been achieved in 82.2% of group (A), 58.1% of group (B) . ST-segment resolution > 70% had been achieved in 8.2% of group (A), that hadnot been achieved in group (B) (p value =0.003). Mortality(among MACE) was the only event detected (p value 0.026). Follow up MACE were statisticalLy significant results (p value=0.022) . Statistically highly significant results regarding, LV systolic function EF %, p vaue= 0.001, had been achieved . Conclusion In STEMI patients with evidence of heavy thrombus burden, a strategy of manual aspiration thrombectomy is valuable in reducing index hospitalization mortality, and 1 month follow-up rates of mortality, TIMI flow, better MBG, ST-segment resolution, in addition to left ventricular systolic function .


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yilong Guo ◽  
Zhensu Shi ◽  
Yin Zheng ◽  
Xiaoqi Wang ◽  
Zelun Chen ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a risk factor for cryptogenic stroke (CS), and interventional therapy for PFO can reduce the recurrence rate of CS. However, interventional therapies are primarily guided by X-ray imaging, and regular postsurgical follow-up with transthoracic ultrasound foaming test (UFT) is rarely performed. Thus, this study aimed to assess the short-term (1 year) results of PFO occlusion guided by transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and the results of regular UFTs. Methods Clinical records, echocardiographic data, and UFT results of 27 patients who underwent interventional therapy for PFO and CS were retrospectively analysed. The patients were grouped according to their preoperative UFT results: group A (n = 4), small volume of right-to-left shunts; group B (n = 8), moderate volume of right-to-left shunts; and group C (n = 15), large volume of right-to-left shunts. All patients were treated using an Amplatzer occluder under TEE guidance. UFT follow-up was conducted regularly until 1 year post-surgery. Results No significant differences in preoperative clinical data, echocardiographic data, or operative time were noted between the groups (P > 0.05). The length of the PFO and the diameter of the occluder differed between the groups as follows: group A = group B < group C (p < 0.05). One year postoperatively, there was no stroke recurrence. Two patients in group C developed atrial arrhythmia, which improved after 3 months of antiarrhythmic treatment. The positive UFT rate gradually decreased postoperatively, and 50% of patients still had a positive UFT 11.75 months after surgery. The positive UFT rate 1 year postoperatively differed between the groups as follows: group A = group B < group C (p = 0.010). A preoperative large-volume shunt was negatively associated with a negative UFT rate 1 year postoperatively (b=-2.118, RR = 0.120, p = 0.002). Conclusion In patients with PFO and CS, interventional therapy guided by TEE led to excellent short-term (1 year) outcomes. The positive UFT rate gradually decreased within 1 year of surgery. Preoperatively, a large volume of right-to-left shunts and large occluders were two risk factors for positive UFT results after surgery. Further studies are required to clarify the relationship between positive UTF results postoperatively and stroke recurrence.


Author(s):  
M. R. Anand ◽  
N. S. Ramachandren

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Trochanteric hip fractures in elderly patients have benefited from advances in internal fixation. Early failure of internal fixation occurs however in a number of cases. The failure after internal fixation had been due to initial fracture pattern, communication, sub-optimal fracture fixation and poor bone quality. The aim of this prospective comparative study is to analyze the short term follow up results of unstable Intertrochanteric fractures in elderly treated with bipolar hemiarthroplasty and dynamic hip screw (DHS) fixation.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> This is a study conducted in the Department of Orthopaedics, Government Tiruvarur Medical College, Tiruvarur. 42 elderly osteoporotic patients with unstable intertrochanteric fractures who were divided into two groups with group A-bipolar prosthesis (21 cases) and group B-DHS (21 cases).<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> 42 elderly osteoporotic patients with unstable intertrochanteric fractures who were divided into two groups with group A-bipolar prosthesis (21 cases) and group B-DHS (21 cases). Patients were evaluated clinically using the Harris hip score during their follow up period. In both groups, the most common Singh’s index was grade III, 61.90%in both group A and group B.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> From our results, we are of the opinion that bipolar hemiarthroplasty may be an efficient option in elderly osteoporotic intertrochanteric fractures. It reduces the potential complications of prolonged immobilization such as pressure sores, pulmonary complications by early mobilization.</p>


2012 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 198
Author(s):  
Signe Bruun Munksgaard ◽  
Lars Bendtsen ◽  
Rigmor Højland Jensen

AbstractAimTo evaluate the long-term efficacy of two different treatment programmes for medication-overuse headache (MOH) in so-called treatment-resistant patients.MethodsMOH patients, who had previously been unsuccessfully treated by neurologists, were enrolled in one of 2 structured detoxification programmes in a tertiary headache centre: (A) a one-week withdrawal with restricted analgesics, rescue medications and prophylactics from Day 1 followed by advice of restricted intake of symptomatic medications or (B) a 2-month drug-free period and multidisciplinary education in groups and subsequent initiation of restricted symptomatic medication and prophylactics as required. All patients were closely followed up for a year.Results86 of 98 patients completed the 12-month follow-up. Totally, headache frequency was reduced by 39% (p <0.001), medication use by 63% (p <0.001) and 83% remained cured of MOH. Headache frequency was reduced with more than 50% in 42 patients (49%) and 52 (61%) reverted to episodic headache, and with no difference between the groups. Patients in programme B used significantly less symptomatic medication: 6.5 days/4 weeks compared with 8.7 days/4 weeks in programme A (p = 0.02), and the 56% of patients in programme B who needed prophylactic medication was significantly less than the 80% in programme A (p = 0.02). Further, programme B required fewer resources from the staff.ConclusionStructured detoxification with close follow-up by a multidisciplinary team for one year is highly effective in patients with previously treatment-resistant MOH. We recommend a multidisciplinary educational programme for patients in groups due to cost-effectiveness and limited use of medication.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Anca Daniela Farcaş ◽  
Mihaela Mocan ◽  
Florin Petru Anton ◽  
Mocan-Hognogi Larisa Diana ◽  
Roxana Mihaela Chiorescu ◽  
...  

Background. sST2 represents a useful biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of patients with heart failure, but limited data is available on its role in patients with hypertension. The aim of this study is to evaluate the short-term prognosis value of sST2 for an unfavorable outcome in hypertensive patients. Methods. This was a prospective observational study which enrolled 80 patients with hypertension, who were followed for one year. All patients underwent clinical, laboratory (including sST2), and echocardiographic assessment at baseline. The patients were grouped according to the cardiovascular (CV) events reported during the follow-up: group A (with CV events) and group B (without CV events). Results. Overall, 59 CV events were reported during the follow-up period. Compared to group B, the patients in group A had significantly higher sST2 levels, a higher number of CV risk factors, and a higher left ventricle mass. Except for the diastolic dysfunction parameters, the echocardiographic findings were similar in the two groups. Patients in group A had a lower E/A ratio, larger deceleration time, and increased telediastolic pressure as quantified by the E/E′ ratio than those in group B. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that sST2 and fasting plasma glucose at baseline were independent predictors for the CV events reported during the follow-up period. sST2 levels>28.5 ng/mL were associated with poor clinical outcomes (p=0.006, Kaplan-Meier analysis). Conclusions. sST2 levels were correlated with the risk of adverse CV outcomes in hypertensive patients and may represent a useful prognostic marker in these patients.


1997 ◽  
Vol 87 (6) ◽  
pp. 876-880 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Sanders ◽  
Wouter W. A. Zuurmond

✓ This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy, based on 12- to 70-month follow-up data, of radiofrequency (RF) lesions of the sphenopalatine ganglion made in patients suffering from cluster headache. Sixty-six patients suffering from either episodic (Group A, 56 patients) or chronic (Group B, 10 patients) cluster headache who were not responsive to pharmacological management were treated by RF lesioning in the sphenopalatine ganglion. Complete relief of pain was achieved in 34 (60.7%) of 56 patients in Group A and in three (30%) of 10 patients in Group B. No relief was found in eight patients (14.3%) in Group A and in four (40%) in Group B. The mean time of follow up was 29.1 ± 10.6 months in Group A and 24 ± 9.7 months in Group B, ranging from 12 to 70 months. With regard to side effects and complications, temporary postoperative epistaxis was observed in eight patients and a cheek hematoma in 11 patients; a partial RF lesion of the maxillary nerve was inadvertently made in four patients. Nine patients complained of hypesthesia of the palate, which disappeared in all cases within 3 months. The authors conclude that RF lesioning in the sphenopalatine ganglion via the infrazygomatic approach may be performed in patients suffering from cluster headache that does not respond to pharmacological therapy.


1967 ◽  
Vol 113 (505) ◽  
pp. 1353-1359 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Pritchard

In the previous paper a comparison was made between short-term outcome of two groups of 50 schizophrenic patients each, admitted to the Professorial Unit of the Maudsley Hospital before and after the introduction of reserpine and phenothiazines into treatment. It was shown that patients admitted in 1956/57 (Group B) had a better prognosis in terms of condition on discharge and length of stay in hospital than those admitted in 1952/53 (Group A).


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