The journal of headache and pain
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In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the relationship between headache recurrence and serotonin 5-HT1B/1D receptor occupancy (Φ1B and Φ1D). Triptans marketed in Japan (sumatriptan, zolmitriptan, eletriptan, rizatriptan, naratriptan) were investigated. ⋯ As an index for evaluating headache recurrence following triptan administration, recurrence rate and Ф1D value at 12 h after administration were found to be most closely correlated and useful for analysis. Our results indicate that headache recurrence inhibition can be evaluated using these values.
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Premenopausal migraines frequently are associated with fluctuations of estrogen levels. Both, migraine and combined hormonal contraceptives (CHC) increase the risk of vascular events. Therefore progestagen-only contraceptives (POC) are a safer alternative. A previous short-term study demonstrated a positive impact of the oral POC desogestrel on migraine frequency. To study the effect of the POC desogestrel 75 μg on migraine frequency, intensity, use of acute medication and quality of life in a clinical setting over the period of 180 days. ⋯ Contraception with desogestrel 75 μg resulted in a significantly improved quality of life and a reduction of migraine days over the observation period of 180 days. A clinically meaningful 30% reduction in pain was observed in 25/42 (60%) participants. For counselling reasons it is of importance, that the major reduction in migraine frequency occured during the initial 90 days, however further improvement occurs with longer duration of use. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these results.
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Migraine headache has a high prevalence and a severe impact on personal, social and work life, forming a significant burden on patients, service providers and society. There is some evidence of the effectiveness of behavioural interventions to supplement drug therapy but a recognised need to identify an effective minimal contact approach to enhance access and provide a model for use in publicly funded health systems. This study uses in-depth interviews to examine patients' experience and responses to a behavioural intervention with relaxation and CBT components delivered in three individual therapist sessions with follow-up. ⋯ Patients' selectively identified and employed the techniques learned as 'tools' to assist in preventing and managing their migraines, with reported benefits supporting the development of minimal contact behavioural therapy to increase accessibility for adults with migraine headache and the conduct of a definitive trial.
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Researches to date on the association between headache and weather have yielded inconsistent results. Only a limited number of studies have examined the clinical significance of self-reported weather sensitivity. This study aimed to identify the difference in the association of headache with temperature between migraine patients with and without temperature sensitivity. ⋯ This diary-based study provides evidence to link the perception of temperature sensitivity and headache incidence in migraine patients. Those who reported temperature sensitivity are more likely to have headache increase during the winter, particular for mild headaches.