- Side Shift of Attacks in Cluster Headache: A Prospective Single-center Study
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Michelle Sojung Youn, Jun Pyo Kim, Mi Ji Lee
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Headache Pain Res. 2024;25(2):96-102. Published online August 28, 2024
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.62087/hpr.2024.0013
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Abstract
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- Purpose: Although strict unilaterality is a characteristic of cluster headache (CH), side shift of attacks has been reported. We aimed to assess the prevalence and patterns of side shifts, as well as their correlations with clinical characteristics and treatment response in CH patients.
Methods We prospectively recruited and followed up CH patients at a university hospital. Patients with two or more lifetime CH bouts were interviewed about their side shift history using a structured questionnaire. The demographics and disease characteristics were collected at baseline, and the treatment response at 2- to 4-week follow-up examinations was compared between patients with versus without side shifts.
Results Out of 124 CH patients, 26 (21.0%) experienced side shifts. Sixteen (61.5%) experienced shifts between bouts, 13 (50.0%) within a bout, and four (15.4%) within an attack, with none (0%) reporting bilateral pain during an attack. Among patients who experienced shifts between bouts, six (37.5%) reported a single shift during the entire disease course, while 10 (62.5%) reported multiple shifts between bouts. The demographics, characteristics, and treatment response did not significantly differ according to the history of side shift.
Conclusion In our study, the prevalence and pattern of side shifts were comparable to the results from earlier studies. The presence of side shifts did not show significant association with a specific clinical profile and their incidence did not impact the treatment response. These findings suggest that side-shifting CH is not a distinct entity or migraine variant, but rather within the spectrum of CH.
- Updated Treatment of Trigeminal Autonomic Cephalalgias
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So Youn Choi, Michelle Sojung Youn, Mi Ji Lee
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Korean J Headache. 2023;24(2):45-49. Published online December 31, 2023
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Abstract
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- Trigeminal Autonomic Cephalalgia (TAC) encompasses cluster headache, paroxysmal hemicrania, short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks (SUNHA), and hemicrania continua. The treatment of cluster headache consists of acute therapy and preventive treatment. The available options for acute treatment in South Korea include high-flow O2 inhalation, zolmitriptan oral medication, and intranasal lidocaine spray. In the transitional phase of cluster headache, oral steroids and suboccipital steroid injections are commonly used. Verapamil and lithium have been widely used as preventive medications, but recently, galcanezumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting calcitonin gene-related peptide, has emerged as a recognized preventive treatment for cluster headache. In addition, neuromodulation techniques, such as noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation, sphenopalatine ganglion stimulation, occipital nerve stimulation, and deep brain stimulation, are also available for the treatment of cluster headache. Paroxysmal hemicrania and hemicrania continua are absolutely responsive to indomethacin; however, when indo methacin is contraindicated, alternative treatments are necessary. Reported alternatives include topiramate, vagus nerve stimulation, verapamil, and carbamazepine for paroxysmal hemicrania, and topiramate, gabapentin, and neurostimulation for hemicrania continua. Treatment options for SUNHA are limited, but short-term preventive approaches such as intravenous lidocaine, as well as the use of lamotrigine for preventive treatment, can be considered.
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