Headache and Pain Research

Articles in E-pub version are posted online ahead of regular printed publication.

Original Articles

Validity of Migraine Diagnoses in Korean National Health Insurance Claims Data: Yoonkyung Chang, Soyoun Choi, Byung-Su Kim, Tae-Jin Song; Received March 3, 2025 Accepted May 19, 2025 Published online June 19, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.62087/hpr.2025.0004 [Epub ahead of print]

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Purpose: Accurate case identification using administrative datasets relies on diagnostic coding, yet these codes’ accuracy for migraine remains uncertain. This study aimed to validate the diagnostic accuracy of International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems 10th Revision (International Classification of Diseases, ICD-10) codes for migraine, migraine without aura (MOA), and migraine with aura (MA) in the Korean National Health Insurance Service database.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records of 500 patients (migraine [G43.X], 200; MOA [G43.0], 200; MA [G43.1], 100) from secondary and tertiary hospitals between January 2019 and December 2024. Diagnoses confirmed by headache specialists using the International Classification of Headache Disorders, third edition served as the gold standard. Validation metrics included the positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value, sensitivity, specificity, and the kappa statistic. Diagnostic accuracy was assessed based on ICD-10 claim frequency and improved by combining diagnostic codes with prescriptions for migraine medications.
Results
A single ICD-10 claim had a PPV of 74.00%. Accuracy improved significantly with increased claim frequency (≥3 claims: PPV, 81.14%; sensitivity, 98.61%; specificity, 28.26%), particularly when combined with medication prescriptions (≥3 claims with medication: PPV, 94.96%; sensitivity, 91.87%; specificity, 85.37%). MOA (≥3 claims with medication: PPV, 95.20%) and MA (≥3 claims with medication: PPV, 93.65%) showed similar trends. Excellent inter-rater reliability was observed (kappa, 0.806–0.951), with no significant accuracy differences between hospitals.
Conclusion
Employing multiple claims and prescriptions improved the accuracy of migraine diagnoses using ICD-10 codes, supporting the use of this method in epidemiological studies and health policy decisions.

Availability, Accessibility, and Utilization of Diagnostics and Therapeutics for Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension in Asia: Soyoun Choi, Woo-Seok Ha, Soo-Jin Cho, Aynur Özge, Betül Baykan, Esme Ekizoglu, Kiratikorn Vongvaivanich, Koichi Hirata, Linh Tuyen Nguyen, Mamoru Shibata, Min Kyung Chu, Otgonbayar Luvsannorov, Ryotaro Ishii, Shengyuan Yu, Shih-Pin Chen, Shuu-Jiun Wang, Takao Takeshima, Tsubasa Takizawa, Vinh Khang Nguyen, Wei-Ta Chen, Yen-Feng Wang, Soo-Kyoung Kim, Mi Ji Lee; Received March 17, 2025 Accepted April 8, 2025 Published online June 16, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.62087/hpr.2025.0005 [Epub ahead of print]

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Purpose: Recent advances in imaging techniques have significantly enhanced the diagnosis of spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH). However, these developments have been reported mostly in Europe and the United States. This study aimed to evaluate the availability and utilization of diagnostic and treatment modalities for SIH in Asia, through a survey of regional headache specialists.
Methods
A literature search was conducted using PubMed, and members of the Asian Regional Consortium for Headache were contacted. Participants completed a two-step survey evaluating the availability, accessibility, and frequency of SIH diagnostic and treatment methods in their countries and institutions. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data.
Results
Twenty physicians from eight countries completed both rounds of the survey. Lumbar puncture, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and spinal MRI are widely available across Asia, but real-time imaging techniques—such as dynamic computed tomography myelography and digital subtraction myelography—that precisely localize cerebrospinal fluid leaks are less accessible. Blind or semi-targeted epidural blood patches (EBPs) are available at most centers, but are easily accessible in only about half of cases. Surgical interventions are rarely available.
Conclusion
Most diagnostic methods for SIH are available in Asia, despite some regional disparities. The utilization of EBP and surgical interventions remains somewhat limited. This highlights the need for greater awareness and standardization of diagnostic methods in Asia.

Review Article

Vestibular Migraine: Challenges in Diagnosis and Management: Byung-Kun Kim; Received February 2, 2025 Accepted April 7, 2025 Published online June 11, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.62087/hpr.2025.0001 [Epub ahead of print]

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Abstract PDF: Vestibular migraine (VM) remains a clinical challenge due to its heterogeneous presentation and the frequent absence of typical migraine features during vestibular episodes. Although many studies have adopted the diagnostic criteria defined by the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD), interpretation of findings is often complicated by variability in how these criteria are applied across studies. VM is frequently underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed, owing to its clinical overlap with other vestibular disorders. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the epidemiology, diagnostic criteria, differential diagnosis, and treatment strategies for VM. Particular emphasis is placed on distinguishing VM from other causes of vertigo to support accurate diagnosis and tailored management. By synthesizing current evidence, this review aims to improve clinical recognition, diagnostic precision, and therapeutic outcomes for patients with this under-recognized and often debilitating condition.

Editorial

Tension-Type Headache and Primary Stabbing Headache: Primary Headaches Beyond Migraine: Mi-Kyoung Kang; Received April 18, 2025 Accepted May 8, 2025 Published online June 5, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.62087/hpr.2025.0007 [Epub ahead of print]

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Review Article

Genetic Architecture of Migraine: From Broad Insights to East Asian Perspectives: Joonho Kim, Min Kyung Chu; Received February 28, 2025 Accepted April 5, 2025 Published online May 27, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.62087/hpr.2025.0003 [Epub ahead of print]

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Abstract PDF: Migraine is a complex neurological disorder with a strong genetic component, ranging from rare monogenic forms, such as familial hemiplegic migraine (FHM), to common polygenic migraine. FHM is primarily caused by mutations in CACNA1A, ATP1A2, and SCN1A, which affect ion channel function and cortical excitability. Additional genes, including PRRT2, have also been implicated, broadening the genetic landscape of monogenic migraine. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified multiple susceptibility loci for common migraine, highlighting key pathways related to neuronal excitability and vascular function. These findings have reinforced the neurovascular hypothesis of migraine pathogenesis. GWAS on other headache disorders, such as broadly defined headache or cluster headache, have also revealed both overlapping and distinct genetic risk factors. Genetic studies in East Asians have identified both ancestry-specific risk variants and overlapping loci with European populations, suggesting similarities in biological pathways while also highlighting population-specific differences in migraine susceptibility. Expanding research on the genetics of migraine in East Asian populations is essential for uncovering novel risk factors and improving the generalizability of genetic findings.

Original Article

Premonitory Symptoms in Migraine: Implications for Disease Burden and Cognitive Impairment, with Some Promising Answers: Utku Topbaş, Bahar Taşdelen, Nevra Öksüz Gürlen, Aynur Özge; Received November 29, 2024 Accepted January 10, 2025 Published online May 26, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.62087/hpr.2024.0031 [Epub ahead of print]

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Abstract PDF: Purpose: This study evaluated the prevalence and impact of premonitory symptoms (PS) in people with migraine, assessing their influence on disability, cognitive function, and quality of life.
Methods
In a cross-sectional analysis at Mersin University Hospital, 186 migraine patients were interviewed to identify the presence of PS, using a structured questionnaire that included measures of disability (Migraine Disability Assessment Scale or MIDAS), quality of life (European Health Impact Scale or EUROHIS-8), and cognition (Migraine Attack Related Subjective Cognitive Scale or Mig-SCOG). Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, the t-test, and the Mann-Whitney U-test, with a significance threshold set at p<0.05.
Results
Among participants, 74.7% reported one or more PS, with the most common being neck stiffness (64.7%), photophobia (56.8%), fatigue (52.8%), and phonophobia (50.3%). Patients with PS demonstrated significantly lower quality of life scores (EUROHIS-8, p<0.001) and higher cognitive impairment scores (Mig-SCOG, p<0.001) than those without PS, despite similar levels of migraine disability (MIDAS, p=0.050).
Conclusion
The high prevalence of PS in people with migraine and their association with greater cognitive impairment and reduced quality of life indicate that more targeted interventions are necessary in this subgroup. PS may be either a driver of cognitive and quality of life burden or just a marker of it, and disambiguating these possibilities will be a critical area for future research and clinical focus. More optimized and standardized prospective studies are needed to clarify the prevalence of PS.

Review Article

Efficacy and Safety of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Postherpetic Neuralgia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: Abdallah Abbas, Basant Lashin, Mohamed Abouzid, Hadir Mustafa Mohamed, Mohamed El-Moslemani, Mohamed A. Zanaty, Haneen Sabet, Dina Essam Abo-elnour, Ahmed Ibrahim Ghonimy Shedid, Mohamed Salah Mohamed Syed, Amna Hussein, Hoda Awad, Ahmed M. Raslan; Received December 6, 2024 Accepted January 10, 2025 Published online April 16, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.62087/hpr.2024.0032 [Epub ahead of print]

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for pain management in postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). A comprehensive literature search was conducted through May 2024 in Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. Eligible studies included clinical trials, observational, and case-control studies. Two reviewers independently screened studies and extracted data. Risk of bias was assessed using RoB 2 for randomized controlled trials and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for observational studies. Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager v.5.3, with heterogeneity evaluated by chi-square and I² tests. Five studies (245 patients) were included, with rTMS sessions ranging from 10 to 28. Meta-analysis showed significant pain reduction with rTMS compared to sham treatment. At 2 weeks post-treatment, the mean pain score difference (visual analogue scale) was –1.44 (95% CI: –2.12 to –0.77; p<0.0001), with sustained relief at 1 and 3 months. However, no significant differences were found in the patient’s global impression of change scale, sleep quality, quality of life (QoL), medication regulation, or adverse events. rTMS exerted a consistent pain relief effect of rTMS, but its impact on broader aspects of patient well-being was less clear. rTMS provides sustained pain relief in PHN for up to 3 months, but its impact on QoL and secondary outcomes remains unclear, warranting further investigation.

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