Headache and Pain Research

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

Editorial

Beyond the Pain: Rethinking Migraine Care with the RELIEF PLAN Approach: Sanghyo Ryu; Received December 23, 2024 Accepted January 15, 2025 Published online February 17, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.62087/hpr.2024.0035 [Epub ahead of print]

22 View
0 Download

PDF

Review Articles

Does Atogepant Offer a Safe and Efficacious Option for Episodic Migraine Prophylaxis? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis: Ahmed Mostafa Amin, Abdallah Abbas, Samar Ahmed Amer, Hoda Awad, Mahmoud Tarek Hefnawy, Anas Mansour, Mohamed El-Moslemani, Haneen Sabet, Aynur Ozge; Received November 19, 2024 Accepted December 23, 2024 Published online February 17, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.62087/hpr.2024.0030 [Epub ahead of print]

139 View
12 Download

Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Migraine, a chronic neurological disorder, imposes a significant burden on individuals and healthcare systems globally. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of atogepant in preventing episodic migraine (EM) in adults. A systematic search was conducted in four major databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane CENTRAL) up to June 2024. The inclusion criteria targeted randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing atogepant to placebo or standard care in patients with EM. Statistical analyses were performed using Review Manager (RevMan) software. Four RCTs with 2,018 patients receiving atogepant and 761 patients receiving placebo or standard care were included. Atogepant significantly reduced monthly migraine days compared to placebo at 10 mg daily (mean difference [MD], –1.16 days; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], –1.60 to –0.73), 30 mg daily (MD, –1.15 days; 95% CI, –1.64 to –0.66), 60 mg daily (MD, –1.48 days; 95% CI: –2.36 to –0.61 days), 30 mg twice daily (MD, –1.30 days; 95% CI, –2.17 to –0.43), and 60 mg twice daily (MD, –1.20 days; 95% CI, –1.90 to –0.50). A ≥50% reduction in migraine days was frequently significantly achieved with atogepant across all dosages. Atogepant was generally well tolerated, though it was associated with higher incidence rates of constipation and nausea compared to placebo. Atogepant is an effective and well-tolerated option for preventing EM, offering patients a noninvasive oral alternative to injectable therapies. Further research is warranted to explore its long-term safety and efficacy in diverse patient populations and refine its role in this field.

The Current Role of Artificial Intelligence in the Field of Headache Disorders, with a Focus on Migraine: A Systemic Review: Wonwoo Lee, Min Kyung Chu; Received August 15, 2024 Accepted November 23, 2024 Published online February 17, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.62087/hpr.2024.0024 [Epub ahead of print]

27 View
1 Download

Abstract PDF: The application of artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of headache disorders, particularly migraine, is rapidly expanding, and AI has demonstrated significant potential for diagnosis, treatment, and research. This review examines the current role of AI in migraine management, categorizing AI applications into diagnosis and classification, assessment of treatment response, prediction of migraine attacks, and research. A systematic search of literature published between 2000 and 2024 was conducted, following PRISMA guidelines and utilizing the snowball technique. Of the 398 articles identified, along with five additional articles, 61 were finally reviewed. The results highlight promising AI applications, including the use of patient questionnaires, natural language processing, and imaging for migraine diagnosis, as well as predicting treatment responses and forecasting migraine attacks. Nonetheless, challenges remain in improving the accuracy, generalizability, validation, and clinical relevance of AI applications. Despite the substantial promise of AI for improving migraine management, it does not always guarantee better results than traditional methods. Careful consideration of the study design and method selection is crucial. Additionally, the interpretation of AI-generated results, particularly those from generative models, requires caution to avoid potential pitfalls.

Morning Headaches: An In-depth Review of Causes, Associated Disorders, and Management Strategies: Yooha Hong, Mi-Kyoung Kang, Min Seung Kim, Heejung Mo, Rebecca C. Cox, Hee-Jin Im; Received August 4, 2024 Accepted September 30, 2024 Published online January 17, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.62087/hpr.2024.0023 [Epub ahead of print]

94 View
2 Download

Abstract PDF: Morning headaches, which are defined by occurrence upon or shortly after waking up in the morning, range from mild discomfort to severe pain and significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. Although morning headaches are a prevalent and potentially debilitating condition, the criteria for defining these headaches vary. The lack of universally accepted diagnostic criteria complicates understanding their etiology, associated factors, and potential interventions. The causes of morning headaches are multifaceted, including primary headache disorders like migraines and cluster headaches, and secondary causes such as sleep disorders, hypertension, abnormal intracranial pressure, and brain parenchymal diseases. Psychological factors, including anxiety and depression, as well as substance use, further complicate the clinical presentation, often requiring a multidisciplinary approach for effective diagnosis and treatment. This review provides a comprehensive overview of morning headaches, examining their various aspects and possible treatment options, with the goal of enhancing clinicians’ understanding and management of this common yet often overlooked condition.

Original Article

Evidence-Based Recommendations on Pharmacologic Treatment for Migraine Prevention: A Clinical Practice Guideline from the Korean Headache Society: Byung-Su Kim, Pil-Wook Chung, Jae Myun Chung, Kwang-Yeol Park, Heui-Soo Moon, Hong-Kyun Park, Dae-Woong Bae, Jong-Geun Seo, Jong-Hee Sohn, Tae-Jin Song, Seung-Han Lee, Kyungmi Oh, Mi Ji Lee, Myoung-Jin Cha, Yun-Ju Choi, Miyoung Choi; Received June 23, 2024 Accepted September 11, 2024 Published online January 16, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.62087/hpr.2024.0019 [Epub ahead of print]

136 View
7 Download
1 Citations

Abstract PDF

Purpose: The aim of this clinical practice guideline (CPG) from the Korean Headache Society is to provide evidence-based recommendations on the pharmacologic treatment for migraine prevention in adult migraine patients.
Methods
The present CPG was developed based on the guideline adaptation methodology through a comprehensive systematic search for literature published between January 2012 and July 2020. The overall quality of the CPGs was assessed using the Korean version of the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II tool. High-quality CPGs were adapted to make key recommendations in terms of strength (strong or weak) and direction (for or against).
Results
The authors selected nine available high-quality guidelines throughout the process of assessment of quality. Regarding oral migraine preventive medications, propranolol, metoprolol, flunarizine, sodium divalproex, and valproic acid are recommended to adult patients with episodic migraines based on high-quality evidence (“strong for”). Topiramate can be recommended for either episodic or chronic migraine (“strong for”). For migraine prevention using calcitonin gene-related peptide monoclonal antibodies, galcanezumab, fremanezumab, erenumab, and eptinezumab are recommended for adult patients with either episodic or chronic migraine on the basis of high-quality evidence (“strong for”). OnabotulinumtoxinA is recommended for adult patients with chronic migraine based on high-quality evidence (“strong for”). Last, frovatriptan, naratriptan, and zolmitriptan are recommended for short-term prevention in women with menstrual migraine (“strong for”).
Conclusion
In the present CPG, the authors provide specific, straightforward, and easy-to-implement evidence-based recommendations for pharmacologic migraine prevention. Nevertheless, these recommendations should be applied in real-world clinical practice based on optimal individualization.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

One-Year Compliance After Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide Monoclonal Antibody Therapy for Migraine Patients in a Real-World Setting: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study
Mi-kyoung Kang, Jong-Hee Sohn, Myoung-Jin Cha, Yoo Hwan Kim, Yooha Hong, Hee-Jin Im, Soo-Jin Cho
Journal of Clinical Medicine.2025; 14(3): 734. CrossRef

Review Articles

Update on Tension-type Headache: Hye Jeong Lee, Soo-Jin Cho, Jong-Geun Seo, Henrik Winther Schytz; Received September 7, 2024 Accepted October 4, 2024 Published online December 30, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.62087/hpr.2024.0025 [Epub ahead of print]

95 View
4 Download

Abstract PDF: Tension-type headache (TTH) is the most common type of headache, characterized by mild to moderate intensity, bilateral, with a pressing or tightening (non-pulsating) quality. Migraine and TTH can occur in the same person, and their risk factors and treatments can overlap. However, TTH receives less attention than migraine. Furthermore, despite the expanding market for migraine treatments targeting calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) mechanisms, the lack of evidence regarding mechanisms related to CGRP-related mechanisms in TTH continues to be neglected. There remains a need to develop effective preventive treatments for chronic TTH, which imposes a very high burden of disease. From this perspective, this review aims to provide the latest evidence on TTH.

Advances in Primary Stabbing Headache: Diagnostic Criteria, Epidemiological Insights, and Tailored Treatment Approaches: Ayush Chandra, Avinash Chandra, Soohyun Cho; Received June 8, 2024 Accepted July 3, 2024 Published online September 2, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.62087/hpr.2024.0018 [Epub ahead of print]

364 View
9 Download

Abstract PDF: Primary stabbing headache (PSH), characterized by sudden, localized stabbing headache pain, is a recognized primary headache disorder with evolving diagnostic criteria. Epidemiological studies show a wide range of prevalence, influenced by various factors. PSH is more common in females, frequently occurring in conjunction with migraine, and can manifest in children. Recent diagnostic criteria have changed the definition of sharp stabbing pain, which is no longer restricted to the first division of the trigeminal nerve. In addition, the criterion of “no accompanying symptoms” has been refined to “no cranial autonomic symptoms” specifically. These changes have increased the sensitivity for capturing PSH. Although it is generally considered benign, stabbing headache can be associated with secondary causes. Clinical red flag signs can be helpful in distinguishing secondary headaches from PSH. A recent prospective study has proposed the monophasic, intermittent, and chronic patterns as subtypes, and this division may be helpful for predicting the prognosis. Pharmacological treatment is typically not required for PSH, although indomethacin and other alternating agents can be used. The treatment should be selected based on individual clinical features and comorbidities. This review aims to highlight the necessity of recognizing the distinctive clinical profile of PSH and of tailoring treatment approaches to patients’ individual needs.

First
Prev
Page of 1
Next
Last

Ahead-of print articles