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Abnormal neuromuscular transmission in cluster headache
1Department of Neurology and Electrodiagnostic Neurology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Barbaros mah. Baskan sok. No. 17, Uskudar, Istanbul 81150, Turkey.
Headache
|June 6, 2003
Summary
Episodic cluster headache may involve neuromuscular transmission dysfunction, similar to migraine. This study found abnormalities in a majority of cluster headache patients using single fiber electromyography.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurophysiology
- Headache Disorders
Background:
- Abnormal neuromuscular transmission is documented in migraine with and without aura.
- Genetic factors are implicated in migraine with aura and may play a role in cluster headaches.
- Episodic cluster headache is a primary headache disorder.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate potential dysfunction in neuromuscular transmission within episodic cluster headache patients.
- To compare neuromuscular transmission in episodic cluster headache patients versus healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Single fiber electromyography (SFEMG) of the extensor digitorum communis during voluntary contraction.
- Nerve conduction studies of upper and lower extremities.
- Concentric needle electromyography of the extensor digitorum communis in 6 cluster headache patients and 6 controls.
Main Results:
- Three out of six episodic cluster headache patients exhibited significant neuromuscular transmission abnormalities via SFEMG.
- One additional patient showed borderline neuromuscular transmission dysfunction.
- No neuromuscular transmission abnormalities were detected in the control group.
Conclusions:
- Episodic cluster headache patients may present with neuromuscular transmission abnormalities.
- These findings suggest a potential shared pathophysiological mechanism between episodic cluster headache and migraine.