[Chronic daily headache: I. Diagnosis and pathophysiology]

M Volcy-Gómez1

  • 1New England Center for Headache, Stamford, Connecticut 06902, USA. medvol98@yahoo.com

Revista De Neurologia
|February 16, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Chronic daily headache (CDH) affects 2-3% of the population, often presenting as chronic migraine. Its multifactorial pathophysiology involves genetics, neuronal dysfunction, and comorbidities like psychiatric disorders and sleep disturbances.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Headache Medicine

Context:

  • Chronic daily headache (CDH) is a prevalent neurological condition, accounting for up to 5% of primary headaches and frequently leading to specialist consultations.
  • Affecting 2-3% of the general population, CDH significantly impacts quality of life and healthcare resources.

Purpose:

  • To review and synthesize current literature on the classification, epidemiology, risk factors, and pathophysiology of chronic daily headache (CDH).

Summary:

  • CDH is primarily categorized by headache duration, with over 90% of cases involving headaches lasting longer than four hours, predominantly chronic migraine.
  • The pathophysiology of CDH is complex and multifactorial, involving genetic predispositions, central and peripheral neuronal dysfunction, neuropeptide imbalances, and the significant impact of medication overuse and psychiatric comorbidities.

Impact:

  • Highlights chronic migraine as the leading manifestation of CDH, emphasizing the need for targeted treatment strategies.
  • Underscores the critical role of associated factors such as analgesic overuse, psychiatric disorders (anxiety, depression), and sleep disturbances in the development and management of CDH.
Abstract

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