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Pathophysiology of tension-type headache
Sait Ashina1, Lars Bendtsen, Messoud Ashina
1Danish Headache Center and Department of Neurology, Glostrup Hospital, University of Copenhagen, DK-2600 Glostrup, Copenhagen, Denmark. ashina@dadlnet.dk
Current Pain and Headache Reports
|November 12, 2005
Summary
Tension-type headaches, a common disorder, may stem from central nervous system excitability. Nitric oxide pathways are implicated, suggesting novel treatments for chronic headache.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pain Research
Background:
- Tension-type headache is a prevalent primary headache disorder.
- Recent research enhances understanding of its pathophysiologic mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of central nervous system excitability in chronic tension-type headache.
- To investigate the involvement of nitric oxide (NO) pathways in headache pathophysiology.
Main Methods:
- Review of advances in basic pain and clinical research.
- Analysis of studies on nitric oxide (NO) mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Repetitive myofascial input may lead to central nervous system hyperexcitability, transforming episodic to chronic tension-type headache.
- Nitric oxide (NO) appears crucial in tension-type headache pathophysiology.
Conclusions:
- Nitric oxide synthase inhibitors show potential for novel chronic headache treatment.
- Further research needed on peripheral nociception, descending pain modulation, and animal models for central sensitization.