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Menstrual tension-type headache: evidence for its existence
Antonio Arjona1, Jose Rubi-Callejon, Pedro Guardado-Santervas
1Hospital Torrecardenas--Neurology, Almeria, Spain.
Headache
|March 16, 2007
Summary
Menstrual tension-type headache is a recognized disorder. This study identified 21 patients meeting criteria for this headache type, supporting its inclusion in headache classifications.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Headache Medicine
- Women's Health
Background:
- The International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD) lacks specific criteria for menstrual tension-type headache.
- Current ICHD classifications include diagnostic criteria for menstrual migraine but not menstrual tension-type headache.
- This omission suggests a potential gap in recognizing specific headache patterns related to menstruation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the validity and diagnostic criteria for menstrual tension-type headache.
- To determine if menstrual tension-type headache represents a distinct and recognizable disorder.
- To advocate for the inclusion of menstrual tension-type headache in future headache classifications.
Main Methods:
- A neurological outpatient clinic setting was utilized to identify patients.
- 165 patients with menstruation-related headaches were assessed.
- Diagnostic criteria from the ICHD for menstrual migraine were adapted and applied to identify cases of menstrual tension-type headache.
Main Results:
- Twenty-one patients fulfilled the adapted criteria for menstrual tension-type headache.
- Within this group, 6 patients met criteria for pure menstrual tension-type headache.
- 15 patients were diagnosed with menstrually related tension-type headache.
Conclusions:
- Menstrual tension-type headache is a valid clinical condition.
- The findings support the recognition of menstrual tension-type headache as a distinct disorder.
- Inclusion in the International Classification of Headache Disorders is recommended for improved diagnosis and treatment.
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