Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2026
05:40
Dural Stimulation and Periorbital von Frey Testing in Mice As a Preclinical Model of Headache
Published on: July 29, 2021
Tension-type headache: current research and clinical management.
1Department of Neurology, Headache Research Unit, Liège University, Liège, Belgium. arnaud.fumal@chu.ulg.ac.be
The Lancet. Neurology
|December 21, 2007
Summary
Tension-type headache (TTH) is common, but chronic TTH is difficult to manage. Current preventive treatments are often ineffective, highlighting the need for better therapeutic strategies for disabling headaches.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pain Management
- Headache Medicine
Background:
- Tension-type headache (TTH) represents the most prevalent headache disorder.
- Chronic tension-type headache (CTTH) poses significant challenges in treatment and is often overlooked.
- Understanding TTH pathogenesis is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on tension-type headache.
- To discuss problematic aspects of TTH, particularly CTTH.
- To identify areas for improved patient management.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of TTH pathogenesis, classification, and treatment.
- Analysis of peripheral and central mechanisms in TTH.
- Evaluation of acute and preventive treatment efficacy.
Main Results:
- TTH pathogenesis is multifactorial, involving peripheral and central mechanisms.
- Peripheral mechanisms are key in infrequent/frequent TTH; central mechanisms dominate in CTTH.
- Acute TTH therapy is effective; preventive therapy shows limited efficacy, especially for CTTH.
Conclusions:
- CTTH management requires a combination of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic approaches.
- There is an urgent need for improved strategies to manage debilitating headaches.
- Further research into TTH pathophysiology and treatment is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
01:14Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction
Intracranial hypertension is a sustained elevation of intracranial pressure (ICP) above 22 mm Hg. In supine adults, normal ICP is ~7–15 mm Hg.The rigid, nonexpandable cranium contains three components—brain tissue, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)—that total ~1,700 mL in a typical adult: 1,400 mL brain (~80%), 150 mL blood (~10%), and 150 mL CSF (~10%). According to the Monro–Kellie doctrine, total intracranial volume is effectively fixed. When one component expands, CSF and venous blood...
01:30Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Hypertension is asymptomatic and also referred to as the "silent killer" until it progresses to a severe stage or causes target organ disease. Patients may experience symptoms stemming from the strain on blood vessels and tissues in various organs or the heart's increased workload.Physical exams might show no abnormalities other than high blood pressure. Signs of vascular damage, when present, correspond to the organs supplied by the affected vessels, leading to target organ damage. For...
01:23Hypertension V: Nursing Management
The nursing management of hypertension involves accurately assessing symptoms, making a comprehensive nursing diagnosis, collaborating with patients to set goals, and implementing targeted interventions to mitigate the condition's impact and improve patient well-being.Comprehensive AssessmentThe initial step in nursing care for hypertension involves a thorough patient assessment. It includes evaluating symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, and previous hypertension episodes.
01:26Tonsillitis II: Management
This lesson will focus on the different treatment options for managing tonsillitis, which typically depend on the cause and severity.
01:29Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology
Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) refers to a potentially life-threatening rise in pressure inside the skull. This usually happens when there is a major change in the volume of brain tissue, blood, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — the three components inside the skull. According to the Monro-Kellie doctrine, if the volume of one component increases, the volumes of the other components must decrease to maintain normal pressure. If this does not happen, ICP rises.The process often begins with...
01:21Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Thoracic, aortic arch and abdominal aneurysms are significant vascular conditions that can present with various clinical manifestations and lead to serious complications. Understanding these manifestations and the appropriate diagnostic studies is essential for effective management and treatment.Thoracic Aortic AneurysmsThoracic aortic aneurysms often remain asymptomatic until they reach a size that impinges on adjacent structures. They typically cause deep, diffuse chest pain that radiates to...