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Chronic daily headache
Giuseppe Nappi1, Armando Perrotta, Paolo Rossi
1University Centre for Adaptive Disorders and Headache, IRCCS C. Mondino Institute of Neurology Foundation, University of Pavia, Italy. giuseppe.nappi@mondino.it
Insights
Chronic daily headache (CDH) affects millions globally, encompassing various headache types, often evolving from episodic forms. This review covers CDH classification, causes, and treatment options.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Headache Medicine
Background:
- Chronic daily headache (CDH) is a prevalent condition affecting 4-5% of the global population.
- It encompasses a heterogeneous group of headaches, including transformed migraine and chronic tension-type headache, often linked to medication overuse.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the classification, pathophysiology, and therapeutic approaches for chronic daily headaches.
- To address the ongoing debate in CDH classification and the lack of approved specific therapies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on CDH.
- Analysis of classification criteria and diagnostic challenges.
- Overview of current pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment strategies.
Main Results:
- CDH presents diagnostic challenges, though recent criteria revisions have improved classification.
- Few large-scale controlled trials exist for CDH treatments.
- The review synthesizes current knowledge on CDH pathophysiology and therapeutic options.
Conclusions:
- Effective management of CDH requires addressing classification ambiguities and advancing therapeutic research.
- A comprehensive understanding of CDH pathophysiology is crucial for developing targeted treatments.
Abstract:
The term chronic daily headache (CDH) identifies a heterogeneous group of headaches characterized by the presence of daily or near-daily headache, including forms associated with medication overuse. This group includes chronic (transformed) migraine, chronic tension-type headache, new daily-persistent headache and hemicrania continua. According to population studies, CDH affects 4-5% of the general population worldwide, making it a significant social problem. CDH evolves from an episodic form of headache or, more rarely, is daily from onset. The classification of CDH continues to be debated, even though the recent revision of the diagnostic criteria for several primary headache forms seems to have resolved some of the nosographical difficulties. To date, no specific therapies have been approved for CDH and there have been few large-scale controlled trials of treatments in this area. This article reviews various aspects of CDH: classification issues, pathophysiological hypotheses and therapeutic (pharmacological and nonpharmacological) approaches.
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