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Autonomic function in tension-type headache.
Deniz Yerdelen1, Tayfun Acil, Basak Goksel
1Department of Neurology, Baskent University Faculty of Medicine, Adana Teaching and Medical Research Center, Adana, Turkey. yerdelend@gmail.com
Acta Neurologica Belgica
|April 18, 2008
Summary
Tension-type headache (TTH) patients show normal parasympathetic nervous system function, indicated by heart rate recovery. However, episodic TTH patients exhibit lower resting heart rates, suggesting sympathetic nervous system hypofunction.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Autonomic Nervous System Research
Background:
- The underlying mechanisms of tension-type headache (TTH) remain unclear.
- While TTH is often linked to the sympathetic nervous system, research on autonomic nervous system involvement is limited.
- Investigating parasympathetic nervous system activity is challenging due to limited assessment techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate parasympathetic nervous system function in TTH patients by measuring heart rate recovery (HRR).
- To explore potential links between autonomic nervous system dysfunction and TTH pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-seven TTH patients (15 episodic, 22 chronic) and 37 controls underwent exercise tolerance testing (modified Bruce protocol).
- Heart rate recovery (HRR) at 1 and 3 minutes (HRR1, HRR3) was calculated.
- Resting heart rate was also recorded for comparison.
Main Results:
- HRR1 and HRR3 were comparable between TTH patients and control subjects.
- Resting heart rate was significantly lower in episodic TTH patients compared to chronic TTH patients and controls.
- This suggests reduced sympathetic nervous system tone in episodic TTH.
Conclusions:
- Parasympathetic nervous system function appears unaffected in TTH patients.
- Episodic TTH may be associated with sympathetic hypofunction, as indicated by lower resting heart rate.
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