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The metabolic headaches
Marcelo E Bigal1, Jonathan Gladstone
1Global Director for Scientific Affairs, Neuroscience, Merck Research Laboratories, One Merck Drive, PO Box 100, Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889, USA. marcelo_bigal@merck.com
Current Pain and Headache Reports
|July 16, 2008
Summary
This review covers headaches caused by homeostasis disorders, including those from hypoxia, hypertension, and fasting. It details clinical features, diagnosis, and treatments for these systemic disease-related headaches.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Internal Medicine
- Physiology
Background:
- Headaches are frequently associated with systemic diseases, previously termed "metabolic or systemic diseases."
- Homeostasis disorders can manifest as secondary headaches, impacting various physiological systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review headaches secondary to disorders of homeostasis.
- To discuss clinical features, diagnosis, and therapeutic strategies for these headache types.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of headaches secondary to homeostasis disorders.
- Analysis of clinical presentations, diagnostic criteria, and treatment options.
Main Results:
- Headaches associated with hypoxia/hypercapnia (high altitude, diving, sleep apnea) are discussed.
- Headaches related to dialysis, arterial hypertension, hypothyroidism, fasting, and cardiac cephalalgia are examined.
- Clinical features, diagnostic approaches, and therapeutic strategies for each headache type are presented.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the link between homeostasis and headaches is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
- Tailored therapeutic strategies are essential for managing headaches secondary to systemic disorders.
- This review provides a comprehensive overview for clinicians managing these complex headache presentations.
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