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Tension-type headache and migraine: two points on a continuum?
1Center for Neurosciences, Tucson, AZ 85718, USA. bvargas@neurotucson.com
Current Pain and Headache Reports
|November 1, 2008
Summary
Tension-type headache (TTH) and migraine may be more similar than distinct, challenging the view that they are separate conditions. Clinical similarities in symptoms, demographics, and genetics suggest a closer relationship between these headache types.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Headache Medicine
Background:
- The relationship between tension-type headache (TTH) and migraine is a long-standing debate in neurology.
- Distinct diagnostic criteria often emphasize differences, but clinical observations suggest overlap.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the similarities and differences between TTH and migraine in a clinical context.
- To assess the validity of the continuum model for these headache disorders.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of clinical characteristics, associated features, and demographics of TTH and migraine patients.
- Review of treatment responses and genetic influences for both headache types.
Main Results:
- Despite distinct diagnostic criteria, TTH and migraine share significant clinical similarities.
- Similarities observed in associated symptoms, treatment responses, demographics in certain age groups, and genetic predispositions.
- These overlaps challenge the notion of TTH and migraine as entirely separate entities.
Conclusions:
- Tension-type headache and migraine exhibit more commonalities than previously suggested by diagnostic criteria.
- The findings support the hypothesis that TTH and migraine may exist on a continuum.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the intricate relationship between these prevalent headache disorders.
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