Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 1, 2025
07:30
Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions
Published on: April 23, 2021
3.2K
Cognitive Impairment in Primary and Secondary Headache Disorders
Olivia Begasse de Dhaem1, Matthew S Robbins2
1Department of Neurology, Stamford Hospital, Stamford, CT, USA. begassededhaem@gmail.com.
Current Pain and Headache Reports
|March 3, 2022
Summary
Cognitive impairment is common in headache disorders like migraine, impacting attention and memory. While not linked to dementia, understanding these neurocognitive symptoms is crucial for effective headache management.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cognitive Science
- Headache Medicine
Background:
- Neurocognitive symptoms are prevalent and debilitating in primary and secondary headache disorders.
- Understanding the relationship between cognitive function and headache is essential for clinical management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate recent literature on cognitive impairment associated with headache disorders.
- To synthesize current knowledge on neurocognitive deficits in various headache conditions.
Main Methods:
- A narrative review of the current literature was conducted.
- Literature search was performed using PubMed with keywords on cognitive function and headache.
Main Results:
- Migraine is linked to cognitive impairment, including attention and memory deficits, years before diagnosis, but not dementia.
- Tension-type headache shows no clear association with cognitive dysfunction.
- Cluster headache may be associated with executive dysfunction.
- Secondary headache syndromes (vascular, trauma, intracranial pressure issues) are linked to poorer cognitive performance.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive impairment is a significant feature of many headache disorders, particularly migraine.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the cognitive profiles associated with different headache types.
- Clinicians should consider cognitive symptoms in the assessment and management of patients with headache disorders.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Cognitive Enhancers: Cholinesterase Inhibitors and NMDA Receptor Antagonists
220
Cognitive enhancers, also known as "smart drugs," are substances used to enhance memory, mental alertness, and concentration. These can be natural or synthetic and improve cognition in conditions like Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative diseases. Some common examples include caffeine, amphetamines, methylphenidate, modafinil, arecoline, donepezil, vortioxetine, and piracetam. These enhancers work on the principle of synaptic plasticity and altered circuit function.
220
01:30Dementia
204
Dementia is a collective term for cognitive disorders primarily affecting memory, thinking, and reasoning. It is not a specific disease but a syndrome, with Alzheimer's disease being the most common cause, accounting for approximately 60-80% of cases. Other types include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Dementia affects millions worldwide, particularly older adults, though it is not a normal part of aging.
The progression of dementia is generally gradual....
The progression of dementia is generally gradual....
204
01:13Amnesia
217
Amnesia is a condition marked by long-term memory loss, which impairs the ability to recall past events or create new memories.
The severity and duration of memory loss vary depending on the type and underlying cause. Amnesia is classified into two main types: retrograde and anterograde.
Retrograde amnesia is marked by the loss of memories formed before the onset of the condition. Patients may recall distant past events but often forget those occurring shortly before the incident.
Anterograde...
The severity and duration of memory loss vary depending on the type and underlying cause. Amnesia is classified into two main types: retrograde and anterograde.
Retrograde amnesia is marked by the loss of memories formed before the onset of the condition. Patients may recall distant past events but often forget those occurring shortly before the incident.
Anterograde...
217
01:26Alzheimer's Disease: Overview
712
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a continually advancing neurodegenerative disorder, distinguished by escalating memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, and dementia. The disease unfolds in three stages: preclinical, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia. Its onset is insidious, and the progression gradual, with the cause not well explained by other disorders.
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ...
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ...
712
01:30Negative and Cognitive Symptoms of Schizophrenia
138
Negative symptoms of schizophrenia indicate a reduction or absence of typical behaviors and emotional responses found in healthy individuals, while positive symptoms reflect an excess or distortion of normal functioning.
Negative Symptoms
Negative symptoms of schizophrenia manifest as deficits in normal emotional and behavioral functioning, profoundly impacting daily life. Individuals with schizophrenia often display a flat affect, characterized by a near-total absence of emotional expression,...
Negative Symptoms
Negative symptoms of schizophrenia manifest as deficits in normal emotional and behavioral functioning, profoundly impacting daily life. Individuals with schizophrenia often display a flat affect, characterized by a near-total absence of emotional expression,...
138
01:26Higher Mental Functions of Brain: Learning and Memory
1.0K
Memory is one of the most vital higher mental functions of the brain. Memory is closely related to learning because it enables us to retain information and experiences from our past to use them in our present life. It also helps us to remember facts, events, and skills, such as riding a bike or swimming. There are two types of memory — declarative memory, which involves memorizing facts or events, and procedural memory, which enables us to remember how to do something like writing or...
1.0K