Altered brain functional connectivity in patients with tension-type headache

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Medical Imaging
• Neurology

Background:

• Tension-type headache (TTH) is a highly prevalent neurological disorder globally.
• Understanding the underlying pathophysiology of TTH is crucial for developing effective treatments.
• Previous research suggests potential alterations in brain function in TTH patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate differences in brain functional connectivity between TTH patients and healthy controls.
• To explore both static and dynamic functional connectivity patterns.
• To correlate observed brain activity with clinical characteristics of TTH.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study comparing 33 TTH patients with 30 healthy controls (HCs).
• Utilized four analytical approaches: global functional connectivity, functional connectivity, Granger causality analysis, and dynamic functional connectivity.
• Performed correlational analyses to link brain activity with disease duration and pain intensity.

Main Results:

• TTH patients exhibited altered global functional connectivity in the right dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus (SFGdor).
• Abnormal functional connectivity was found between the right SFGdor and other regions, including the superior temporal gyrus, precuneus, middle temporal gyrus (MTG), caudate nucleus, and thalamus (THA).
• Dynamic functional connectivity revealed disconnections involving the right SFGdor, MTG, Rolandic operculum (ROL), and inferior frontal gyrus. Activity in MTG, THA, and ROL correlated with disease duration, and THA activity correlated with pain scores.

Conclusions:

• Static and dynamic brain functional connectivity are altered in TTH patients.
• Affected brain regions are involved in sensory perception, emotion, cognition, and pain regulation.
• Findings enhance understanding of TTH neural networks and may guide future therapeutic strategies.