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The tension headache, migraine headache continuum: a hypothesis
1Center for Clinical Studies, Northwestern College of Chiropractic, Bloomington, MN 55431.
Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics
|March 1, 1994
Summary
Tension-type and migraine headaches may represent a continuum rather than distinct conditions. This review explores their shared mechanisms and proposes a unified model for chronic headache disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Headache Medicine
Background:
- Tension-type headache and migraine are commonly diagnosed headache disorders.
- Existing literature suggests a potential overlap in their underlying pathophysiology.
- The discrete classification of these headaches may not fully capture their clinical spectrum.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evidence supporting a continuum model for tension-type and migraine headaches.
- To discuss the pathophysiologic mechanisms common to both headache types.
- To present a novel model for understanding chronic headaches.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of basic scientific and clinical evidence.
- Synthesis of existing research on headache mechanisms.
- Development of a clinical model based on evidence and author's observations.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests tension-type and migraine headaches exist on a pathophysiologic continuum.
- Shared mechanisms contribute to the spectrum of headache disorders.
- A unified model can better explain chronic headache presentations.
Conclusions:
- Headache classification may need revision to reflect a continuum model.
- This model has implications for clinical diagnosis and treatment strategies.
- Further research is needed to validate the proposed continuum model for headaches.