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Virulence 2020 Dec;11(1):482-485

Infectious Diseases Department, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.

Since its outbreak in Wuhan, Hubei Province China, 2019-coronavirus infected disease (COVID-19) had been widely spread all over the world, the control of which calls for a better understanding of its epidemiology and clinical characteristics. We included 12 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in First Affiliated Hospital of Jilin University from 23 January 2020 to 11 February 2020, which were retrospectively analyzed for epidemiological, demographic, clinical, laboratory, and radiological features. All the patients were confirmed by nucleic acid detection, the average age of whom was 45. Read More

Front Pharmacol 2020 5;11:562. Epub 2020 May 5.

Department of Human Anatomy and Psychobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.

Verapamil is a phenylalkylamine class calcium channel blocker that for half a century has been used for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Nowadays, verapamil is also considered as a drug option for the treatment of several neurological and psychiatric disorders, such as cluster headache, bipolar disorders, epilepsy, and neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we review insights into the potential preventive and therapeutic role of verapamil on Alzheimer's disease (AD) based on limited experimental and clinical data. Read More

Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2020 28;13:1756286420918088. Epub 2020 Apr 28.

First Neurology Department, Aeginition Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 74 V. Sofia's Avenue, Athens 11528, Greece.

Background: Galcanezumab, along with three other monoclonal antibodies targeting the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) pathway, represents the latest disease-specific and mechanism-based treatment for the prophylaxis of migraine. Galcanezumab shares data also for the prophylaxis of cluster headache.

Objective: To provide a pooled safety and efficacy analysis of all phase III randomized controlled trials of galcanezumab in the preventive therapy of migraine. Read More

J Pain Res 2020 23;13:817-828. Epub 2020 Apr 23.

Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, Scotland.

Background: Cluster headache (CH) is considered to be a catastrophic disease presenting the most severe human pain condition. Available pharmacological treatments are hampered by unwanted side effects, and there is an urgent need for non-pharmacological treatment alternatives. We present a novel therapeutic approach for chronic CH, having evolved from an episodic CH, using a non-invasive percutaneous bioelectric current stimulation (PBCS), which generates static electric fields in the range of the naturally occurring electric potentials. Read More

Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2020 May 18;5:CD011505. Epub 2020 May 18.

C/O Department of Paediatrics, RCSI & UCD Malaysia Campus (formerly Penang Medical College), George Town, Malaysia.

Background: Many women express concern about their ability to produce enough milk, and insufficient milk is frequently cited as the reason for supplementation and early termination of breastfeeding. When addressing this concern, it is important first to consider the influence of maternal and neonatal health, infant suck, proper latch, and feeding frequency on milk production, and that steps be taken to correct or compensate for any contributing issues. Oral galactagogues are substances that stimulate milk production. Read More

Epilepsy Behav 2020 May 14;109:107127. Epub 2020 May 14.

University of Cincinnati, 260 Stetson Street, Suite 2300, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0525, USA. Electronic address:

Objective: The objective of the present trial was to assess efficacy and safety of intravenous (IV) brivaracetam (BRV) vs. lorazepam (LZP) in patients with epilepsy undergoing evaluation in an epilepsy monitoring unit (EMU) who experienced seizures requiring acute treatment.

Methods: This was a phase 2, open-label, randomized, active-control, proof-of-concept trial (EP0087; NCT03021018). Read More

Clin Exp Dermatol 2020 May 14. Epub 2020 May 14.

Department of Dermatology, Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is rapidly spread across the world. Many clinical manifestations of the virus are described, and new symptoms are emerging, only few cases of patients with skin manifestation were described since the pandemic was announced by the WHO on March. Common clinical features of COVID-19 reported include fever, cough, myalgia, fatigue, headache, shortness of breath and diarrhea. Read More

Cephalalgia 2020 May 12:333102420923646. Epub 2020 May 12.

Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Center, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.

Objective: Headache disorders like migraine show geographic and ethnic differences between Asian and European/North American countries. In cluster headache, these differences are rarely mentioned and discussed. This article aimed to review the characteristics of cluster headache in Asian countries and compare the clinical features to those in European and North American populations. Read More

Neuromodulation 2020 May 7. Epub 2020 May 7.

Department of Neuroradiology, King's College Hospital, London, England, UK.

Objectives: A recent approach to treatment of cluster headaches (CH) employs a microstimulator device for on-demand neuromodulation of the sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) during an acute CH attack. A precise anatomical localization of the SPG within the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) is optimal in order to position the SPG electrode array. This study aims to investigate a novel approach for SPG localization using computed tomography angiographic studies (CTA). Read More

Pain Ther 2020 May 7. Epub 2020 May 7.

Department of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Cluster headache is a rare form of headache associated with sleep and even speculated to be a manifestation of a sleep disorder rather than a primary headache. Cluster headache exhibits both circadian and circannual rhythmicity. While attacks often occur during sleep, the implication that cluster headaches might be involved with rapid eye movement (REM) sleep phases has neither been fully established nor refuted. Read More

J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2020 Jun 7;91(6):572-579. Epub 2020 May 7.

Headache and Facial Pain Group, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK

Objectives: To define the characteristics of post-traumatic headache with cluster headache phenotype (PTH-CH) and to compare these characteristics with primary CH.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted of patients seen between 2007 and 2017 in a headache centre and diagnosed with PTH-CH that developed within 7 days of head trauma. A control cohort included 553 patients with primary CH without any history of trauma who attended the headache clinic during the same period. Read More

Neurogenetics 2020 May 6. Epub 2020 May 6.

Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Management, Maastricht University Medical Center+, 6200, MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands.

Chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) is a debilitating chronic pain condition that has a substantial effect on quality of life. CPSP shows considerable clinical overlap with different chronic peripheral pain syndromes, suggesting a shared aetiology. This study aims to assess the genetic overlap between different chronic pain syndromes and CPSP, providing relevant biological context for potential chronic pain markers of CPSP. Read More

J Psychoactive Drugs 2020 May 7:1-5. Epub 2020 May 7.

The Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Adelaide University and the Department of Psychology, School of Psychology, Social Work, and Social Policy, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia.

Preliminary evidence supports the efficacy of psychedelics in the alleviation of cluster headache and mental health problems. We describe a case of an individual with cluster headache and mood disorder who claims to have benefited from her use of psychedelics. A forty-eight-year-old woman was referred to a private Australian mental health clinic for the management of chronic pain and depression. Read More

Reg Anesth Pain Med 2020 May 4. Epub 2020 May 4.

Anesthesia Pain, UC San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA.

The development of chronic pain is a complex mechanism that is still not fully understood. Multiple somatic and visceral afferent pain signals, when experienced over time, cause a strengthening of certain neural circuitry through peripheral and central sensitization, resulting in the physical and emotional perceptual chronic pain experience. The mind-altering qualities of psychedelics have been attributed, through serotonin 2A (5-HT) receptor agonism, to 'reset' areas of functional connectivity (FC) in the brain that play prominent roles in many central neuropathic states. Read More

J Headache Pain 2020 May 4;21(1):44. Epub 2020 May 4.

Economic Evaluation & HTA (CEIS- EEHTA), Faculty of Economics, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.

Background: Cluster headache (CH) is the most frequent trigemino-autonomic cephalgia. CH can manifest as episodic (ECH) or chronic cluster headache (CCH) causing significant burden of disease and requiring attack therapy and prophylactic treatment. The few data available on the economic burden of CH come from retrospective studies based on questionnaires, population surveys and medical insurance claims database. Read More

Headache 2020 May 2. Epub 2020 May 2.

Headache Center, Department of Medical, Surgical, Neurological, Metabolic and Aging Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy.

Background: Monoclonal antibodies (mABs) against calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) or its receptor have emerged as effective and well-tolerated preventive medications for migraine. The key role played by CGRP has been recently demonstrated also in the pathophysiology of cluster headache (CH), paving the way for studies aimed to investigate the effectiveness of mABs targeting CGRP also in CH. However, no trials have been conducted so far to test the efficacy and tolerability of erenumab as CH preventive treatment. Read More

J Headache Pain 2020 Apr 25;21(1):37. Epub 2020 Apr 25.

Headache and Facial Pain Group, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square and The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London, UK.

Introduction: The population rate of familial cluster headache (CH) has been reported to be as high as 20% however this varies considerably across studies. To obtain a true estimate of family history in CH, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of previously published data.

Methods: Our systematic review involved a search of electronic databases (Medline, EMBASE, PubMed, CINAHL) to identify and appraise studies of interest utilising the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis) guidelines. Read More

Front Neurol 2020 9;11:221. Epub 2020 Apr 9.

Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Milan, Italy.

Curr Opin Neurol 2020 Jun;33(3):329-337

Department of Neurology, Headache Center North-East, University Medical Center Rostock, Rostock, Germany.

Purpose Of Review: Neuromodulatory approaches add to our armamentarium of therapeutic tools for the treatment of primary headaches. This review provides a comprehensive overview of current controlled studies on the different neuromodulation techniques and recommendations for clinical practice.

Recent Findings: Evidence for efficacy of transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation (tVNS) is limited to acute use in migraine with ambiguous results and episodic cluster headache as well as chronic cluster headache if applied in addition to conventional treatment. Read More

Health Secur 2020 Mar/Apr;18(2):96-104

Paul Edward Okello, MSc, is an Epidemiologist/Microbiologist; Benon Kwesiga, MPH, is Field Supervisor; Susan Kizito, MSc, Steven N. Kabwama, MPH, and Daniel Kadobera, MSc, are Epidemiologists; all with the Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda. Robert Kaos Majwala, MA, is an Epidemiologist and Data Analyst, National Disease Control, Uganda Ministry of Health, and University Research Co, LLC, Center for Human Services, Kampala. Rosalia Kalani, MSc, is a Public Health Specialist, Disease Surveillance and Epidemic Response, Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya. Lilian Bulage, MSc, is an Epidemiologist and Scientific Writer, African Field Epidemiology Network-Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program. Linus K. Ndegwa, PhD, is an Epidemiologist; Elizabeth Hunsperger, PhD, is Laboratory Director, Division of Global Health Protection; Sandra S. Chaves, MD, is Director, Influenza Program; and Marc-Alain Widdowson, VetMB, is Director, CDC-Kenya; all with CDC, Nairobi, Kenya. Dr. Widdowson is also Director, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium. Henry Kajumbula, PhD, is Chair, Clinical Microbiology, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda. Melvin Ochieng is a Biochemical Research Assistant, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi. Julie R. Harris, PhD, is Resident Advisor, Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, Division of Global Health Protection, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Kampala, Uganda. Bao-Ping Zhu, MD, is a Medical Epidemiologist, Center for Global Health, CDC, Atlanta, GA. Alex Riolexus Ario, PhD, is Director, Uganda National Institute of Public Health, Kampala. The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

On February 22, 2017, Hospital X-Kampala and US CDC-Kenya reported to the Uganda Ministry of Health a respiratory illness in a 46-year-old expatriate of Company A. The patient, Mr. A, was evacuated from Uganda to Kenya and died. Read More

JAMA Neurol 2020 Apr 20. Epub 2020 Apr 20.

McGovern Medical School, Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston.

Importance: Genetic and environmental factors are thought to contribute to cluster headache, and cluster headache can affect multiple members of a family. A thorough understanding of its inheritance is critical to understanding the pathogenesis of this debilitating disease.

Objective: To systematically review family history rates and inheritance patterns of cluster headache. Read More

Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol 2020 Apr 15. Epub 2020 Apr 15.

Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218, Jixi road, Hefei, China. Electronic address:

Since Dec 2019, a cluster of pneumonia outbreak in Wuhan, Hubei province, China, and soon spread to all province of China. The pathogen was proved to be a novel betacoronavirus called 2019 novel coronavirus (officially named by the World Health Organization as COVID-19). The typical clinical manifestations were fever, cough, dyspnea, and myalgia or fatigue. Read More

Headache 2020 Apr 15. Epub 2020 Apr 15.

Department of Clinical Experimental Research, Glostrup Research Institute, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark.

Objective: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis (SR-MA) was to identify signaling molecule profiles and blood-derived biomarkers in migraine and cluster headache (CH) patients.

Background: Currently no migraine and CH valid biomarkers are available. Blood tests based on biomarker profiles have been used to gather information about the nervous system. Read More

Neurol Sci 2020 Apr 13. Epub 2020 Apr 13.

Physiotherapy Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Nursing, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.

Aims: Studies evaluating sensory function of the entire trigeminocervical region in patients with cluster headache (CH), migraine (MH), and tension-type headache (TH) are required. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate and compare sensory function in the trigeminocervical region in patients with CH, MH, and TH and healthy controls (HC).

Methods: Quantitative sensory testing (QST), including pressure pain threshold (PPT), tactile detection threshold (TDT), prick detection threshold (PDT), and two-point detection threshold (2PDT), was evaluated in 139 patients with headache (CH = 16, MH = 52, TH = 71) and 30 HC. Read More

Brain Nerve 2020 Apr;72(4):303-309

Fujisawa District, Ebara Corporation.

Headache is one of the most common symptoms in clinical practice. Classification and diagnosis of headache are based on the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD) published by the International Headache Society. Currently, the third edition of the International Headache Classification (ICHD-3) -published in 2018- is used for headache medical treatment. Read More

J Pain Symptom Manage 2020 Apr 8. Epub 2020 Apr 8.

National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences (L.P.), Taipei. Taiwan.

Background: In treating highly infectious coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pneumonia, intensive care unit (ICU) nurses face a high risk of developing somatic symptom disorder (SSD).The symptom clusters in one population may show overlaps and involvements, a phenomenon that should be deliberately resolved to improve the management efficiency.

Objectives: The present study aims to investigate the symptoms and causes of SSD of ICU nurses treating COVID-19 pneumonia. Read More

Neurol Sci 2020 Apr 8. Epub 2020 Apr 8.

Migraine and Pain Team, Lilly Bio-Medicines, Indianapolis, IN, USA.

Rev Neurol (Paris) 2020 Mar 30. Epub 2020 Mar 30.

Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Larissa, School of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, Mezourlo Hill, Larissa 41100, Greece.

Background/purpose: Dietary habits and nutrients have been associated with migraine. The present study comprises a meta-analysis of observational studies evaluating serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) in patients with migraine and healthy controls.

Methods: MEDLINE and Cochrane databases were comprehensively searched. Read More

Expert Opin Biol Ther 2020 Apr 28:1-7. Epub 2020 Apr 28.

NIHR-Wellcome Trust King's Clinical Research Facility, SLaM Biomedical Research Centre, King's College Hospital, London, UK.

: The involvement of the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) pathway in primary headache disorders, especially migraine, had led to recent success in the development of new migraine therapies. The CGRP pathway also plays a role in the pathophysiology of cluster headache, so CGRP pathway monoclonal antibodies have been studied in the prevention of cluster headache attacks.: This review will outline the trials of fremanezumab and galcanezumab, the two CGRP pathway monoclonal antibodies that have undergone trials in cluster headache prevention. Read More

Front Nutr 2020 13;7:20. Epub 2020 Mar 13.

College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia.

The ketogenic diet (KD) is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that limits glucose and results in the production of ketones by the liver and their uptake as an alternative energy source by the brain. KD is an evidence-based treatment for intractable epilepsy. KD is also self-administered, with limited evidence of efficacy, for conditions including weight loss, cognitive and memory enhancement, type II diabetes, cancer, neurological and psychiatric disorders. Read More

J Headache Pain 2020 Mar 30;21(1):30. Epub 2020 Mar 30.

Department of Systems Neuroscience, University Medical Center Eppendorf, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.

Background: Task-free imaging approaches using PET have shown the posterior hypothalamus to be specifically activated during but not outside cluster headache attacks. Evidence from task related functional imaging approaches however is scarce.

Methods: Twenty-one inactive cluster headache patients (episodic cluster headache out of bout), 16 active cluster headache patients (10 episodic cluster headache in bout, 6 chronic cluster headache) and 18 control participants underwent high resolution brainstem functional magnetic resonance imaging of trigeminal nociception using gaseous ammonia as a painful stimulus. Read More

Am Fam Physician 2020 Apr;101(7):419-428

University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita, Wichita, KS, USA.

Most frequent headaches are typically migraine or tension-type headaches and are often exacerbated by medication overuse. Repeated headaches can induce central sensitization and transformation to chronic headaches that are intractable, are difficult to treat, and cause significant morbidity and costs. A complete history is essential to identify the most likely headache type, indications of serious secondary headaches, and significant comorbidities. Read More

Pain Physician 2020 03;23(2):219-227

Headache Unit, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain; Institute for Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain.

Background: A method for assessing dynamic muscle hyperalgesia (dynamic pressure algometry) has been developed and applied in tension-type and migraine headaches.

Objectives: To investigate differences in dynamic pressure pain assessment over the trigeminal area between men with cluster headache (CH) and headache-free controls, and the association between dynamic and static pressure pain sensitivity.

Study Design: A case-control study. Read More

Curr Opin Neurol 2020 Jun;33(3):323-328

Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience, King's College London.

Purpose Of Review: Cluster headache is a neurological disorder that patients consider the most severe pain they experience. Recognizing new treatments provides opportunities to advance current management.

Recent Findings: In contrast to the classic treatments, new options narrow in on the therapeutic target and are better tolerated. Read More

J Clin Sleep Med 2020 Mar 20. Epub 2020 Mar 20.

Sleep and Brain Plasticity Centre, Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, U.K.

None: Unpleasant dreamlike mentation can occur during NREM parasomnias, leading to associated panic attacks. The mentations are rarely remembered, and are likely underreported. However, they may lead to significant personal distress, and if not addressed, may contribute to poorer clinical outcomes. Read More

Eur J Case Rep Intern Med 2020 6;7(3):001453. Epub 2020 Feb 6.

Unidade de Imunologia Clínica, Centro Hospitalar do Porto,Porto, Portugal.

We present a case of a 56-year-old man with a history of episcleritis (left) and cluster headache (left) who had a penetrating trauma of the left eye leading to amaurosis 1 month previously. Since then, he developed multiple cranial neuropathy of the right side (V, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI and XII cranial pairs). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an infiltrative lesion of the base of the skull which extended to the retropharyngeal and jugular space, which progressed to multiple leptomeningeal masses extending to the clivus, despite aggressive immunosuppression. Read More

Can J Neurol Sci 2020 Mar 24:1-2. Epub 2020 Mar 24.

Department of Clinical Neurosciences & Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.

Headache 2020 May 23;60(5):938-945. Epub 2020 Mar 23.

The Headache Service, Pain Management and Neuromodulation Centre, Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.

Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of sphenopalatine ganglion pulsed radiofrequency (SPG-PRF) for the treatment of patients with refractory chronic short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT) and with cranial autonomic symptoms (SUNA).

Background: SPG-PRF is a minimally invasive, non-neurodestructive procedure already tested in refractory chronic cluster headache with mixed outcomes. However, no data have been produced in SUNCT/SUNA. Read More

Cureus 2020 Feb 13;12(2):e6978. Epub 2020 Feb 13.

Family Medicine, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, USA.

Daith piercing is a form of body piercing that involves the crux of the ear's helix. While daith piercing has been used as an esthetic piercing since the 1990s, it is gaining popularity in the general population as an alternative treatment in chronic headaches, especially migraines. Despite its use, the evidence is currently lacking. Read More

J Clin Sleep Med 2020 Mar 20. Epub 2020 Mar 20.

Sleep and Brain Plasticity Centre, Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, U.K.

None: Unpleasant dreamlike mentation can occur during NREM parasomnias, leading to associated panic attacks. The mentations are rarely remembered, and are likely underreported. However, they may lead to significant personal distress, and if not addressed, may contribute to poorer clinical outcomes. Read More

PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020 03 16;14(3):e0008106. Epub 2020 Mar 16.

Tropical Diseases Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

Lymphatic filariasis has remained endemic in Fiji despite repeated mass drug administration using the well-established and safe combination of diethylcarbamazine and albendazole (DA) since 2002. In certain settings the addition of ivermectin to this combination (IDA) remains a safe strategy and is more efficacious. However, the safety has yet to be described in scabies and soil-transmitted helminth endemic settings like Fiji. Read More

Neuromodulation 2020 Mar 12. Epub 2020 Mar 12.

Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.

Background: Noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS) has been proposed as a new neuromodulation therapy to treat primary headache disorders. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effectiveness and safety of peripheral nerve stimulation of the cervical branch of the vagal nerve for primary headache disorders.

Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature was carried out on randomized controlled trials of nVNS for treating headaches. Read More

Eur Neurol 2020 10;83(1):34-40. Epub 2020 Mar 10.

Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza, University of Rome, Rome, Italy.

Background: Nonlife-threatening headaches account for 3% of emergency department (ED) admissions, with social and economic negative consequences. We aim to investigate clinical features and risk factors of nonlife-threatening headache patients referring to ED versus those referring to headache outpatient clinics.

Methods: During 6 months, we promptly reevaluated in our headache unit (HU) patients discharged from ED. Read More

World Neurosurg 2020 Mar 6;138:169-173. Epub 2020 Mar 6.

Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.

Background: Primary central nervous system (CNS) anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is an uncommon type of brain tumor, usually treated with a regimen that includes high-dose methotrexate (MTX). Only a few cases of primary CNS anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive ALCL have been reported so far, with no reported cases of a small cell variant.

Case Description: A 26-year-old man presenting with headache and visual field impairment was found to have a supratentorial mass mimicking meningioma. Read More

Pain 2020 Mar 4. Epub 2020 Mar 4.

Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK.

Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide-38 (PACAP38) may play an important role in primary headaches. Preclinical evidence suggests that PACAP38 modulates trigeminal nociceptive activity mainly through PAC1 receptors while clinical studies report that plasma concentrations of PACAP38 are elevated in spontaneous attacks of cluster headache and migraine and normalize after treatment with sumatriptan. Intravenous infusion of PACAP38 induces migraine-like attacks in migraineurs and cluster-like attacks in cluster headache patients. Read More

Zhonghua Er Ke Za Zhi 2020 Apr;58(4):269-274

Department of Pediatric Internal Medicine, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Xi'an 710003, China.

To analyze the epidemiological history, clinical manifestations, treatment and the short-term prognosis of 31 cases of 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) infection in children from six provinces (autonomous region) in northern China. A retrospective analysis of the epidemiological history, clinical symptoms, signs, laboratory examinations, chest imaging, treatment and the short-term prognosis of 31 cases of 2019-nCoV was conducted. The patients were diagnosed between January 25th, 2020 and February 21st, 2020 in 21 hospitals in 17 cities of six provinces (autonomous region) of Shaanxi, Gansu, Ningxia, Hebei, Henan and Shandong. Read More

J Infect 2020 04 27;80(4):401-406. Epub 2020 Feb 27.

Beijing Emergency Medicine Research Institute, Beijing Emergency Medical Center, Beijing, China. Electronic address:

Background: Since the first case of a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infection pneumonia was detected in Wuhan, China, a series of confirmed cases of the COVID-19 were found in Beijing. We analyzed the data of 262 confirmed cases to determine the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 in Beijing.

Methods: We collected patients who were transferred by Beijing Emergency Medical Service to the designated hospitals. Read More

Am J Manag Care 2020 Feb;26(1 Suppl):S15-S19

profecyINTEL, LLC, Bridgewater, NJ. Email:

gammaCore is cleared by the FDA for acute and preventive treatment of cluster headache and the acute treatment of migraine in adults. Previously, only 2 treatments were approved for acute treatment of cluster headache while none were approved for preventive treatment. Following the initial FDA clearance, based on the ACT-1 and ACT-2 studies, a gammaCore Patient Registry (GPR) was designed to provide insights on the use of gammaCore and prescription patterns in the real-world setting and to characterize respective benefits and challenges during the acute treatment of episodic cluster headache. Read More

Headache 2020 Apr 28;60(4):809-818. Epub 2020 Feb 28.

Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, King's College London, London, UK.

Objective: To summarize the available evidence on disability, quality of life (QoL), and economic burden on societies of cluster headache (CH), and to present which tools have been used to measure these domains with indications for future research.

Background: CH is a rare and severe primary headache. The focus of research on this disorder has historically been on understanding its complex pathophysiological mechanisms, whereas personal and global healthcare impact, disability, and QoL received little attention. Read More