Asociación la frecuencia y duración de la cefalea con la hipersensibilidad mecánica

Association between the frequency and duration, but not the intensity, of headache with mechanical hypersensitivity and the health of patients with tension-type headache

Abstract

in English, Spanish

INTRODUCTION: 

The association between headache clinical parameters and other health-related and neuro-physiological outcomes is controversial.

AIM: 

To investigate the association between headache frequency, duration and intensity with cranio-cervical pressure sensitivity considering the interaction of health-related and physical outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: 

Seventy-two individuals with tension type headache were included. A 1-month diary was used to assess headache frequency, duration and intensity. Pressure pain thresholds (PPT) and peri-cranial tenderness to palpation, health-related quality of life (Short Form-36), disability, depression, and cervical range of motion were the outcomes. All outcomes were introduced into hierarchic logistic regression models to assess potential associations.

RESULTS: 

Several associations between headache frequency and duration, but not intensity, with the remaining variables were found. Regression analysis showed that PPT over the temporalis muscle, bodily pain, age and physical role explained the 22.3% of the headache frequency, whereas general health, PPT over the upper trapezius and headache frequency explained 20% of headache duration (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: 

This study found that headache frequency and duration, but not headache intensity, were associated with neurophysiological outcomes, e.g., cranio-cervical pressure sensitivity, and bodily pain in tension type headache. Other variables including age, physical role and general health were also associated with headache frequency and duration.