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Update on the pathophysiology of cluster headache: Imaging and neuropeptide studies

Buture, Alina; Boland, Jason W.; Dikomitis, Lisa; Ahmed, Fayyaz

Authors

Alina Buture

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Dr Jason Boland J.Boland@hull.ac.uk
Senior Clinical Lecturer and Honorary Consultant in Palliative Medicine

Lisa Dikomitis

Fayyaz Ahmed



Abstract

Objective: Cluster headache (CH) is the most severe primary headache condition. Its pathophysiology is multifaceted and incompletely understood. This review brings together the latest neuroimaging and neuropeptide evidence on the pathophysiology of CH.
Methods: A review of the literature was conducted by searching PubMed and Web of Science. The search was conducted using the following keywords: imaging studies, voxel-based morphometry, diffusion-tensor imaging, diffusion magnetic resonance imaging, tractography, connectivity, cerebral networks, neuromodulation, central modulation, deep brain stimulation, orexin-A, orexin-B, tract-based spatial statistics, single-photon emission computer tomography studies, positron-emission tomography, functional magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, trigeminovascular system, neuropeptides, calcitonin gene-related peptide, neurokinin A, substance P, nitric oxide synthase, pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide, vasoactive intestinal peptide, neuropeptide Y, acetylcholine, noradrenaline, and ATP. “Cluster headache” was combined with each keyword for more relevant results. All irrelevant and duplicated records were excluded. Search dates were from October 1976 to May 2018.
Results: Neuroimaging studies support the role of the hypothalamus in CH, as well as other brain areas involved in the pain matrix. Activation of the trigeminovascular system and the release of neuropeptides play an important role in CH pathophysiology. Among neuropeptides, calcitonin gene-related peptide, vasoactive intestinal peptide, and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide have been reported to be reliable biomarkers for CH attacks, though not specific for CH. Several other neuropeptides are involved in trigeminovascular activation, but the current evidence does not qualify them as reliable biomarkers in CH.
Conclusion: CH has a complex pathophysiology and the pain mechanism is not completely understood. Recent neuroimaging studies have provided insight into the functional and structural network bases of CH pathophysiology. Although there has been important progress in neuropeptide studies, a specific biomarker for CH is yet to be found.

Citation

Buture, A., Boland, J. W., Dikomitis, L., & Ahmed, F. (2019). Update on the pathophysiology of cluster headache: Imaging and neuropeptide studies. Journal of Pain Research, 12, 269-281. https://doi.org/10.2147/JPR.S175312

Journal Article Type Review
Acceptance Date Oct 9, 2018
Online Publication Date Jan 4, 2019
Publication Date 2019
Deposit Date Aug 30, 2019
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal Journal of Pain Research
Print ISSN 1178-7090
Electronic ISSN 1178-7090
Publisher Taylor and Francis
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 12
Pages 269-281
DOI https://doi.org/10.2147/JPR.S175312
Keywords Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine
Public URL https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/1206277
Publisher URL https://www.dovepress.com/update-on-the-pathophysiology-of-cluster-headache-imaging-and-neuropep-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-JPR

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