Headache attributed to airplane travel (‘airplane headache’): Clinical profile based on a large case series

Abstract

This is by far the largest AH case series ever reported in the literature. The diagnostic criteria that we previously proposed proved to be valid when applied to a large number of patients suffering from this condition. We support its recognition as a new form of headache, to be included in the forthcoming update of the International Headache Society Classification, within '10. Headache attributed to disorder of homoeostasis'. Its formal validation would favour further studies aimed at improving the understanding of its pathophysiology and implementing preventative measures.

Ocular problems associated air traveling

“…It has been considered that barotrauma associated with trigeminal nerve endings in the ethmoid sinuses causes the frontoorbital pain in this clinical entity. [14][15][16] It has been speculated that the vasodilation in the cerebral arteries which developed during an AHAattack may be induced by prostaglandin E2. 14,17 Although there is no specific treatment or prophylaxis for AHA, it has been demonstrated that several medications including analgesics, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs or triptans may have beneficial effects as prophylactic therapy.…”

“…Some maneuvers including compression on pain region, Valsalva maneuver, extension of the earlobe, chewing, or yawning can provide a relief of %25 in pain intensity. [14][15][16][17] Dry-eye is the most common problem in the air travelers. As air humidity in the cabin of the aircraft is often lower than 20% of humidity rate and the air in the pressurized cabin is dehydrated, dryness in both skin and ocular surfaces usually occur.…”

An unusual flight-associated occipital headache

“…It is a well-established fact that during flight travel various things can happen that shall predispose and make a passenger’s head scuffled. Also, recently several cases of airplane headaches have been published 2-4. In 2007, Mainardi F et al,2 in an interesting case report of a patient who presented with severe bursting headache associated to airplane travel, formalized a list of provisional diagnostic criterion for the symptoms entity and proposed for the inclusions of this type of headache in International classification headache disorders.…”

“…Also, recently several cases of airplane headaches have been published 2-4. In 2007, Mainardi F et al,2 in an interesting case report of a patient who presented with severe bursting headache associated to airplane travel, formalized a list of provisional diagnostic criterion for the symptoms entity and proposed for the inclusions of this type of headache in International classification headache disorders. Later on in 2012 Mainardi F et al,5 in an online publication carried out a survey of 75 patients suffering from airplane headache with a questionnaire based on previously proposed diagnostic criterion and was proved to be valid when applied to large number of patients suffering from this condition.…”

Comments on ‘Headache attributed to airplane travel’ by Mainardi et al.

“…The authors are to be complimented on a most interesting article (1). 'Airplane headache' may well turn out to be more common than is generally thought.…”