Refining clinical features and therapeutic options of new daily persistent headache: a retrospective study of 63 patients in India

Abstract

The aim of this retrospective study was to provide data on the clinical features and treatment outcomes of patients with NDPH (fulfilling Kung et al.’s criteria). A total of 63 patients were observed during a 5-yr period (2007–2012). More than one-third (35 %) patients had migrainous features; 65 % patients fulfilled the ICHD-II criteria. Both groups were similar in most clinical and epidemiological features. However, migrainous features were more common in patients with a prior history of episodic migraine (though statistically not significant). After a median follow-up of 9 months, 37 % patients showed “excellent” response (no or less than 1 headache per month). Another 30 % patients had “good” response (>50 % reduction in headache frequency or days per month). Excellent response was more in patients with a history of less than 6 months duration (statistically not significant). Patients with a recognized trigger showed better prognosis. Response was better in patients who received intravenous therapy of methyl prednisolone and sodium valproate. We suggest prospective and controlled studies to confirm our observations.

Psychiatric comorbidity in new daily persistent headache: A cross‐sectional study

“…Mean age of onset of headache in our study was comparable with other Indian study (Prakash et al, 2012). Mean age of onset of headache in our study was comparable with other Indian study (Prakash et al, 2012).…”

“…Mean age of onset of headache in our study was comparable with other Indian study (Prakash et al, 2012). Male preponderance has been reported previously (Takase et al, 2004;Prakash et al, 2012). However, we had higher frequency of NDPH in males in our study.…”

“…NDPH is slightly more frequent among females (Li and Rozen, 2002). Only 20% of our patients recalled exact date of onset of their headache which is low as compared to 48.1% and 33% in studies by Kung et al, (2009) andPrakash et al, (2012). Male preponderance has been reported previously (Takase et al, 2004;Prakash et al, 2012).…”

“…However, 80% of our patients recalled the month of onset of their headache. Prakash et al, (2012) reported preceding infection in 29% of their NDPH patients. Twenty patients (36.4%) in our study self-reported their triggers for their headaches.…”

“…However, they applied the PHQ-9 and GAD scales in only 37 patients out of total of 71 patients. Prakash et al, (2012) described self-reported anxiety in 16% and selfreported depression in 19%. Peng et al, (2011) found depression in 60.9% of their patients using a different scale for assessment of depression.…”