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David W Dodick

Publications and source records attributed to David W Dodick.

62 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Refining the clinical spectrum of chronic paroxysmal hemicrania: a review of 74 patients.

OBJECTIVE: To refine the clinical spectrum of chronic paroxysmal hemicrania (CPH). METHODS: From 1976 to 1996, 74 patients were diagnosed with CPH by Mayo Clinic neurologists. Data were collected on those cases. RESULTS: Of the 74 patients, 62% were women. Most (93%; 69/74) had strictly unilateral pain, 78% (53/68) had daily attacks, and 4% (2/47) had no autonomic features. The mean usual attack duration was 26 minutes, whereas the mean usual attack frequency was six per day. Three-quarters (30/40) had a consistent response to indomethacin, whereas 25% did not. In 34 patients, there were incomplete data concerning indomethacin response. Some (9/13) were able to stop indomethacin without headache recurrence. Few (2/25) stopped indomethacin because of side effects. Two patients had initial responses to indomethacin that did not persist. Oxygen was beneficial in three patients. Three surgically treatable cases of secondary CPH were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Attack duration is the clinical feature that best distinguishes CPH from other trigeminal autonomic cephalgias. Although long-term therapy with indomethacin is generally well-tolerated, some patients who clinically appear to have CPH do not respond to indomethacin, and tachyphylaxis may develop in some cases. Some patients are able to stop indomethacin without headache recurrence, highlighting the importance of a trial of discontinuation. A consistent clinical profile and treatment response do not exclude the possibility of intracranial pathology.

Adolescent↗

Diagnosis and treatment of migraine.

Despite recent advances in understanding the pathophysiology and treatment of migraine, considerable uncertainty remains surrounding the diagnosis and treatment of this disorder. This uncertainty is reflected in studies that show both underdiagnosis and undertreatment of migraine. While the diagnosis can be assisted by criteria from the International Headache Society, other approaches may be useful in clinical practice. Treatment of migraine must be based on an individualized patient strategy that integrates education, patient participation, and effective use of pharmacological interventions. Many patients, despite self-treatment with simple analgesics, continue to suffer considerable disability associated with their migraines. Triptans, which are more effective at relieving migraine symptoms and maintaining patient function than are nonspecific therapies, are used in only a minority of patients with migraine. Treatment goals of rapid, complete relief with no recurrence and minimal adverse effects can be achieved when effective therapy is matched to individual patient goals. For prophylaxis, anticonvulsant drugs emerging as effective options are being added to the armamentarium with traditional compounds such as tricyclic antidepressants and beta-blockers.

Activities of Daily Living↗

Botulinum neurotoxin for the treatment of migraine and other primary headache disorders: from bench to bedside.

Botulinum toxin type A, a neurotoxin, is effective for treating a variety of disorders of involuntary muscle contraction including cervical dystonia, blepharospasm, and hemifacial spasm. It inhibits neuromuscular signaling by blocking the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction. The biological effects of the toxin are transient, with normal neuronal signaling returning within approximately 3 to 6 months postinjection. Recent clinical findings suggest that botulinum toxin type A may inhibit pain associated with migraine and other types of headache. However, the mechanism by which this toxin inhibits pain is not fully understood and is under investigation. Research findings suggest that botulinum toxin type A inhibits the release of neurotransmitters from nociceptive nerve terminals and, in this way, may possess an analgesic effect. A number of retrospective open-label chart reviews and 3 double-blind, placebo-controlled trials have demonstrated that localized injections of botulinum toxin type A significantly reduce the frequency, severity, and disability associated with migraine headaches. Although the majority of patients in these studies experienced no botulinum toxin type A-mediated side effects, a small percentage of patients did report transient minor side effects including blepharoptosis, diplopia, and injection-site weakness. Currently, 4 randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trials are being conducted to evaluate the efficacy, optimal dosing, and side-effect profile of botulinum toxin type A as a novel treatment for migraine and other types of headache. These studies may provide further evidence that botulinum toxin type A is an effective option for the preventive treatment of migraine.

Analgesics, Non-Narcotic↗

From hemicrania lunaris to hemicrania continua: an overview of the revised International Classification of Headache Disorders.

The International Headache Society's (IHS) Classification of Headache Disorders, published in 1988, is largely responsible for stimulating the rapid scientific and therapeutic advances that have revolutionized the field of headache. By establishing consistent operational diagnostic criteria for primary and secondary headache disorders, the IHS Classification has facilitated epidemiological and genetic studies as well as the multinational clinical trials that provide the basis for our present treatment guidelines. Fifteen years after its original release, a revised 2nd edition has been unveiled. Modifications are small but significant. We hope to introduce clinicians to the salient changes in the 2nd edition by highlighting the newly included headache types, acknowledging the renamed headache types, and reviewing the modifications in diagnostic criteria for existing headache types. Physicians involved in the care of headache patients need to be aware of these changes and should continue to consult the IHS criteria to ensure accurate diagnosis, to continue to refine the diagnostic criteria, and to contribute to the body of knowledge necessary to make further advances in the classification as well as in the field of headache.

Europe↗