Migraine Briefs

Urinary melatonin metabolites do not predict migraine attacks in children and adolescents, however, they may be predictive in those who experience premonitory phase symptoms as part of their migraine attacks. This according to a study that examined whether evening urinary melatonin metabolite levels could predict migraine the next day in children and adolescents with migraine. Among the details:

• Twenty-one children and adolescents with migraine were recruited to provide urine samples for 10 days and maintain a prospective headache diary during the same period.
• Mean aMT6s levels the night prior to a migraine attack were 56.2 ±39.0 vs 55.4 ±46.6 ng/mL.
• Mean melatonin metabolite levels the night following migraine were 55.5 ±46.9 vs 57.0 ±37.7 ng/mL.
• However, in post hoc exploratory analyses, aMT6s levels were lower the night before a migraine in those who experienced aura or premonitory symptoms.

Berger A, et al. Preliminary evidence that melatonin is not a biomarker in children and adolescents with episodic migraine. [Published online ahead of print May 3, 2019]. Headache. doi: 10.1111/head.13547.

Urinary melatonin metabolites do not predict migraine attacks in children and adolescents, however, they may be predictive in those who experience premonitory phase symptoms as part of their migraine attacks. This according to a study that examined whether evening urinary melatonin metabolite levels could predict migraine the next day in children and adolescents with migraine. Among the details:

• Twenty-one children and adolescents with migraine were recruited to provide urine samples for 10 days and maintain a prospective headache diary during the same period.
• Mean aMT6s levels the night prior to a migraine attack were 56.2 ±39.0 vs 55.4 ±46.6 ng/mL.
• Mean melatonin metabolite levels the night following migraine were 55.5 ±46.9 vs 57.0 ±37.7 ng/mL.
• However, in post hoc exploratory analyses, aMT6s levels were lower the night before a migraine in those who experienced aura or premonitory symptoms.

Berger A, et al. Preliminary evidence that melatonin is not a biomarker in children and adolescents with episodic migraine. [Published online ahead of print May 3, 2019]. Headache. doi: 10.1111/head.13547.

Urinary melatonin metabolites do not predict migraine attacks in children and adolescents, however, they may be predictive in those who experience premonitory phase symptoms as part of their migraine attacks. This according to a study that examined whether evening urinary melatonin metabolite levels could predict migraine the next day in children and adolescents with migraine. Among the details:

• Twenty-one children and adolescents with migraine were recruited to provide urine samples for 10 days and maintain a prospective headache diary during the same period.
• Mean aMT6s levels the night prior to a migraine attack were 56.2 ±39.0 vs 55.4 ±46.6 ng/mL.
• Mean melatonin metabolite levels the night following migraine were 55.5 ±46.9 vs 57.0 ±37.7 ng/mL.
• However, in post hoc exploratory analyses, aMT6s levels were lower the night before a migraine in those who experienced aura or premonitory symptoms.

Berger A, et al. Preliminary evidence that melatonin is not a biomarker in children and adolescents with episodic migraine. [Published online ahead of print May 3, 2019]. Headache. doi: 10.1111/head.13547.

Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome and Primary Headache

Cyclic vomiting syndrome and benign paroxysmal torticollis are associated with a very high risk of developing headache, mostly migraine, later in life. This according to a longitudinal study that assessed the rate of headache in patients presenting with cyclic vomiting syndrome and benign paroxysmal torticollis during infancy and defined the main clinical features of the disorder. Researchers administered a questionnaire to the parents of pediatric patients with previous diagnosis of cyclic vomiting syndrome and/or benign paroxysmal torticollis. They found:

• 82 patients with cyclic vomiting syndrome and 33 with benign paroxysmal torticollis were included in the final analysis.
• 79% of patients with cyclic vomiting syndrome presented with headache during the follow-up with a mean age at onset of 6 years.
• 67% of patients with benign paroxysmal torticollis suffered from headache during the follow-up with a mean age at onset of 5 years.

Moavero R, et al. Cyclic vomiting syndrome and benign paroxysmal torticollis are associated with a high risk of developing primary headache: A longitudinal study. [Published online ahead of print April 13, 2019]. Cephalalgia. doi: 10.1177/0333102419844542.

Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome and Primary Headache

Cyclic vomiting syndrome and benign paroxysmal torticollis are associated with a very high risk of developing headache, mostly migraine, later in life. This according to a longitudinal study that assessed the rate of headache in patients presenting with cyclic vomiting syndrome and benign paroxysmal torticollis during infancy and defined the main clinical features of the disorder. Researchers administered a questionnaire to the parents of pediatric patients with previous diagnosis of cyclic vomiting syndrome and/or benign paroxysmal torticollis. They found:

• 82 patients with cyclic vomiting syndrome and 33 with benign paroxysmal torticollis were included in the final analysis.
• 79% of patients with cyclic vomiting syndrome presented with headache during the follow-up with a mean age at onset of 6 years.
• 67% of patients with benign paroxysmal torticollis suffered from headache during the follow-up with a mean age at onset of 5 years.

Moavero R, et al. Cyclic vomiting syndrome and benign paroxysmal torticollis are associated with a high risk of developing primary headache: A longitudinal study. [Published online ahead of print April 13, 2019]. Cephalalgia. doi: 10.1177/0333102419844542.

Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome and Primary Headache

Cyclic vomiting syndrome and benign paroxysmal torticollis are associated with a very high risk of developing headache, mostly migraine, later in life. This according to a longitudinal study that assessed the rate of headache in patients presenting with cyclic vomiting syndrome and benign paroxysmal torticollis during infancy and defined the main clinical features of the disorder. Researchers administered a questionnaire to the parents of pediatric patients with previous diagnosis of cyclic vomiting syndrome and/or benign paroxysmal torticollis. They found:

• 82 patients with cyclic vomiting syndrome and 33 with benign paroxysmal torticollis were included in the final analysis.
• 79% of patients with cyclic vomiting syndrome presented with headache during the follow-up with a mean age at onset of 6 years.
• 67% of patients with benign paroxysmal torticollis suffered from headache during the follow-up with a mean age at onset of 5 years.

Moavero R, et al. Cyclic vomiting syndrome and benign paroxysmal torticollis are associated with a high risk of developing primary headache: A longitudinal study. [Published online ahead of print April 13, 2019]. Cephalalgia. doi: 10.1177/0333102419844542.

The clinical characteristics of migraine attacks are sufficiently different in patients with and without neurocysticercosis, a new study found. Researchers investigated the characteristics of migraine attacks in patients with calcified neurocysticercosis (NCC) on brain imaging. Of 350 migraine patients, 166 had undergone brain imaging. Seventy-two patients with migraines had calcified NCC. The migraine attacks of the patients with calcification (MiC) were compared with those of 94 patients without calcification (MiNC). Among the findings:

• Side-locked headaches were seen in 48.6% of the MiC patients.
• Aura preceding the migraine attack was more common in the MiC group vs the MiNC group.
• The MiC group had fewer headache episodes per month with fewer common associated features and required fewer drugs for secondary prophylaxis.

Pradhan S, et al. Clinical characteristics of migraine in patients with calcified neurocysticercosis. [Published online ahead of print April 6, 2019]. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg. doi: 10.1093/trstmh/trz018.

The clinical characteristics of migraine attacks are sufficiently different in patients with and without neurocysticercosis, a new study found. Researchers investigated the characteristics of migraine attacks in patients with calcified neurocysticercosis (NCC) on brain imaging. Of 350 migraine patients, 166 had undergone brain imaging. Seventy-two patients with migraines had calcified NCC. The migraine attacks of the patients with calcification (MiC) were compared with those of 94 patients without calcification (MiNC). Among the findings:

• Side-locked headaches were seen in 48.6% of the MiC patients.
• Aura preceding the migraine attack was more common in the MiC group vs the MiNC group.
• The MiC group had fewer headache episodes per month with fewer common associated features and required fewer drugs for secondary prophylaxis.

Pradhan S, et al. Clinical characteristics of migraine in patients with calcified neurocysticercosis. [Published online ahead of print April 6, 2019]. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg. doi: 10.1093/trstmh/trz018.

The clinical characteristics of migraine attacks are sufficiently different in patients with and without neurocysticercosis, a new study found. Researchers investigated the characteristics of migraine attacks in patients with calcified neurocysticercosis (NCC) on brain imaging. Of 350 migraine patients, 166 had undergone brain imaging. Seventy-two patients with migraines had calcified NCC. The migraine attacks of the patients with calcification (MiC) were compared with those of 94 patients without calcification (MiNC). Among the findings:

• Side-locked headaches were seen in 48.6% of the MiC patients.
• Aura preceding the migraine attack was more common in the MiC group vs the MiNC group.
• The MiC group had fewer headache episodes per month with fewer common associated features and required fewer drugs for secondary prophylaxis.

Pradhan S, et al. Clinical characteristics of migraine in patients with calcified neurocysticercosis. [Published online ahead of print April 6, 2019]. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg. doi: 10.1093/trstmh/trz018.

Smartphone overuse in patients with migraine is related to poor sleep quality and daytime sleepiness, resulting in diminished quality of life, a new study found. The single-center, cross-sectional comparative study used the migraine disability assessment (MIDAS) questionnaire to evaluate the disability status, and Mobile Phone Problematic Use Scale (MPPUS) was used to evaluate smartphone use frequency. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), 24-h Migraine Quality of Life Questionnaire (24-h MQoLQ), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) were used to evaluate the pain intensity, quality of life, sleep quality, and daytime sleepiness. Researchers found:

• The study included 123 patients.
• There was a significant difference between the groups in terms of pain intensity, frequency, and duration.
• There was a negative correlation between MPPUS and PQSI, a strong positive correlation between MPPUS and ESS, and a negative correlation between MPPUS and 24-h MQoLQ.

Demir YP, et al. Effects of smartphone overuse on headache, sleep and quality of life in migraine patients. Neurosciences (Riyadh). 2019;24(2):115-121. doi: 10.17712/nsj.2019.2.20180037.

Smartphone overuse in patients with migraine is related to poor sleep quality and daytime sleepiness, resulting in diminished quality of life, a new study found. The single-center, cross-sectional comparative study used the migraine disability assessment (MIDAS) questionnaire to evaluate the disability status, and Mobile Phone Problematic Use Scale (MPPUS) was used to evaluate smartphone use frequency. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), 24-h Migraine Quality of Life Questionnaire (24-h MQoLQ), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) were used to evaluate the pain intensity, quality of life, sleep quality, and daytime sleepiness. Researchers found:

• The study included 123 patients.
• There was a significant difference between the groups in terms of pain intensity, frequency, and duration.
• There was a negative correlation between MPPUS and PQSI, a strong positive correlation between MPPUS and ESS, and a negative correlation between MPPUS and 24-h MQoLQ.

Demir YP, et al. Effects of smartphone overuse on headache, sleep and quality of life in migraine patients. Neurosciences (Riyadh). 2019;24(2):115-121. doi: 10.17712/nsj.2019.2.20180037.

Smartphone overuse in patients with migraine is related to poor sleep quality and daytime sleepiness, resulting in diminished quality of life, a new study found. The single-center, cross-sectional comparative study used the migraine disability assessment (MIDAS) questionnaire to evaluate the disability status, and Mobile Phone Problematic Use Scale (MPPUS) was used to evaluate smartphone use frequency. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), 24-h Migraine Quality of Life Questionnaire (24-h MQoLQ), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) were used to evaluate the pain intensity, quality of life, sleep quality, and daytime sleepiness. Researchers found:

• The study included 123 patients.
• There was a significant difference between the groups in terms of pain intensity, frequency, and duration.
• There was a negative correlation between MPPUS and PQSI, a strong positive correlation between MPPUS and ESS, and a negative correlation between MPPUS and 24-h MQoLQ.

Demir YP, et al. Effects of smartphone overuse on headache, sleep and quality of life in migraine patients. Neurosciences (Riyadh). 2019;24(2):115-121. doi: 10.17712/nsj.2019.2.20180037.

Migraine with aura is associated with neuroimmune activation/neuroinflammation, a new study found. Thirteen migraineurs with aura and 16 healthy controls received integrated PET/MRI brain scans with [¹¹C]PBR28, a radioligand that binds to the 18 kDa translocator protein, a marker of glial activation. Standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR) was compared between groups. Researchers found:

• Compared to healthy controls, migraineurs demonstrated SUVR elevations in nociceptive processing areas, as well as in areas previously shown to be involved in cortical spreading depression.
• SUVR levels in frontoinsular cortex, primary/secondary somatosensory cortices, and basal ganglia were correlated with frequency of migraine attacks.

Albrecht DS, et al. Imaging of neuroinflammation in migraine with aura: A [¹¹C]PBR28 PET/MRI study. [Published online ahead of print March 27, 2019]. Neurology. doi:10.1212/WNL.0000000000007371.

Migraine with aura is associated with neuroimmune activation/neuroinflammation, a new study found. Thirteen migraineurs with aura and 16 healthy controls received integrated PET/MRI brain scans with [¹¹C]PBR28, a radioligand that binds to the 18 kDa translocator protein, a marker of glial activation. Standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR) was compared between groups. Researchers found:

• Compared to healthy controls, migraineurs demonstrated SUVR elevations in nociceptive processing areas, as well as in areas previously shown to be involved in cortical spreading depression.
• SUVR levels in frontoinsular cortex, primary/secondary somatosensory cortices, and basal ganglia were correlated with frequency of migraine attacks.

Albrecht DS, et al. Imaging of neuroinflammation in migraine with aura: A [¹¹C]PBR28 PET/MRI study. [Published online ahead of print March 27, 2019]. Neurology. doi:10.1212/WNL.0000000000007371.

Migraine with aura is associated with neuroimmune activation/neuroinflammation, a new study found. Thirteen migraineurs with aura and 16 healthy controls received integrated PET/MRI brain scans with [¹¹C]PBR28, a radioligand that binds to the 18 kDa translocator protein, a marker of glial activation. Standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR) was compared between groups. Researchers found:

• Compared to healthy controls, migraineurs demonstrated SUVR elevations in nociceptive processing areas, as well as in areas previously shown to be involved in cortical spreading depression.
• SUVR levels in frontoinsular cortex, primary/secondary somatosensory cortices, and basal ganglia were correlated with frequency of migraine attacks.

Albrecht DS, et al. Imaging of neuroinflammation in migraine with aura: A [¹¹C]PBR28 PET/MRI study. [Published online ahead of print March 27, 2019]. Neurology. doi:10.1212/WNL.0000000000007371.

During posttreament periods, galcanezumab treatment effects in patients with migraine were reduced, but did not return to baseline, a new study found. Adults with episodic migraine were enrolled into EVOLVE-1 and EVOLVE-, which randomized 858 and 915 patients, respectively, to galcanezumab 120 mg, galcanezumab 240 mg, or placebo, administered subcutaneously once monthly for 6 months. After treatment completion or discontinuation, patients entered a 4-month posttreatment period. Researchers found:

• There were 740 patients (EVOLVE-1) and 830 (EVOLVE-2) patients entered into the posttreatment periods.
• About 95% (EVOLVE-1) and 96% (EVOLVE-2) of patients completed their respective trial.
• In both trials, change from pre-randomization baseline in monthly migraine headache days decreased over the posttreatment period.
• During posttreatment periods, 1.6% (EVOLVE-1) and 2.3% (EVOLVE-2) of patients initiated migraine preventive treatments.
• There were no unexpected adverse events after galcanezumab cessation.

Stauffer VL, et al. Effect of galcanezumab following treatment cessation in patients with migraine: Results from 2 randomized phase 3 trials. [Published online ahead of print April 3, 2019]. Headache. doi: 10.1111/head.13508.

During posttreament periods, galcanezumab treatment effects in patients with migraine were reduced, but did not return to baseline, a new study found. Adults with episodic migraine were enrolled into EVOLVE-1 and EVOLVE-, which randomized 858 and 915 patients, respectively, to galcanezumab 120 mg, galcanezumab 240 mg, or placebo, administered subcutaneously once monthly for 6 months. After treatment completion or discontinuation, patients entered a 4-month posttreatment period. Researchers found:

• There were 740 patients (EVOLVE-1) and 830 (EVOLVE-2) patients entered into the posttreatment periods.
• About 95% (EVOLVE-1) and 96% (EVOLVE-2) of patients completed their respective trial.
• In both trials, change from pre-randomization baseline in monthly migraine headache days decreased over the posttreatment period.
• During posttreatment periods, 1.6% (EVOLVE-1) and 2.3% (EVOLVE-2) of patients initiated migraine preventive treatments.
• There were no unexpected adverse events after galcanezumab cessation.

Stauffer VL, et al. Effect of galcanezumab following treatment cessation in patients with migraine: Results from 2 randomized phase 3 trials. [Published online ahead of print April 3, 2019]. Headache. doi: 10.1111/head.13508.

During posttreament periods, galcanezumab treatment effects in patients with migraine were reduced, but did not return to baseline, a new study found. Adults with episodic migraine were enrolled into EVOLVE-1 and EVOLVE-, which randomized 858 and 915 patients, respectively, to galcanezumab 120 mg, galcanezumab 240 mg, or placebo, administered subcutaneously once monthly for 6 months. After treatment completion or discontinuation, patients entered a 4-month posttreatment period. Researchers found:

• There were 740 patients (EVOLVE-1) and 830 (EVOLVE-2) patients entered into the posttreatment periods.
• About 95% (EVOLVE-1) and 96% (EVOLVE-2) of patients completed their respective trial.
• In both trials, change from pre-randomization baseline in monthly migraine headache days decreased over the posttreatment period.
• During posttreatment periods, 1.6% (EVOLVE-1) and 2.3% (EVOLVE-2) of patients initiated migraine preventive treatments.
• There were no unexpected adverse events after galcanezumab cessation.

Stauffer VL, et al. Effect of galcanezumab following treatment cessation in patients with migraine: Results from 2 randomized phase 3 trials. [Published online ahead of print April 3, 2019]. Headache. doi: 10.1111/head.13508.

Health state utilities associated with migraine treatment estimated from a general population sample may be used to represent route of administration and adverse events (AEs) in cost-utility models, a new study found. In time trade-off interviews, patients with migraine and general population participants in the United Kingdom valued health state vignettes based on literature, medication labels, and clinician interviews. All respondents valued migraine health states varying in route of administration. Researchers found:

• A total of 400 participants completed interviews (200 general population, 200 migraine patients).
• In the general population sample, mean utilities of health states without aura were 0.79 with daily oral medication, 0.78 with 1 injection per month, and 0.72 with between 31 and 39 injections once every 3 months.
• The greatest disutilities were for AEs associated with oral medications.

Matza LS, et al. Health state utilities associated with attributes of migraine preventive treatments based on patient and general population preferences. [Published online ahead of print March 28, 2019]. Qual Life Res. doi: 10.1007/s11136-019-02163-3.

Health state utilities associated with migraine treatment estimated from a general population sample may be used to represent route of administration and adverse events (AEs) in cost-utility models, a new study found. In time trade-off interviews, patients with migraine and general population participants in the United Kingdom valued health state vignettes based on literature, medication labels, and clinician interviews. All respondents valued migraine health states varying in route of administration. Researchers found:

• A total of 400 participants completed interviews (200 general population, 200 migraine patients).
• In the general population sample, mean utilities of health states without aura were 0.79 with daily oral medication, 0.78 with 1 injection per month, and 0.72 with between 31 and 39 injections once every 3 months.
• The greatest disutilities were for AEs associated with oral medications.

Matza LS, et al. Health state utilities associated with attributes of migraine preventive treatments based on patient and general population preferences. [Published online ahead of print March 28, 2019]. Qual Life Res. doi: 10.1007/s11136-019-02163-3.

Health state utilities associated with migraine treatment estimated from a general population sample may be used to represent route of administration and adverse events (AEs) in cost-utility models, a new study found. In time trade-off interviews, patients with migraine and general population participants in the United Kingdom valued health state vignettes based on literature, medication labels, and clinician interviews. All respondents valued migraine health states varying in route of administration. Researchers found:

• A total of 400 participants completed interviews (200 general population, 200 migraine patients).
• In the general population sample, mean utilities of health states without aura were 0.79 with daily oral medication, 0.78 with 1 injection per month, and 0.72 with between 31 and 39 injections once every 3 months.
• The greatest disutilities were for AEs associated with oral medications.

Matza LS, et al. Health state utilities associated with attributes of migraine preventive treatments based on patient and general population preferences. [Published online ahead of print March 28, 2019]. Qual Life Res. doi: 10.1007/s11136-019-02163-3.

Persons with migraine had a much higher prevalence of ever attempting suicide than those without migraine, a recent study found. The study, a nationally representative analysis of the 2012 Canadian Community Health Survey – Mental Health, identified the gender-specific prevalence of suicide attempts among those with migraine and examined the factors associated with suicide attempts among migraineurs. Among the details:

• Of 21,744 respondents, 2223 had migraine.
• Those with migraine had a much higher prevalence of ever attempting suicide vs those without migraine (men: 7.5% vs 1.9%; women: 9.3% vs 2.7%).
• Among migraineurs, the odds of suicide attempts were higher among poorer respondents, those in chronic pain and those with a history of childhood adversities, substance dependence and/or mental illness.

Fuller-Thomson E, Hodgins GA. Suicide attempts among those with migraine: Finding from a nationally representative Canadian study. [Published online ahead of print April 4, 2019]. Arch Suicide Res. doi: 10.1080/13811118.2019.1578710.

Persons with migraine had a much higher prevalence of ever attempting suicide than those without migraine, a recent study found. The study, a nationally representative analysis of the 2012 Canadian Community Health Survey – Mental Health, identified the gender-specific prevalence of suicide attempts among those with migraine and examined the factors associated with suicide attempts among migraineurs. Among the details:

• Of 21,744 respondents, 2223 had migraine.
• Those with migraine had a much higher prevalence of ever attempting suicide vs those without migraine (men: 7.5% vs 1.9%; women: 9.3% vs 2.7%).
• Among migraineurs, the odds of suicide attempts were higher among poorer respondents, those in chronic pain and those with a history of childhood adversities, substance dependence and/or mental illness.

Fuller-Thomson E, Hodgins GA. Suicide attempts among those with migraine: Finding from a nationally representative Canadian study. [Published online ahead of print April 4, 2019]. Arch Suicide Res. doi: 10.1080/13811118.2019.1578710.

Persons with migraine had a much higher prevalence of ever attempting suicide than those without migraine, a recent study found. The study, a nationally representative analysis of the 2012 Canadian Community Health Survey – Mental Health, identified the gender-specific prevalence of suicide attempts among those with migraine and examined the factors associated with suicide attempts among migraineurs. Among the details:

• Of 21,744 respondents, 2223 had migraine.
• Those with migraine had a much higher prevalence of ever attempting suicide vs those without migraine (men: 7.5% vs 1.9%; women: 9.3% vs 2.7%).
• Among migraineurs, the odds of suicide attempts were higher among poorer respondents, those in chronic pain and those with a history of childhood adversities, substance dependence and/or mental illness.

Fuller-Thomson E, Hodgins GA. Suicide attempts among those with migraine: Finding from a nationally representative Canadian study. [Published online ahead of print April 4, 2019]. Arch Suicide Res. doi: 10.1080/13811118.2019.1578710.

Pharmacy databases are a valid source for identification of treatment response in migraine, a recent study found. In a clinical cohort, 1913 migraineurs were interviewed using a semi-structured interview to retrieve treatment response data for acute and prophylactic migraine drugs. Researchers assessed whether number or purchases at different thresholds could predict the specificity and sensitivity of treatment response. The found:

• Purchase of drugs was significantly associated with treatment response.
• Specifically, for migraine drugs, it was concluded that 10 purchases of triptans, or 4 purchases of prophylactic drugs, are sufficient to predict a positive treatment response.
• In the Danish pharmacy database, 73% of migraine patients had purchased 10 or more triptans, while 55% to 63% had purchased 1 or more of the 4 prophylactic drugs.

Hansen TF, Chalmer MA, Haspang TM, Kogelman L, Olesen J. Predicting treatment response using pharmacy register in migraine. J Headache Pain. 2019;20(1):31. doi:10.1186/s10194-019-0987-y.

Pharmacy databases are a valid source for identification of treatment response in migraine, a recent study found. In a clinical cohort, 1913 migraineurs were interviewed using a semi-structured interview to retrieve treatment response data for acute and prophylactic migraine drugs. Researchers assessed whether number or purchases at different thresholds could predict the specificity and sensitivity of treatment response. The found:

• Purchase of drugs was significantly associated with treatment response.
• Specifically, for migraine drugs, it was concluded that 10 purchases of triptans, or 4 purchases of prophylactic drugs, are sufficient to predict a positive treatment response.
• In the Danish pharmacy database, 73% of migraine patients had purchased 10 or more triptans, while 55% to 63% had purchased 1 or more of the 4 prophylactic drugs.

Hansen TF, Chalmer MA, Haspang TM, Kogelman L, Olesen J. Predicting treatment response using pharmacy register in migraine. J Headache Pain. 2019;20(1):31. doi:10.1186/s10194-019-0987-y.

Pharmacy databases are a valid source for identification of treatment response in migraine, a recent study found. In a clinical cohort, 1913 migraineurs were interviewed using a semi-structured interview to retrieve treatment response data for acute and prophylactic migraine drugs. Researchers assessed whether number or purchases at different thresholds could predict the specificity and sensitivity of treatment response. The found:

• Purchase of drugs was significantly associated with treatment response.
• Specifically, for migraine drugs, it was concluded that 10 purchases of triptans, or 4 purchases of prophylactic drugs, are sufficient to predict a positive treatment response.
• In the Danish pharmacy database, 73% of migraine patients had purchased 10 or more triptans, while 55% to 63% had purchased 1 or more of the 4 prophylactic drugs.

Hansen TF, Chalmer MA, Haspang TM, Kogelman L, Olesen J. Predicting treatment response using pharmacy register in migraine. J Headache Pain. 2019;20(1):31. doi:10.1186/s10194-019-0987-y.

Adolescents with migraine headaches have shorter sleep duration and wake up earlier compared to those without migraine, a new study found. The study sample included 10,123 adolescents in the National Comorbidity Survey – Adolescent Supplement, a face-to-face survey of adolescents aged 13 to 18 years in the continental United States. The cross-sectional study examined the associations of sleep patterns, symptoms, and disorders with specific headache subtypes in this population. Researchers found:

• No significant difference in bedtime between youth with and without headache was reported.
• Those with any headache, particularly migraine, had significantly more sleep disturbances than those without headache.
• Youth with migraine and aura were more likely to report difficultly maintaining sleep, early morning awakening, daytime fatigue, and persistent insomnia symptoms vs those with migraine without aura.

Lateef T, Witonsky K, He J, Merikangas KR. Headaches and sleep duration problems in US adolescents: Findings from the National Comorbidity Survey – Adolescent Supplement (NCS-A). [Published online ahead of print April 13, 2019]. Cephalalgia. doi:10.1177/0333102419835466.

Adolescents with migraine headaches have shorter sleep duration and wake up earlier compared to those without migraine, a new study found. The study sample included 10,123 adolescents in the National Comorbidity Survey – Adolescent Supplement, a face-to-face survey of adolescents aged 13 to 18 years in the continental United States. The cross-sectional study examined the associations of sleep patterns, symptoms, and disorders with specific headache subtypes in this population. Researchers found:

• No significant difference in bedtime between youth with and without headache was reported.
• Those with any headache, particularly migraine, had significantly more sleep disturbances than those without headache.
• Youth with migraine and aura were more likely to report difficultly maintaining sleep, early morning awakening, daytime fatigue, and persistent insomnia symptoms vs those with migraine without aura.

Lateef T, Witonsky K, He J, Merikangas KR. Headaches and sleep duration problems in US adolescents: Findings from the National Comorbidity Survey – Adolescent Supplement (NCS-A). [Published online ahead of print April 13, 2019]. Cephalalgia. doi:10.1177/0333102419835466.

Adolescents with migraine headaches have shorter sleep duration and wake up earlier compared to those without migraine, a new study found. The study sample included 10,123 adolescents in the National Comorbidity Survey – Adolescent Supplement, a face-to-face survey of adolescents aged 13 to 18 years in the continental United States. The cross-sectional study examined the associations of sleep patterns, symptoms, and disorders with specific headache subtypes in this population. Researchers found:

• No significant difference in bedtime between youth with and without headache was reported.
• Those with any headache, particularly migraine, had significantly more sleep disturbances than those without headache.
• Youth with migraine and aura were more likely to report difficultly maintaining sleep, early morning awakening, daytime fatigue, and persistent insomnia symptoms vs those with migraine without aura.

Lateef T, Witonsky K, He J, Merikangas KR. Headaches and sleep duration problems in US adolescents: Findings from the National Comorbidity Survey – Adolescent Supplement (NCS-A). [Published online ahead of print April 13, 2019]. Cephalalgia. doi:10.1177/0333102419835466.