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Open Access 01-12-2014 | Research article

Galeata: chronic migraine independently considered in a medieval headache classification

Published in: The Journal of Headache and Pain | Issue 1/2014

Abstract

Background

Chronic migraine is a quite recent concept. However, there are descriptions suggestive of episodic migraine since the beginning of scientific medicine. We aim to review main headache classifications during Classical antiquity and compared them with that proposed in the 11th century by Constantine the African in his Liber Pantegni, one of the most influential texts in medieval medicine.

Method

We have carried out a descriptive review of Henricum Petrum's Latin edition, year 1539.

Results

Headache classifications proposed by Aretaeus of Cappadocia, Galen of Pergamun and Alexander of Tralles, all of them classifying headaches into three main types, considered an entity (called Heterocrania or Hemicrania), comparable to contemporary episodic migraine.

In ninth book of Liber Pantegni, headaches were also classified into three types and one of them, Galeata, consisted on a chronic pain of mild intensity with occasional superimposed exacerbations.

Conclusion

In Liber Pantegni we have firstly identified, as a separate entity, a headache comparable to that we currently define as chronic migraine: Galeata.

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Title: Galeata: chronic migraine independently considered in a medieval headache classification
Publication date: 01-12-2014
Published in: The Journal of Headache and Pain / Issue 1/2014
Print ISSN: 1129-2369
Electronic ISSN: 1129-2377
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1129-2377-15-16

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Galeata: chronic migraine independently considered in a medieval headache classification

Abstract

Background

Method

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Method

Results

Conclusion

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