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The Journal of Headache and Pain

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Open Access 01-12-2022 | Nausea | Review

Cardiac cephalalgia: a narrative review and ICHD-3 criteria evaluation

Authors: María Pilar Navarro-Pérez, Elena Bellosta-Diago, Jes Olesen, Sonia Santos-Lasaosa

Published in: The Journal of Headache and Pain | Issue 1/2022

Abstract

Background

Cardiac cephalalgia is an unusual condition that occurs during an episode of myocardial ischemia. Information about cardiac cephalalgia is scarce and its characteristics and physiopathology remain unclear. Our aim is to provide a narrative review of clinical characteristics and physiopathology of cardiac cephalalgia and to evaluate the current diagnostic criteria.

Methods

A search through PubMed was undertaken for studies on cardiac cephalalgia published until 20^th September 2022. We summarized the literature and provide a comprehensive review of the headache characteristics and possible mechanisms. We also evaluated current International Classification of Headache Disorders third edition diagnostic criteria based on prior reported cases.

Results

In total, 88 cases were found. Headache characteristics were variable. Occipital location and throbbing pain were the most frequently reported. Headache was accompanied in most cases by cardiac symptoms. Criterion B was fulfilled by 98% of cases, criterion C1 by 72%, and criteria C2a and C2b by 37 and 93.2%, respectively. Regarding headache features described in diagnostic criterion C3, ‘moderate to severe intensity’, ‘accompanied by nausea’, ‘not accompanied by photophobia or phonophobia’ and ‘aggravated by exertion’, were reported in 75, 31, 55 and 55% of cases, respectively.

Conclusion

Cardiac cephalalgia characteristics are variable and the headache features described in the diagnostic criterion C3 might not be adequate. Given that cardiac cephalalgia can be the manifestation of a life-threatening condition it is important to increase the knowledge about this entity.

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Title: Cardiac cephalalgia: a narrative review and ICHD-3 criteria evaluation
Authors: María Pilar Navarro-Pérez
Elena Bellosta-Diago
Jes Olesen
Sonia Santos-Lasaosa
Publication date: 01-12-2022
Publisher: Springer Milan
Keywords: Nausea
Myocardial Infarction
Headache
Published in: The Journal of Headache and Pain / Issue 1/2022
Print ISSN: 1129-2369
Electronic ISSN: 1129-2377
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s10194-022-01508-7

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Cardiac cephalalgia: a narrative review and ICHD-3 criteria evaluation

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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