Watson’s colleague wants to ensure his comprehension, “So what you are saying is that to rule out cervicogenic headache (CGH) because of alternating unilateral head pain is baseless.” “Yes, the silence of the medical model about alternating headache is conspicuous – ‘the reasons (for alternating unilateral – side-shifting – head pain) are unclear (1), and
Watson, sensing that his colleague has relaxed, decides to continue, “I mentioned earlier that other researchers have investigated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in cervical discs because it is recognised that the annulus fibrosus (AF) and nucleus pulposus (NP) vary substantially in the content of the two main macromolecular components, collagen and aggrecan.”(1) Aggre… what? “What is aggrecan?”
“Let’s examine the perspective that the nucleus pulposus (NP) transforms with age to a more rigid fibrocartilaginous mass; it is devoid of viscosity,” resumes Watson. “Advanced technologies have made it possible to perform more sophisticated in vitro studies and in vivo and biochemical analyses.” “Take for example scanning electron microscopy (SEM); SEM has demonstrated that
Watson continues (Edition 16 – Alternating Unilateral Head Pain In Primary Headache: The ‘Elephant In The Room’), “I understand that extrapolating from lumbar discs to cervical discs may not appear valid because of the seminal research performed by Mercer and Bogduk (1). I accept this. However, let’s revisit their research.” “Yes, that sounds appropriate,” agrees
“Did I hear you say earlier (Edition 15) that alternating (side-shift) head pain IS a cervicogenic headache (CGH)?” Watson’s colleague reminds Watson. “Yes,” replies Watson with conviction. “But according to the ICHD-3, CGH is a side-locked unilateral headache!” exclaims Watson’s astonished colleague. “I understand that this diagnostic criterion is the cornerstone of CGH.” “Well… Yes,
