Newsletter – OC3 in Headache Matters

“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,

Watson’s colleague is keen to follow up on Watson’s comment about the high prevalence of associated neck symptoms in primary headache conditions. Watson continues, “I am pleased that the ICHD-3 recognises that cervicogenic headache (CGH) is usually accompanied by neck symptoms, but not invariably.  I think there is this misconception that the absence of neck

“Okay, it’s been valuable to discuss the limitations of anaesthetic blocks in diagnosing headache; I gather you have issues with other diagnostic criteria (Edition 13 – The Role of Anaesthetic Blocks in Headache) for Cervicogenic Headache (CGH),” continues Watson’s colleague.   “Yes, particularly strictly unilateral pain without side-shift, and whilst this can be a manifestation of

Watson’s colleague is keen to continue discussing the diagnostic criteria for cervicogenic headache (CGH), especially given Watson’s intense reply to his earlier query… “I understand you are generally ambivalent about the International Classification of Headache Disorders-3 (ICHD-3) diagnostic criteria for cervicogenic headache?”. The Irony of the CGH Diagnosis “Yes, but it is not only the

Keen to answer the neuroscientist’s query, (see Edition 11 – Reproduction and Resolution of Headache – Significant?), Watson reiterates the fundamental situation. “OK, I’m glad you have asked about Trigeminal Afferents, for clearly, they are in the mix. We know that conditioned pain modulation (CPM) and Serotonin are the peacekeepers or friends of the trigemino

The Background Whilst aware of the neuroscientist’s eagerness to his query of the neurophysiological effect of reproduction and resolution (R&R) on nociceptive blink reflex (R2), see Edition 10 – Revisiting the Role of Conditioned Pain Modulation During Reproduction and Resolution of Head Pain, Watson feels it essential to provide some background.  “Well, before we discuss