Atypical Nummular Headache or Circumscribed Migraine: The Utility of Pressure Algometry. (2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Barón, Johanna; Rodríguez, Cristina; Ruiz, Marina; Pedraza, María Isabel; Guerrero, Ángel Luis; Madeleine, Pascal; Cuadrado, María Luz; Fernández-de-las-Peñas, César
• Is Part Of: Pain research and management. Volume 2015(2015)
• Page Start: 60
• Page End: 62
• Publication Date: 2015
• Subjects: Algometry -- Cartography -- Migraine -- Nummular headache -- Pressure pain thresholds; Pain -- Periodicals; Pain -- Treatment -- Periodicals; 616.0472
• DOI: 10.1155/2015/567072
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1203-6765

Abstract

Abstract : A peripheral mechanism has been proposed for nummular headache; however, there have been descriptions of atypical features resembling migraine. The authors describe a case in which algometry assessment facilitated the discrimination between atypical nummular headache and circumscribed migraine. A 21-year-old woman presented with a history of focal episodic pain in a circumscribed area on the left frontal region. The algometry study showed a unilateral and diffuse decrease of the pain pressure thresholds with frontal predominance, as has been proposed for migraine patients. This result led the authors to introduce a more specific preventive therapy with topiramate, with significant relief. In conclusion, cartographic investigation of pressure pain sensitivity is a simple tool that can help to differentiate between nummular headache and migraine. Further confirmatory investigations are needed.