Migraine Disorders: Lucas C

Géraud G, Lantéri-Minet M, Lucas C, Valade D, Anonymous00362. · Department of Neurology, Rangueil Hospital, Toulouse, France. · Clin Ther. · Pubmed #15476911 No free full text.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The French Recommendations for Clinical Practice: Diagnosis and Therapy of Migraine are guidelines concerning the overall management of patients with migraine, including diagnostic and therapeutic strategies and assessment of disability. OBJECTIVE: This article summarizes the guidelines as they apply to adults and children, and proposes future direction for steps toward optimal treatment of migraine in patients in France. METHODS: The recommendations were categorized into 3 levels of proof (A-C) according to the National Agency for Accreditation and Evaluation in Health (ANAES) methodology and were based on a professional consensus reached among members of the Working Group and the Guidelines Review Group of the ANAES. RESULTS: The International Headache Society diagnostic criteria for migraine should be used in routine clinical practice. Recommended agents for the treatment of migraine in adults include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) monotherapy or in combination with metoclopramide, acetaminophen monotherapy, triptans, ergotamine tartrate, and dihydroergotamine mesylate. Patients should use the medication as early as possible after the onset of migraine headache. For migraine prophylaxis in adults, the following can be used: propranolol, metoprolol, oxetorone, or amitriptyline as first-line treatment, and pizotifen, flunarizine, valproate sodium, or topiramate as second-line treatment. Migraine in children can be distinguished from that in adults by shorter duration (2-48 hours in children aged <15 years), more frequent bilateral localization, frequent predominant gastrointestinal disturbances, and frequent pallor hailing the onset of the attack. The following drugs are recommended in children and adolescents: ibuprofen in children aged >6 months, diclofenac in children weighing >16 kg, naproxen in children aged >6 years or weighing >25 kg, ASA alone or in combination with metoclopramide, acetaminophen alone or in combination with metoclopramide, and ergotamine tartrate in children aged >10 years. CONCLUSIONS: These guidelines are intended to help general practitioners to manage migraine patients according to the rules of evidence-based medicine.

Lucas C. · Service de Neurologie et Pathologie Neurovasculaire, CHRU de Lille, 59037 Lille Cedex, France. · Rev Neurol (Paris). · Pubmed #16141965 No free full text.

Abstract: Headache is very common during the acute phase of cervical artery-dissection (CAD) sometimes mimicking a migraine attack. However, the relationships between these two conditions are complex and the course of headache in patients with CAD is not well known. Indeed, migraine is an independent vascular risk factor of stroke, especially ischemic stroke. Recently, a case-control study has shown that migraine is an independent risk factor of CAD. We have studied the course of headache in all consecutive patients hospitalized for spontaneous CAD in our stroke unit between 1998 and 2001, confirmed by a mural hematoma on MRI. We conducted patient interviews with a structured questionnaire about headache (according to the International Headache Society criteria) before and after the CAD. Forty-two patients had had a spontaneous CAD during this period. Twenty-two had had headache in the past: 9 migraine without aura, 5 migraine with aura and 8 with episodic tension-type headache. The headache improved in 22 patients (95.5 percent) after the spontaneous CAD. Of 14 patients who were migrainers, 13 (92 percent) had fewer migraine attacks after the CAD. Only 7 patients, without previous headache developed new headache after CAD: three migraine without aura, three episodic tension-type headache and one chronic tension-type headache. For the majority of patients the pre-existing headache improved after spontaneous CAD. A few patients developed a new headache only after CAD. Relationships between CAD, migraine and elastic tissue disorder should now to be explored.

Lantéri-Minet M, Valade D, Géraud G, Chautard MH, Lucas C. · Department of Evaluation and Treatment of Pain, Hospital Pasteur, Nice, France. · Cephalalgia. · Pubmed #16305603 No free full text.

Abstract: The 2004 International Headache Society (IHS) classification of headache disorders introduced the new category of probable migraine defined by the existence of all but one of typical migraine criteria. FRAMIG 3, the first nationwide population-based survey performed in France using the 2004 IHS classification, assessed the prevalence of probable migraine and compared its features and management with those of strict migraine. Of a representative sample of 10,532 adult subjects interviewed, 1179 subjects (11.2%) were diagnosed as having strict migraine and 1066 (10.1%) as having probable migraine. The criterion most frequently missing was typical headache duration (4-72 h) and most subjects with probable headache had shorter average headache duration. Migraine severity and disability, although lower than those noted in subjects with strict migraine, were significant in subjects with probable migraine and quality of life impairment was identical among the two groups of migraine sufferers. Strict and probable migraine, which have similar prevalence and impact on migraine subjects, deserve similar medical and therapeutic management.

Lucas C, Chaffaut C, Artaz MA, Lantéri-Minet M. · Neurological Clinic, Hospital Salengro, 59037 Lille, France. · Cephalalgia. · Pubmed #15773824 No free full text.

Abstract: FRAMIG 2000 is a population-based survey of medical and therapeutic management of migraine in France. A total of 312 migraine sufferers were first identified from a representative sample of 4689 adult subjects using a validated questionnaire based on the IHS migraine diagnostic criteria and administered by telephone. Subjects were then interviewed using a branching questionnaire and a computer-assisted interview technique. Although 80% were self-aware of their migrainous state, 82% of migraine sufferers had no medical follow-up for migraine. The proportion of migraine sufferers who did not consult decreased slightly with increasing migraine-related disability (from 87% for subjects in MIDAS grade I to 68% for those in MIDAS grade IV). Migraine sufferers declared to effectively control only four attacks out of 10 after the first intake of the usual treatment. Only 6% of subjects in the survey received a prophylactic treatment for migraine whereas 22% were in MIDAS grade III or IV. These data show that the burden of migraine does not result from a deficit in diagnosis but instead from a deficit in patient information on the proper use of current effective treatments of migraine.

Pradalier A, Lantéri-Minet M, Géraud G, Allain H, Lucas C, Delgado A. · Centre Migraines et Céphalées, Louis Mourier Hospital, Colombes, France. · CNS Drugs. · Pubmed #15581385 No free full text.

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Seglor capsules, a unique modified-release formulation of dihydroergotamine mesilate, have long been in clinical use in France for migraine prophylaxis. The aim of the PROMISE (PROphylaxis of MIgraine with SEglor) study was to establish the efficacy and tolerability of Seglor in the prevention of migraine in a general practice setting. METHODS: The PROMISE study was a double blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study carried out in primary care practice. It included 363 migraine patients treated with Seglor or placebo for 5 months after a 1-month placebo run-in phase. RESULTS: Migraine attack frequency (primary efficacy criterion) decreased markedly in the two treatment groups so that the difference in favour of Seglor did not reach statistical significance. However, most secondary outcome measures (duration of single attack, total duration of attacks over 1 month, consumption of mild opiate analgesics, subjective improvement) improved to a significantly greater degree in patients receiving Seglor than in those receiving placebo. In the 84.5% of patients who had impaired quality of life at entry, the percentage of reduction in attack frequency and most other efficacy measures showed significant improvement with Seglor. The safety profile for Seglor was comparable to that of placebo. CONCLUSION: These results support the effectiveness of Seglor in patients with migraine-related quality-of-life impairment. The findings of the PROMISE study also suggest that patients' quality of life should be assessed systematically before initiating a preventive treatment for migraine.

Klapper J, Lucas C, Røsjø Ø, Charlesworth B, Anonymous00007. · Colorado Neurology and Headache Center, Denver 80218, USA. · Cephalalgia. · Pubmed #15482352 No free full text.

Abstract: Clinical trials of migraine therapy often require treatment when migraine pain intensity is moderate or severe, but many physicians find this practice artificial and patients often prefer to treat while pain is mild. This randomized, placebo-controlled study assessed the efficacy of zolmitriptan 2.5 mg in treating migraine while pain is mild, in patients who typically experience migraine attacks that are initially mild, but progress to moderate or severe. The intent-to-treat population comprised 280 patients (138 zolmitriptan; 148 placebo), with mean MIDAS grades of 29.6 (zolmitriptan) and 27.6 (placebo). Zolmitriptan 2.5 mg provided a significantly higher pain-free rate at 2 h (43.4% vs. 18.4% placebo; P < 0.0001). Significantly fewer zolmitriptan patients reported progression of headache pain to moderate or severe intensity 2 h postdose (53.7% vs. 70.4% placebo; P < 0.01), or required further medication within 24 h (46.4% vs. 71.1% placebo; P < 0.0001). The efficacy of zolmitriptan was more pronounced in patients treating during the first 15 min following pain onset. Adverse events were reported in 31.2% of patients treated with zolmitriptan (vs. 11.3% for placebo), and the incidence was lower in patients who treated early after attack onset. Zolmitriptan provides high efficacy when treating migraine while pain is mild, with the clinical benefits being more pronounced when treating early after migraine onset.

Radat F, Lantéri-Minet M, Nachit-Ouinekh F, Massiou H, Lucas C, Pradalier A, Mercier F, El Hasnaoui A. · Hôpital Pellegrin, Bordeaux, France. · Cephalalgia. · Pubmed #19175776 No free full text.

Abstract: The objective of this analysis was to describe psychological and cognitive variables in subjects with migraine and to identify those associated with chronicity. Data were collected from 10 000 subjects during face-to-face interview. Subjects with episodic migraine (n = 1127) or chronic daily headache (n = 407) with migrainous features were identified using an algorithm based on the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 2nd edn classification. Data on headache impact was obtained with the Headache Impact Test-6, on psychological distress with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, on coping with the Coping Strategy Questionnaire catastrophizing score and the Brief COPE inventory, on illness perception with the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire and on locus of control. Psychological variables associated with chronicity include perceived headache impact, psychological distress, the use of catastrophizing and avoidance coping strategies and an externalized locus of control. In conclusion, maladaptive coping strategies should be taken into account in the management of patients with migraine. Longitudinal studies will be necessary to address the causality of the relationship observed.

Radat F, Mekies C, Géraud G, Valade D, Vivès E, Lucas C, Joubert JM, Lantéri-Minet M. · Department of Treatment of Chronic Pain Patients, Pellegrin University Teaching Hospital, Bordeaux, France. · Cephalalgia. · Pubmed #18644041 No free full text.

Abstract: The objectives of the SMILE study were to assess anxiety, stress, depression, functional impact and coping behaviours in migraine patients consulting in primary care in France. General practitioners (n = 1467) and 83 neurologists included 5417 consulting migraine patients. Of these patients, 67% were found anxious, of whom 59% were also depressive. Patients with both anxiety and depressive dimensions showed a profile similar to that of chronic migraine patients (severe attacks, poor treatment effectiveness and pronounced stress, functional impact and maladaptive behaviours). A quantitative progression in the levels of stress, maladaptive coping behaviours and functional impact was noted from patients with neither dimension to those with both anxious and depressive dimensions. Stress and maladaptive coping strategies were found to be major determinants of anxiety. Anxious and depressive dimensions were associated with elevated consumption of acute treatments for migraine and low treatment effectiveness. Stress and anxiety should be looked for carefully in migraine patients.

Mazzoleni R, Kreisler A, Lucas C, Kwiatkowski A, Gautier S, Destee A, Defebvre L. · Department of Neurology A, Hôpital Roger Salengro, Rue Emile Laine, 59037 Lille, France. · Clin Neurol Neurosurg. · Pubmed #18599194 No free full text.

Abstract: We report the case of a young woman who suffered from a seizure after use of almotriptan. There was a recurrence with ergotamine. We discuss possible link with susceptibility genes.

Lucas C, Valade D. · Service de neurologie et pathologie neurovasculaire, hôpital Salengro, CHRU de Lille, 59037 Lille. · Rev Prat. · Pubmed #18437951 No free full text.

Abstract: During the 1980s, a new class of drugs for the acute treatment of migraine attacks was developed, the triptans. These agents are selective 5-HT1B/1D serotonin receptor agonists, and were developed in order to address the underlying biological mechanism of the migraine attack. French guidelines in migraine are available since 2002. It is recommended to use a stratified treatment approach during the first consultation with the use of NSAID in first line acute treatment and triptan in second line. It is also recommended to use prophylactic treatment when the patient experience frequent and/or severe migraine attack with a bad quality of life and a real impairment.

Géraud G, Valade D, Lantéri-Minet M, Radat F, Lucas C, Vives E, Joubert JM, Mekies C. · Department of Neurology, Rangueil Hospital, Toulouse, France. · Cephalalgia. · Pubmed #18039338 No free full text.

Abstract: The SMILE study was conducted among migraine patients consulting in primary care in France. The first phase aimed to describe the study sample of patients at entry to the study, especially emotional dimension (Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale), functional impact (abridged Migraine Specific Questionnaire), stress (Perceived Stress Scale) and coping behaviours (brief COPE inventory avoidance subscale, Coping Strategies Questionnaire catastrophizing subscale), as well as treatments used and their effectiveness and treatments prescribed at end of consultation. Results indicate that consulting migraine patients suffer frequent migraine attacks, exhibit substantial levels of anxiety, functional impact and stress, and often use maladaptive coping strategies. Abortive treatments appear ineffective in most patients (74%). Patients with more affected psychometric variables and treatment ineffectiveness are more likely to be deemed eligible for prophylactic treatment. These data highlight the seriousness of migraine and maladjustment of patients consulting in primary care.

Lucas C, Lantéri-Minet M, Massiou H, Nachit-Ouinekh F, Pradalier A, Mercier F, El Hasnaoui A, Radat F. · Hôpital Roger Salengro, Lille, France. · Cephalalgia. · Pubmed #17941879 No free full text.

Abstract: The objective of this analysis was to identify variables associated with treatment response in subjects with migraine. Data were collected from a sample of 10,000 subjects. A battery of questionnaires assessing clinical and psychological variables was completed. Migraine diagnosis was attributed using an algorithm based on the IHS criteria and treatment response using the ANAES criteria. We identified 1534 subjects, of whom 1443 were treated. For 54.2%, at least one ANAES criterion for treatment response was unfulfilled. Non-response was associated with female gender, high HIT-6 impact scores and high HAD psychological distress scores. The strongest associations with non-response were identified for four psychological variables: elevated scores on the CSQ catastrophization subscale and the 'Consequences' and 'Acceptance' dimensions of the Brief COPE, and low scores on the 'Positive Reinterpretation' Brief COPE dimension. In conclusion, many individuals with migraine respond inadequately to treatment. Behavioural interventions aimed at modifying coping strategies may improve outcome.

Lantéri-Minet M, Massiou H, Nachit-Ouinekh F, Lucas C, Pradalier A, Radat F, Mercier F, El Hasnaoui A. · Hôpital Pasteur, Nice, France. · Cephalalgia. · Pubmed #17888013 No free full text.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate determinants of consultation for migraine in a representative sample of the French general adult population. We interviewed 10,032 subjects, of whom 1534 fulfilled the International Headache Society diagnostic criteria for migraine. These were categorized into migraine, probable migraine and chronic migraine. Information was collected on consultation experience; 436 subjects (28.4%) had never consulted for headache, 473 (30.8%) were in active consultation and 625 (40.7%) had previously consulted but lapsed. Subjects with chronic migraine showed the highest active consultation rates (51.8%). All subjects completed rating instruments for headache [Headache Impact Test (HIT)-6], psychiatric (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale scale) and psychological [Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (BIPQ), Brief COPE Inventory and Coping Strategy Questionnaire] variables. The strongest determinants of active consultation were BIPQ scores, HIT-6 scores and migraine type. Consultation was associated with maladaptive coping strategies (social support, emotional expression and acceptance). Determinants of remaining in consultation were catastrophizing coping scores and previous consultation experience.

Donnet A, Lanteri-Minet M, Guegan-Massardier E, Mick G, Fabre N, Géraud G, Lucas C, Navez M, Valade D, Anonymous00183. · Department of Neurology, Clinical Neuroscience Federation, La Timone Hospital, Marseille, France. · J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. · Pubmed #17442761 No free full text.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Cluster headache (CH) is a relatively rare disease and episodic CH is more frequent than chronic CH. Few studies have described the characteristics of patients with chronic CH. METHODS: This was a descriptive study carried out by eight tertiary care specialist headache centres in France participating in the Observatory of Migraine and Headaches (OMH). From 2002 to 2005, OMH collected data from 2074 patients with CH, of whom 316 had chronic CH. From January to June 2005, 113 patients with chronic CH were interviewed using standardised questionnaires during a consultation. RESULTS: The male to female ratio was 4.65:1. Median age was 42 years. The majority of patients were smokers or former smokers (87%). 46% had primary chronic CH (chronic at onset) and 54% secondary chronic CH (evolving from episodic CH). Most patients had unilateral pain during attacks and 7% had sometimes bilateral pain during an attack. 48% reported a persisting painful state between attacks. Symptoms anteceding pain onset (mainly discomfort/diffuse pain, exhaustion, mood disorders) and auras were reported by 55% and 20% of patients, respectively. The functional impact of chronic CH was estimated as severe by 74% of patients, and 75.7% suffered from anxiety, as assessed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale. There was no substantial difference in clinical presentation between primary and secondary CH. DISCUSSION: This study confirms the existence of auras and interictal signs and symptoms in patients with chronic CH, and male sex and smoking as CH risk factors. Primary and secondary chronic CH appear equally prevalent. Male sex does not appear to favour the shift from episodic to chronic CH.

Lucas C, Géraud G, Valade D, Chautard MH, Lantéri-Minet M. · Neurological Clinic, Hospital Salengro, Lille, France. · Headache. · Pubmed #16643573 No free full text.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the proportion of migraineurs who are self-aware of their disease in France, to determine the factors (disability, quality of life, psychiatric comorbidities, and medical consultation) that may promote self-awareness of migraine, and to assess the influence of these factors on migraine attacks. BACKGROUND: New recommendations for migraine diagnosis and medical management were released in 2003 by the French medicoeconomic evaluation service (ANAES). In addition, the revised classification of headache disorders recently issued by the International Headache Society includes probable migraine as a form of migraine. However, strict and probable migraine now appear to be part of the same spectrum of disease. METHODS: Subjects with migraine (strict or probable) according to the revised classification were identified by a postal questionnaire from a large representative sample of the French adult population. Migraine-related disability was assessed using the MIDAS questionnaire, anxiety and depression by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HADS), and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) by the 8 concepts of the Short-Form 12 (SF-12) questionnaire. Migraine management was assessed according to the use of recommended or nonrecommended treatments, and treatment efficacy according to the set of 4 questions designed by the ANAES. RESULTS: Of the 10,532 subjects interviewed, 1,179 subjects (21.3%) were identified as migraineurs. Sixty percent of all migraine subjects were not self-aware that they had migraine. Medical consultation, duration of migraine history, severe intensity of attacks, impact on daily living, and female gender promoted self-awareness of migraine. On the other hand, HRQoL and anxiety and depression scores were not different between subjects self-aware or not self-aware of migraine. Only 20% of all migraine subjects were medically followed-up. Quality of the first medical consultation appears determinant for continued consulting. Subjects self-aware of migraine more frequently used recommended acute treatments of migraine, which proved more effective than nonrecommended treatments as assessed according to the ANAES set of questions. CONCLUSIONS: Migraine medical diagnosis and follow-up remain low in France. Careful medical consultation is a prime factor for migraine subject self-awareness of migraine, continued consultation, and use of recommended medications for the treatment of migraine attacks.

Lantéri-Minet M, Radat F, Chautard MH, Lucas C. · Department of Evaluation and Treatment of Pain, University Teaching Hospital, Hospital Pasteur, 06602 Nice, France. · Pain. · Pubmed #16289799 No free full text.

Abstract: Anxiety and depression are reported to be frequently associated with migraine but how they impact on migraine-related disability, migraine subjects' quality of life, and medical and therapeutic management of migraine attacks has not been investigated. FRAMIG 3 is a nation-wide population-based postal survey carried out in France according to the 2004 international classification of headache disorders. Subjects who had had migraine attacks during the last 3 months (subjects with 'active migraine', N = 1957) were analysed for migraine-related disability (MIDAS score), quality of life (SF-12 questionnaire), and anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS]) in comparison with non-migraine subjects (N = 8287). Survey results indicate that 50.6% of subjects with active migraine were anxious and/or depressive (28.0% had anxiety alone, 3.5% depression alone, and 19.1% both anxiety and depression; P < or = 0.01 versus non-migraine subjects for anxiety alone and combined anxiety and depression, NS for depression alone). Although, migraine-associated anxiety and depression do not appear to influence the drugs taken by migraine subjects for the acute treatment of migraine attacks, perceived treatment efficacy and satisfaction with treatment are lower in subjects with anxiety alone or combined with depression than in subjects with neither anxiety nor depression. Anxiety and depression should be systemically looked for and cared for in subjects consulting for migraine.

Pradalier A, Auray JP, El Hasnaoui A, Alzahouri K, Dartigues JF, Duru G, Henry P, Lantéri-Minet M, Lucas C, Chazot G, Gaudin AF. · Hôpital Louis Mourier, Colombes, France. · Pharmacoeconomics. · Pubmed #15449963 No free full text.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Migraine is a prevalent and incapacitating condition that affects individuals in the prime of their productive life, thus generating an economic burden for both society and healthcare systems. The direct annual healthcare costs of migraine in France were assessed over 10 years ago, and the current study updates these figures. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the economic cost (primarily direct costs) of migraine and other episodic headache in France based on a general population survey of headache, the GRIM2000 (Groupe de Researche Interdisciplinaire sur la Migraine). DESIGN: From a representative general population sample of 10,585 individuals aged > or = 15 years in France in 1999, 1486 individuals experiencing headaches were identified and interviewed regarding healthcare resource consumption in the previous 6 months. By applying unit costs to the resource data, costings (in 1999 values) were determined for physician consultations, hospitalisation, medication use and diagnostic/laboratory tests, and evaluated from a healthcare system perspective. Information on absenteeism and lost productivity was derived from the Migraine Disability Assessment Score (MIDAS) questionnaire. RESULTS: The prevalence of migraine (including migrainous disorder) was determined to be 17%. Total annual direct healthcare costs were estimated to be Euros 128 per individual with migraine in 1999, corresponding to Euros 1044 million when extrapolated to all individuals experiencing migraine and aged > or = 15 years. Around two-thirds of this cost accrued to the social security system (Euros 698 million; Euros 85 per individual). The total annual direct cost of other forms of episodic headache was much lower at Euros 28 per individual (social security cost Euros 18); with a prevalence of 9.2%, the annual national direct cost for other forms of episodic headache totalled Euros 124 million. The principal cost element was physician consultations. However, it was found that many individuals had never consulted a physician for their headaches, and self-medication contributed substantially to the medication costs (the second greatest cost factor for migraine). The cost per individual rose steeply with increasing severity of headache. CONCLUSIONS: The direct healthcare costs of migraine do not seem to have risen significantly over the past decade. A small minority of individuals with more severe headaches consume most of the healthcare resources devoted to migraine, while most individuals generate relatively low direct costs. The total annual direct costs in France for migraine are almost 10-fold higher than those of other episodic headache.

Duru G, Auray JP, Gaudin AF, Dartigues JF, Henry P, Lantéri-Minet M, Lucas C, Pradalier A, Chazot G, El Hasnaoui A. · Université Claude Bernard, Lyon, France. · Headache. · Pubmed #15186301 No free full text.

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to determine the impact of headache on health-related quality of life in a nationwide sample of the French general population using a disease-specific measure, the Qualité de Vie et Migraine (QVM), to compare quality of life in subjects reporting different headache to types, and to evaluate the relationship between quality of life and severity, frequency, associated disability, and treatment responsiveness of headaches. METHODS: The QVM questionnaire was included within a large epidemiological survey of 1486 headache sufferers. Diagnosis was assigned retrospectively using an algorithm based on the International Headache Society classification. Headache severity was assessed with the MIGSEV scale and disability with the MIDAS scale. RESULTS: The mean global QVM score in the sample was 80.2. Quality of life was poorer in subjects with chronic daily headache (QVM score: 66.2) than in those with migraine (QVM score: 76.7), while those with other forms of episodic headache had the best quality of life (QVM score: 91.7). Quality-of-life scores were correlated with frequency, severity, disability, and treatment resistance of headaches (P <.001). CONCLUSION: The QVM scale is a sensitive tool to measure health-related quality of life in headache sufferers in the general population.

Lucas C, Auray JP, Gaudin AF, Dartigues JF, Duru G, Henry P, Lantéri-Minet M, Pradalier A, Chazot G, El Hasnaoui A. · Hôpital Roger Salengro, Lille, Université Claude Bernard, Lyon, France. · Cephalalgia. · Pubmed #15009013 No free full text.

Abstract: The extent and nature of triptan use for headache relief has been evaluated in a large epidemiological survey in the French general population. Over 25 000 individuals were screened for headache and for triptan use. Of this sample, 290 triptan users were identified from whom extensive data on headache characteristics and healthcare resource consumption were obtained. The use of triptans is relatively infrequent, 0.2% in the general population, with only 7.5% of migraine sufferers using these drugs. The majority of triptan users were female (80%) and presented headache characteristics typical of migraine (80%). The remaining 20% of subjects were thus using triptans for headache types in which the utility of these drugs has not been demonstrated. Among migraineurs, triptan consumers reported more frequent and severe headaches than non-consumers, and reported a higher incidence of nausea and vomiting. The principal determinant of triptan prescription was consultation with a general practitioner (GP), which may itself have been triggered by the severity of the headaches. GPs, rather than specialists, are the primary prescribers of triptans in France.

Lantéri-Minet M, Auray JP, El Hasnaoui A, Dartigues JF, Duru G, Henry P, Lucas C, Pradalier A, Chazot G, Gaudin AF. · Départment d'Evaluation et Traitement de la Douleur, Hôpital Pasteur, 30, avenue de la Voie Romaine, 06002, Nice Cedex, France. · Pain. · Pubmed #12620605 No free full text.

Abstract: The objective of this study was to describe the epidemiology, clinical presentation and consequences of chronic daily headache (CDH) in France. A representative nation-wide sample of the general population was identified using a stratified sampling method. Ten thousand five hundred and eight-five subjects were screened in face-to-face interviews, and data collected using a standard questionnaire. An overall point prevalence of CDH in the general population of 2.98% was observed. Two-thirds of these subjects presented migraine-like features. Severity, functional impact and healthcare consumption were higher than in subjects reporting episodic migraine in the same sample. Of the subjects, 28.2% reported the most severe migraine disability assessment scores (Grades 3 and 4), compared to 12% of episodic migraineurs. A qualité de vie et migraine score of 68.4 was observed, indicating severely attenuated quality of life. Only 6.6% of subjects were taking prophylactic treatment, whilst 88% were using non-specific acute headache treatments. The frequency of physician consultations and laboratory examinations was significantly higher than in individuals with episodic headache. CDH is thus a relatively prevalent condition in the general French population, associated with an important burden of suffering and with considerable expenditure in the health service. Management of this condition is generally inappropriate.

Breteau G, Mounier-Vehier F, Godefroy O, Gauvrit JY, Mackowiak-Cordoliani MA, Girot M, Bertheloot D, Hénon H, Lucas C, Leclerc X, Fourrier F, Pruvo JP, Leys D. · Dept of Neurology, Lens Hospital, Lens, France. · J Neurol. · Pubmed #12527989 No free full text.

Abstract: An early diagnosis and heparin therapy have contributed to a decreased mortality in cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT). However, predictors of outcome are difficult to identify, because most studies suffered heterogeneity in diagnostic findings and treatments, retrospective design, and recruitment bias. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome in 55 consecutive patients with CVT admitted over a 4-year period. The study population consisted of 42 women and 13 men, with a median age of 39 years (range 16-68). The diagnosis was performed with MRI in 53 patients, and angiography in 2. The outcome was assessed with the modified Rankin scale (mRs). After a median follow-up of 36 months (range: 12-60), 45 patients were independent (mRS 0-2), and 10 were dependent or dead (mRS 3-6). Of 48 survivors, 7 had seizures, 6 motor deficits, 5 visual field defects, 29 headache (migraine in 14, tension headache in 13, other in 2). The logistic regression analysis found focal deficits and cancer at time of diagnosis, as independent predictors of dependence or death at year 3, and isolated intra-cranial hypertension as an independent predictor of survival and independence. Mortality rates are low in the absence of cancer and focal deficits, and more than 80 % of survivors are independent after 3 years. However, 3/4 of survivors have residual symptoms. Therefore, despite a low mortality rate, CVT remains a serious disorder.

Lucas C. · Clinique Neurologique, CHRU de Lille, F 59037 Lille · Presse Med. · Pubmed #12385061 No free full text.

Abstract: ACUTE EPISODES: Patients who experience acute episodes of migraine headache can be treated with non-specific antalgics, non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs, or specific agents, ergot derivatives, triptans. The rationale for specific treatment results from recent advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology of migraine. Triptans are serotoninergic agonists. CURRENT RECOMMENDATIONS: It is recommended to start with a non-specific agent. This approach is a purely economical attitude based on direct costs (excluding indirect costs). Specific treatment should be initiated immediately in case of failure to avoid self-medication or fatalism. The absence of adapted management can lead to a chronic condition called "transformed migraine" (more than 15 episodes daily) and subsequent abusive use of antalgics. An estimated 1 to 2 million people in France suffer from transformed migraine. LONG-TERM TREATMENT: A large number of long-term strategies are known but should be proposed for selected patients with frequent, invalidating episodes which have an important impact on the patient's quality of life and respond poorly to acute treatment. Classically, a long-term treatment should be proposed for patients with more than 2 or 3 severe acute episodes per month. This attitude has been revisited since the advent of specific treatments because a patient who gets rapid relief from specific treatment may not desire a long-term daily regimen. When effective, long-term regimens should be tapered off after about 12 months due to the fluctuating nature of the migraine headache. No valid algorithm predictive of therapeutic response to long-term treatment has been developed. The choice of the appropriate agent depends on potential side effects and comorbidities.

Henry P, Auray JP, Gaudin AF, Dartigues JF, Duru G, Lantéri-Minet M, Lucas C, Pradalier A, Chazot G, El Hasnaoui A. · Service de Neurologie, Hôpital Pellegrin-Tripode, Bordeaux, France. · Neurology. · Pubmed #12136063 No free full text.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and clinical features of migraine and related headache types in France. METHODS: The authors recruited a population of subjects with headache representative of the national population using a stratified sampling method. They screened 10,585 subjects aged 15 and older who were representative of the general population. They identified 1,486 of these as having headaches, and these subjects were subsequently interviewed for information on clinical features, natural history, and functional impact of headache. The authors categorized subjects based on the International Headache Society (IHS) classification and assessed disability using the MIDAS questionnaire. RESULTS: The authors found a standardized prevalence for migraine (IHS categories 1.1 and 1.2) of 7.9% (11.2% for women and 4.0% for men) and 9.1% for migrainous disorder (IHS category 1.7). Migraine attacks were associated with a considerable degree of handicap in activities of daily living, with a MIDAS grade distribution of 74.7% (grade 1), 13.3% (grade 2), 7.7% (grade 3), and 4.3% (grade 4). The prevalence of migraine with MIDAS grade 3 or 4 was 1.6%. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of migraine (IHS categories 1.1 and 1.2) in France is 7.9%, and that of total migraine is 17.0%; this does not seem to have evolved over the past 10 years.

Donnet A, Lucas C, Massardier E, Boulliat J. · No affiliation provided · Cephalalgia. · Pubmed #12603375 No free full text.

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