Localization of the Sphenopalatine Ganglion Within the Pterygopalatine Fossa on Computed Tomography Angiography—A Potential Role in the Setting of Sphenopalatine Ganglion Microstimulator Implantation

ObjectivesA recent approach to treatment of cluster headaches (CH) employs a microstimulator device for on-demand neuromodulation of the sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) during an acute CH attack. A precise anatomical localization of the SPG within the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) is optimal in order to position the SPG electrode array. This study aims to investigate a novel approach for SPG localization using computed tomography angiographic studies (CTA).Materials and MethodsTwo independent observers identified the location of the SPG on 54 computed tomography angiographic studies (CTA) and measured its position relative to the vidian canal (VC). The qualitative confidence of identification, morphology, position within the PPF and its relation to vascular structures were also recorded.ResultsThe SPG was detectable in 88% of cases with a variable position. The most frequent positions were superior (56%) and lateral (99%) relative to the VC with a mean (±SD) craniocaudal distance of 0.34 mm (±1.38) and a mean mediolateral distance of 3.04 mm (±1.2). However, in a considerable proportion of cases, the SPG was identified inferiorly to the VC (33%). Interobserver and intraobserver agreement for SPG location were moderate and strong respectively.ConclusionsSince localization of SPG on CTAs is feasible and reproducible, it has future clinical potential to aid placement, optimal positioning and individualized programming of the electrode array.     

王晓燕教授分时间论治内伤杂病经验总结

文章总结王晓燕教授分时间论治失眠、头痛、发热的临床经验，从理论总结到典型病案举例，充分阐明王晓燕教授对分时间论治内伤杂病的认识，说明分时间论治疾病的有效性，扩展临床辨证思维，以进一步学习与研究。     

《中医内科临床诊疗指南——头痛》制定中患者偏好与价值观的调查研究

目的:研究原发性头痛患者偏好与价值观,为形成推荐意见强度分级共识时提供参考。方法:采用横断面网络调查,通过半开放式电子问卷形式,使用视觉模拟评分(VAS)测量影响患者选择治疗措施的考虑因素重要性、总体治疗措施方向、头痛辨证汤剂治疗、原发性头痛的中成药及非药物治疗措施等方面的偏好与价值观。结果:调查共纳入研究对象217人。影响患者选择治疗措施的考虑因素重要性评分、总体治疗措施方向的偏好评分、偏头痛及紧张型头痛治疗措施的偏好评分差异具有统计学意义(P<0.01)。患者在选择治疗措施时最关注疗效,总体偏好于选择非药物疗法。在偏头痛治疗中,患者对针刺治疗偏好程度最高;在治疗紧张型头痛时,患者对推拿治疗的偏好程度最高;在治疗丛集性头痛时,患者对不同干预措施没有表现出明显偏好。结论:总体上,不良反应少的非药物疗法,如针灸、推拿等在原发性头痛治疗中更受患者欢迎,临床实践指南的制定应该考虑头痛患者的这一偏好与价值观结果。     

Pediatric Inpatient Headache Therapy: What is Available

Status migrainosus is defined by the international classification of headache disorders (ICHD) criteria as a debilitating migraine lasting more then 72 hours. The epidemiology of status migrainosus is still unknown in adult and children, and frequently underdiagnosed. Children and adolescents often end up in the emergency room with an intractable headache that failed outpatient therapy. Six to seven percent of these children do not respond to acute infusion therapy and require hospitalization. It is imperative that more aggressive therapy is considered when patients are affected by a severe intractable headache to prevent further disability and returning the child to baseline activity. Multiple therapies are available for adults and children. Studies for acute therapy in the emergency room are available in adults and pediatric groups. Small studies are available for inpatient therapy in children and, along with available therapies for children and adolescents, are described in this review. A review of the literature shows growing evidence regarding the use of dihydroergotamine intravenously once patients are hospitalized. Effectiveness and safety have been proven in the last decades in adults and small studies in the pediatric populations.