Hemicrania continua: major shortcomings in the new classification |
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| Authors: | Torbj?rn A Fredriksen Fabio Antonaci Ottar Sjaastad |
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| Affiliation: | 1.Department of Neurosurgery, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospitals, Trondheim, Norway;2.Headache Centre, C. Mondino National Institute of Neurology Foundation, IRCCS, Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy |
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| Abstract: | Hemicrania continua ( HC) was described and coined by Sjaastad and Spierings in 1984. Later cases, carrying this appellation should, grossly, conform to this original description. The proposed classification criteria (ICHD, 3rd edition beta version) for HC has major shortcomings, and ordinary HC cases do not fulfill the proposed criteria. Relatively rare symptoms and signs are e.g. made obligatory (point C 1). And the recommended dosage of indomethacin- both test and long-term dosages-is unallowably high. In this way, bogus HC cases are systematically created. This irrational diagnostic system is in urgent need of a major revision. |
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| Keywords: | Hemicrania continua Headache classification indomethacin |
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