Cardiovascular reflex responses in cluster headache patients: basal autonomic alterations.
To investigate the involvement of the autonomic nervous system in Cluster Headache (CH) patients, we compared the cardiovascular reflex responses in a group of CH subjects and a group of controls. We considered five tests: 1) deep breathing test (DB); 2) lying to standing test; 3) heart rate response to Valsalva manoeuvre; 4) blood pressure response to standing; 5) blood pressure response to sustained handgrip. Our data confirm an autonomic dysfunction in CH, particularly regarding the parasympathetic system. Alternative interpretations of these results are discussed.
Headache Centre, Neurologic Institute C. Besta, Milan, Italy.
A
A
Boiardi
C
C
Paggetta
I
I
Milanesi
L
L
Munari
F
F
Frediani
G
G
Bussone
D000328:Adult; D001341:Autonomic Nervous System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002319:Cardiovascular System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003027:Cluster Headache / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010275:Parasympathetic Nervous System / Q000503:physiopathology; D012018:Reflex / Q000502:physiology*; D014653:Vascular Headaches / Q000503:physiopathology*