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.
Boiardi
A
A
Headache Centre, Neurologic Institute C. Besta, Milan, Italy.
Paggetta
C
C
Milanesi
I
I
Munari
L
L
Frediani
F
F
Bussone
G
G
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*