Central and peripheral sensitization in tension-type headache.
Recent studies on tension-type headache indicate that the nociceptive input to the central nervous system may be increased as a result of activation or sensitization of peripheral sensory afferents. Moreover, pain perception studies and pharmacologic studies strongly suggest that the central nervous system is sensitized in patients with chronic tension-type headache. The barrage of nociceptive impulses from the periphery may be responsible for the sensitization of second- and third-order neurons in the central nervous system. In this way, sensitization may play a role in the initiation and maintenance of tension-type headache. Studies have demonstrated that treatment with drugs that counteract sensitization has an analgesic effect on tension-type headache. Targeting this mode of action seems to be a promising way of improving the treatment for this prevalent disorder.
Bendtsen
Lars
L
Danish Headache Center, University of Copenhagen, and Department of Neurology, Glostrup University Hospital, DK-2600 Glostrup, Copenhagen, Denmark. bendtsen@dadlnet.dk
D000818:Animals; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D009434:Neural Pathways / Q000502:physiology; D017933:Peripheral Nervous System / Q000502:physiology*; D018781:Tension-Type Headache / Q000503:physiopathology*