title: Topographic analysis of laser evoked potentials in chronic tension-type headache: correlations with clinical features.
abstract: In the present study, we examined clinical and laser-evoked potentials (LEP) features in a group of chronic tension-type headache (CTTH) patients, in order to perform a topographic analysis of Laser evoked potentials (LEPs) and a correlation with clinical features. Eighteen patients suffering from CTTH [Headache Classification Subcommittee of the International Headache Society. The International Classification of Headache Disorders 2nd ed. Cephalalgia 2004; 24 Suppl 1, 1-159.] participated in the study. Twelve age- and sex-matched controls were also examined. We performed a basal evaluation of clinical features, Total Tenderness Score (TTS) and a topographic analysis of LEPs obtained by the hand and the pericranial points stimulation in all patients vs healthy subjects. The later LEPs, especially the P2 component, were significantly increased in amplitude in the CTTH group, specially when the pericranial points were stimulated. The P2 wave amplitude was correlated with TTS levels and anxiety scores. The results of this study confirm that pericranial tenderness is a phenomenon initiating a self-sustaining circuit, involving central sensitization at the level of the cortical nociceptive areas devoted to attentional and emotional components of pain.
authors.affiliation: Neurological and Psychiatric Sciences Department University of Bari, Bari, Italy. m.detommaso@neurol.uniba.it
authors.forename: Marina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: de Tommaso
authors.forename: Elliott
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Shevel
authors.forename: Carla
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Pecoraro
authors.forename: Michele
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sardaro
authors.forename: Luciana
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Losito
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Lamberti
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Livrea
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001931:Brain Mapping; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005071:Evoked Potentials / Q000502:physiology* / Q000528:radiation effects; D005260:Female; D006358:Hot Temperature / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007834:Lasers; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011930:Reaction Time; D012867:Skin / Q000294:innervation / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000528:radiation effects; D018781:Tension-Type Headache / Q000503:physiopathology*