Headache in essential thrombocythaemia.
Headache is frequently reported as one of the neurological manifestations of essential thrombocythaemia (ET) and other myeloproliferative neoplasms. It is associated with considerable morbidity; yet, it is a frequently under-recognised symptom. In patients with ET, headaches may be attributable to the disease, to the prescribed ET treatment, or unrelated to ET. The majority of headaches in ET are self-limiting and can be managed with standard headache therapies such as paracetamol, but it is vital that the clinician managing these conditions is able to recognise the headaches with a more sinister pathology. In this article, we will review the incidence and management of headaches in ET, whether they are primarily related to the disease or a result of its treatment. Identification of specific headache types in patients with ET may enable physicians to employ the most effective headache medication. This would enhance the patient-physician relationship, increasing patient compliance and thus reducing the risk of adverse outcomes.
Pathology Department, Gloucester Royal Hospital, Gloucester, UK. rebecca.frewin@glos.nhs.uk
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Frewin
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Dowson
D000477:Alkylating Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001241:Aspirin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D020773:Headache Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D006918:Hydroxyurea / Q000009:adverse effects; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000009:adverse effects; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000009:adverse effects; D010761:Phosphorus Radioisotopes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects; D011799:Quinazolines / Q000009:adverse effects; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012307:Risk Factors; D013920:Thrombocythemia, Essential / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy
D000477:Alkylating Agents; D000700:Analgesics; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D010761:Phosphorus Radioisotopes; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; D011799:Quinazolines; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; C021139:anagrelide; D001241:Aspirin; D006918:Hydroxyurea