Volume : VII, Issue : X, October - 2017

Analysis of Neurological Soft Signs in Primary Headache Patients

Thamilpavai N, Kannan Vellaichamy, Lakshminarasimhan R, Bhanu K

Abstract :

 Introduction: NSS correlates with neuroanatomical, neurocognitive abnormalities which represents defective neural intregration. Neurological examination is usually normal and investigations are non contributory in patients with primary headaches. NSS can be used to identify a specific subset of headache patients.

 Aim of Study: To assess neurological soft signs in primary headaches using Heidelberg scale. 

Materials and Methods: It is a crosssectional study of 60patients attending our headache and neurological OPD in RGGH Chennai. Diagnosis of headache made by HIS criteria.

 Inclusion Criteria: Age >18 and < 60 years. H/O of > 1 to < 15 attacks / month. 

Exclusion Criteria: H/O intake of psychoactive medications,psychiatric illness, head trauma, secondary headaches. Detailed neurological examination and ain imaging done.

 Results: Of the 60 patients examined 55 of them presented with migraine, 5 with tension type headache with a mean duration of 1 – 10 years. The NSS score was increased in patients with a longer duration of headache. 20 of the 60 had increased scores .6 of the 20 had increased scores in all the domains.7 of them had defective motor coordination,3 in spatial orientation, 4 in complex motor tasks. Only 5 patients had WMH lesions. 

Conclusion: Patients with chronicisation of headaches had increased NSS scores. Endophenotypes of psychiatric comorbitidies may be present which may be missed by routine clinical examination. Tailored pharmacotherapy may be beneficial and cost effective.

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Article: Download PDF   DOI : 10.36106/ijar  

Cite This Article:

Thamilpavai N, Kannan Vellaichamy, Lakshminarasimhan R, Bhanu K, Analysis of Neurological Soft Signs in Primary Headache Patients, INDIAN JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH : Volume-7 | Issue-10 | October-2017

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